After installing your new granite countertops, the granite itself will be shiny and polished. But over time, you may start to see some changes. The high-gloss polish may start to look lackluster or dull. While every kitchen is different and the exact reason for the dullness will depend on how you use the space, there are a few common causes you’ll want to know about. Here are a few things that can cause your granite countertops to look dull.
Soap Residue
If your countertops look dingy and dull near your sink, that dullness may be the result of soap residue building up on the surface. As soap collects, it can create a dull film over the polish and sealant on your stone. To get rid of soap residue, try scrubbing the area with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse the cloth regularly if you start to feel it picking up soap or getting sudsy. After a little scrubbing, you should see an improvement in the way your countertops look. If the granite isn’t as shiny as you’d like, try cleaning it with an appropriate residue-free solution. This should restore the shine to its true state.
Scratches on the Surface
Scratches and pits on the polished surface can leave your countertops looking duller than they should. So, what causes scratches since granite is such a hard and durable stone? Believe it or not, your daily activities can lead to scratches on the surface. Knives slipping off cutting boards, full plates, and dishes dragging along the surface, and using abrasive cleaners can end up damaging your countertops. If the scratches are minor, your stone repair specialist may be able to buff the scratches out and restore the look of your countertops.
Heat Damage
Though granite is one of the most durable countertop materials on the market, it’s not indestructible. Setting hot pots and pans directly on the surface can damage the look of the stone and make it more vulnerable to cracking and damage. If the damage and scorching is severe enough, you may need to have your countertops replaced to fully restore the look.
Grease and Food Residue
Countertops will get dirty especially if you cook a lot, but letting food residue and grease collect on the surface without cleaning it thoroughly can damage the polish on your stone. This is because grease and some foods are acidic and can eat through the sealant and into the stone itself. Once this happens, it’s likely that the stone will need extensive repairs to help it look the way it did after installation. The best thing you can do is clean your countertops after each meal and pick up grease and food residue before it has a chance to damage your stone.
Cleaning Is Key
The best way to protect your countertops is to keep them clean and avoid dragging heavy items along the surface. Use a low-residue cleaning solution that’s designed for stone to wipe up residue and grime. If your countertops can’t be repaired or the damage is extensive, you may want to replace them with new stone. Contact
Natural Stone Sales today to discuss your options.