Tips & Best Practices For Polishing Granite To Get The Most Shine

Installing quality granite countertops enhances a home’s resale value, adding sleek, modern flair to bathrooms and kitchens alike. Granite is a high-end natural stone material that is not only strong and durable but also attractive and luxurious. Whether you are selling your house or just giving a well-worn kitchen a fresh makeover, natural stone can instantly elevate a room’s charm and style, transforming it into a warm, inviting space for cooking and entertaining.

Granite surfaces can last a lifetime with proper care, but many homeowners are unsure how to preserve their countertops’ natural luster. Using conventional cleaners and household products, such as harsh detergents, soaps, or chemical sprays, can damage the sheen and glow. Sure, polishing granite countertops requires particular care, but with a little know-how (and the right products), upkeep will become an easy, efficient part of your clean-up routine.

Too Often or Not Enough?

One question many homeowners ask after installing granite is how often they should clean and reseal their countertops. Should they do it every week, every month—every year? What are the benefits of resealing granite? Is it even necessary? Can they be polished without applying noxious chemicals? The good news is that there are ways to polish stone surfaces naturally, with specially formulated products made to safely refine and restore your counter’s glossy appearance.

Generally speaking, you should wipe your granite countertops as needed, whenever a stain or spill occurs. Instead of using abrasive sponges, which can tarnish the protective seal, homeowners should always use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the surface. Never apply household cleaners like bleach. They can cause permanent damage that dulls the surface’s protective coat. To prevent countertops from becoming cloudy, you should administer a fresh coat of granite sealer, ideally every 6-12 months. This will provide added protection from stains and scratches and keep them looking newer, longer.

Granite Maintenance Can Be Done by Hand

Some homeowners believe that upkeep requires costly professional care, but that is not necessarily the case. Most maintenance can be done by hand without hiring professionals; it simply involves applying appropriate cleaning products with consistency. Disinfectant sprays meant specifically for granite surfaces are a safe way to sanitize your countertops or showers, quickly and effectively. Skip the Clorox wipes and Windex, as those contain harsh chemicals that can cause a filmy and rough surface. As an alternative, use granite cleaning wipes; these will rid your surface of germs and bacteria without tarnishing its natural shine.

For maximum results, polishing powder or creams can be a fantastic method of shining your surfaces, making your kitchen or bathroom look photo-shoot ready. For keeping edges and surfaces in tip-top condition, Granite Gold offers polishing kits with all the basics for buffing shower walls, countertops, and kitchen islands. So long as you remain proactive and clean them regularly, your granite countertops will remain a future selling point, making your home look top-notch.

There are instances, however, hiring a professional repolish the surface will be necessary, especially if a former homeowner honed the surface or did not perform special upkeep.

How Do I Test My Granite’s Seal?

So, you’ve bought granite polishing cream or powder; you’ve purchased proper cleaning sprays, sealants, and wipes, and intend to use them faithfully. How do you know when the products are needed and if they are doing the trick? To test the quality of your granite’s seal, dabble a few drops of water on the surface and let it dry for around half an hour. If dark spots persist after the water dries or is wiped away, it’s time to reseal. The goal of sealing and cleaning is to prevent fluid absorption as much as possible. This will help you avoid unwanted discoloration and keep your counters looking spotless.

When it comes to maintaining granite, knowledge is power. Colonial Marble & Granite will guide you through the entire buying process from selection to post-installation care instructions. Your granite countertops will remain a point of pride in your home with yearly sealing and necessary upkeep.