Granite countertops are meant to last forever and that is amazing, but they definitely will not look the same after a multiple-year stretch. So, if you want to know all of the ways by which you can make your granite countertops look new again, then here is everything you need to know.
Hone The Surface
The first thing you want to do if you have really old countertops and you want to breathe life back into them is to remove the topmost layer of the stone. If your granite countertops are naturally shiny and the luster is gone, then honing is going to be the best option to go for. Honing is basically the removal of the shiny surface of the countertops
It is done by buffing the surface of the countertops and getting rid of the shiny surface on top. This not only makes the countertops matte, which is a great look after such a long time, but it also ensures that the grimy upper layer is removed and a new, fresh one emerges from the bottom.
This is going to lead to amazing results and after seeing glossy granite countertops for so long, you will appreciate this change in the kitchen. It is going to look amazing and your countertops will be as good as new.
Polish The Countertops
If you really love the polished look of countertops and you’re seeing that they’re fading away, then you don’t need to hone them if you don’t like the look. You can polish the countertops again. This is going to be a bit more time-consuming because applying polish or varnish is not as easy as buffing the countertops, but if you want to try it at home, then you can do so.
You want to start with cleaning the countertops first and getting rid of any dust and debris on the surface. Next, you want to grab your countertop polish and follow the instructions. You want to apply the polish in a thin and even layer. This is going to lead to even coverage and then you want to let everything dry.
Once the time is up, you can see if the countertops need another coat of polish and if they don’t, then you can go ahead and give them one final wipe down before you use the countertops normally again.
Seal The Countertops
If your countertops look very faded and outdated, one of the reasons why it might be the case is the fact that you’re not sealing the countertops. Granite is naturally porous, so when water comes in contact with the stone, it can go in and cause the color and brightness of the granite to dull and that is not what you want.
You want to ensure that you’re protecting the countertops from something even as harmless as water, because even though you might think that it’s harmless, it can actually ruin and damage the countertops over time. So, if your countertops look dull, give them a slight buff and then seal those babies up. You want the countertops to look good and be protected at the same time.
Don’t Let Water Sit On The Countertops
This also has to do with water and it is more of a preventive tip than anything. You want to clean the water that has spilled on the countertop surface immediately. This goes for all types of materials, but with granite, you have to work with lightning speed, because this is something that can make your countertops look dull even if they’re not outdated and old.
So, if you see water on the countertops, you want to waste no time and clean it up right away. You want the countertops to be dry at all times, so that any residual water doesn’t lead to stains or splotches on the surface. This can really turn everything for the worse.
Clean Regularly
This is also something that can save your countertops from looking prematurely old and faded. If you are not cleaning the countertops every single day, then you are setting them up for damage with your own hands. Cleaning the countertops, especially granite, doesn’t have to be hard, and if you do it every day, then you won’t have to spend hours on the countertops trying to get rid of that one pesky grease stain or mark.
So, whenever you’re done for the night in the kitchen, make sure to give your granite countertops a good wipe down. It is going to lead to a cleaner and sanitary kitchen, and you will have countertops ready to go, clean and tidy for the next day.
Deep Clean Often
This is something that you can do every so often, like once a month or so, but sometimes, your countertops might need something more than just a wipe down. You might have to go in and remove all the grime, dirt, and accumulated debris on the countertops with a bit of elbow grease.
This is important because you don’t want anything to be sitting on the beautiful granite countertops for too long, otherwise, it can turn into a disaster and that is not what you want.
So, when you’re at the one-month mark, then you want to grab your gloves, a plastic scraper, and some other heavy-duty cleaning agents, because they will change the look of your countertops around. You will look at them like they’re brand new and you will fall in love with the countertops the same way when you bought them the first time.
Hand It Over To A Professional
Sometimes, you just can’t seem to do everything on your own and even if you do, you just don’t get the professional results you’re looking for. So, this is why you want to consider professional cleaning and revamping of your granite countertops. Professional countertop cleaners and workers are the people you can rely on when your countertops are looking very ragged and they are just not looking so good.
Maybe they’re just too dull and they need more than just a buff on the surface. So, this is where you want to hand the countertops over to the big guys, because they will know exactly how to bring these faded and outdated countertops back to life and you’ll be stunned speechless by the results.
Ammonia For Grease
If you have a problem with grease on your granite countertops and have tried everything, but the greasy, oily feeling is just not going away, then you want to use ammonia. You want to mix ammonia and water together and use a soft cloth to dab the surface where there is grease. Make sure to go in a circular motion and then wipe everything away.
The countertops will be squeaky clean because ammonia breaks down the fat and grease better than anything else.
Conclusion
Granite countertops are amazing and since you’ve spent so much money on them, you want to ensure that they’re looking their best every single time. These tips will definitely help you out.