How to Polish Granite Countertops

Granite is by far one of the most popular countertop materials and so many homeowners who have this in their kitchen wonder about how to polish granite countertops. Granite is heat resistant, does not stain easily, and needs very little upkeep. But granite countertops do need to be occasionally sealed and polished. We will tell you how to keep your granite countertops looking shiny and new in-between the times that you reseal them.

Step 1: Thoroughly Clean Your Granite Countertop

For those that want to know about how to polish granite countertops, you must first learn how to clean them. A thorough cleaning is essential to getting any granite countertop to come out looking great after it has been polished. That’s because cooking oils and grease will repel your polish and you cannot work it properly if these substances are present. You can clean your countertops using one of two types of solutions. This includes store-bought granite cleaners specially formulated for this task or a homemade solution that is simply made using dishwashing soap and water. Apply the cleaner liberally over the countertop and rub it in with a sponge or non-abrasive cloth in a circular motion. Once you have gone over the whole surface of the granite countertop, then dry it completely with a paper towel.

Step 2: Granite Countertop Polishing Procedure

Now that your granite countertop has been cleaned it’s time to actually learn how to polish granite countertops. You want to use a polish that is specifically made for granite. That’s because some more generic stone polishes are too acidic and may harm your granite countertop. You can find this type of polish at most hardware stores, home improvement centers, and specialty tile shops. You should apply your granite countertop by following the directions that are supplied on your polish container. As a general rule when applying the polish, you will always apply some polish on top of the granite and then once again use clean, dry cloth in a circular motion to work the polish into any barely noticeable nooks and crannies in the stone. Most polishes will then need to be rinsed off before your granite countertop is ready to be used again.

Do take note that procedures in cleaning and polishing countertops are different depending on the material used on the countertop. For instance, the instructions above do not apply when it comes to how to care for quartz countertops.

How to Maintain Your Granite Countertop In-Between Polishings

Now that you know how to polish granite countertops, you may be wondering how you can keep them looking good until it’s time to polish them again. There are some simple rules to follow here that will help. The first to always clean up spills on your granite countertops right away. This is especially true for acidic liquids such as orange and cranberry juice which can damage the surface. You also want to always use a grease and oil splatter guard over frying pans when on stovetops that are surrounded by granite countertops. At least once a week your granite countertops should be thoroughly cleaned using just a dishwashing soap and warm water mix. Take care to avoid using ammonia, citrus or vinegar-based cleaning products on your granite countertops as they can etch the surface and cause it to dull. This will go a long way toward minimizing how often your granite countertops need to be polished.

Top Granite Countertop Installer in Orlando, FL

Now that you have learned more about how to polish granite countertops, then you can start with proper maintenance to ensure beauty and durability for a long time. For granite countertop installation and granite sealing services in Orlando, Maitland, Deltona, Sanford, Clermont, and surrounding areas, call Stone World at 407-341-4688! We offer free estimates.