Quartz and granite countertops have steadily gained popularity as a top choice for kitchens because of their durability and beauty. They are easy to maintain and clean, but there are times when you may find yourselves looking at a cloudy and dull counter. You've been cleaning them well, but you might be wondering where the shine has gone.
The dullness of your quartz or granite countertops is most likely caused by soap film buildup on the surface. A quick fix would be to spray your countertops with water and a little dish detergent before wiping them down. For stubborn spots, you can use a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water and wipe it down as you would normally do to your countertops.
There are also many other reasons why your quartz or granite countertops look a little dull. For this article, we've tried different ways to make these countertops gleaming bright, and we've rounded up the best ways to make them shine. Do keep on reading so you can keep those counters sparkling and shiny!
How To Fix Dull Spots on Quartz or Granite Countertops
Quartz and granite countertops are known to be one of the best choices for kitchen counters. This is because these materials are naturally durable, effortlessly beautiful, and very easy to maintain. These countertops can instantly change the look of your kitchen with their shine.
Stone countertops like quartz and granite are naturally hard, and it is not easy to scratch or ruin the surface. However, it can still be damaged by chemicals, potentially changing the way they look.
Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of these countertops is that they do become dull eventually. Some spots of your countertops may look duller than usual, but fortunately, these little problems can easily be remedied with a little maintenance care.
Quick Fix
A possible reason for your dull countertops is likely caused by the build-up of food residue and soap film. This often happens when the counters aren't cleaned properly or when soap-based cleaning materials are used daily.
An easy way to remove the dullness of your countertops is by using a natural dish detergent and a little water. Mix it and spray it on your countertops and wipe it down every after use. Using natural dish detergent will help eliminate soap film from building up and causing haze on your counters.
If you find that your counters are still a bit dull after a full wipe-down, try using a vinegar and water mixture. In a spray bottle, mix 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water to help break down the film residue on the countertops. Don't forget to buff it down with a clean, non-abrasive rag.
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Mid-range Fix
Sometimes, a more specific cleaning regimen is needed to keep those countertops bright and sparkling. When home remedies like vinegar, dish soap, and water aren't working, you might need cleaning products that are specifically suited to maintain quartz and granite countertops.
Stone surface cleaners are used to clean and polish surfaces such as these. They can break down grease and dirt, and they can polish the countertops without scratching them. Using these surface cleaners can also help your quartz or granite countertops to shine because it adds a layer of protection when used.
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If your countertops are a little cloudy and hazy because of etching, you may need to polish your stone countertops to make them shine again. You will need some polishing powder that is specifically used for natural stones to remove the etching that is causing the dullness. It is pretty easy to use, but it does require a lot of elbow grease to make it work.
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Refinishing
If you've done everything and you still find that your stone countertops are still dull, then a major repair might be required to make those counters shine. The shine of your stone countertops comes from the finish itself. If it is damaged beyond quick and easy repairs, the best way to bring it back is by refinishing the countertops.
Get a professional to have a look and see if your counters need to be refinished. Doing it by yourself may cause more damage to your countertops, making the finish look even worse than when you started.
Maintenance care
Once you've got the shine back on your countertops, it's time to make sure that it stays that way. Maintaining quartz and granite countertops is easy, but it doesn't hurt to put in a little extra effort when cleaning them.
Do not use abrasive cleaning materials like steel wool or similar scrubbing pads to clean your counters. While stone countertops are durable, using abrasive scrubbers does tend to etch the surface, making it look cloudy and hazy.
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Make sure to use neutral pH all-purpose cleaners for your stone surfaces to prevent soap build-up. It is also a good idea to use stone surface cleaners regularly to make sure that mineral deposits are also removed from the countertops.
Remember to protect your countertops by using trivets, coasters, cutting boards, or hot pads when putting cookware or preparing food. Do not put acidic food like tomatoes, lemons, and alcohol to keep the shine on the counters. Also, it would be best if you reseal your stone countertops every few years to make the surface sturdier.
Can You Prevent Cloudy Countertops?
As we've talked about earlier, cloudiness and haziness on your stone countertops are usually caused by soap build-up. On some occasions, the dullness is caused by the things we put on the counters. We've listed down a few things that we should avoid putting or using on stone countertops to keep them sparkling and shiny:
Sharp Knives
Quartz or granite countertops are made of solid rock, and for some people, it gives the idea that it is okay to prepare food directly on it. While it is true that these stone surfaces can withstand scratching, using sharp knives and other sharp objects can cause minor etching on the surface.
If the counters are constantly exposed to this etching, the countertop's finish will soon look dull and cloudy.
Avoid this problem by using a large chopping board to protect your countertops. Knives should also be kept in knife blocks or drawers to prevent scratches on the surface. Not only will your countertops be happy, but so will your knives.
Raw Meats
Putting raw meats on your stone countertops won't necessarily hurt it, but it can cause problems for you and your family. Because quartz and granite countertops are porous, placing raw meats on the surface can cause food-borne bacteria to transfer to the counter on to the next food item you'll put on it.
Make sure to avoid putting raw meats on your countertops. Don't forget to clean and disinfect the surface if the situation cannot be helped.
Acidic Substances
One of the qualities of acid is that it has the ability to break down certain things. Stone countertops like quartz and granite are not immune to this when acidic substances are left on the surface. It will cause etching, and it will make the countertops look dull.
If you are placing certain items on the countertops, make sure that they are sealed properly, and they are not leaking. Vinegar, citrus fruits, soda, and some acidic cleaning materials should not be left on the countertops for a long time. Otherwise, it might damage the surface.
Spills
Spilled substances can often etch and stain your stone countertops. While it is inevitable for some liquid to spill on your counters, leaving it on the surface will cause the sealants to break and for the color to seep into the stone. Remember to always clean up your counters immediately to prevent damaging the quartz or granite.
Hot Cookware
Stone countertops can withstand heat, especially because these stones themselves were made from immense heat and pressure naturally. However, these countertops are a little different because protective sealants have been used on the surface, and hot temperatures may cause this layer to weaken.
Remember to use protective materials on your stone countertops when putting hot cookware on them to keep the surface protected.
Final Thoughts
Quartz and granite countertops are easy to maintain and always beautiful to look at. However, it does tend to look dull after a while because of certain reasons like soap build-up and etching. Keep your stone countertops sparkling and shiny by doing routine maintenance cleaning and polishing on them, and it will make your kitchen look beautiful all the time.
Are you looking for some countertop ideas for your home? Look no further because we've got great articles for you:
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