Granite countertops are beautiful and all that, but that doesn’t mean that they can’t get ruined or dull. Well, if that’s the case with you, then here are some things to do for making your granite countertops shine.

Clean It With Detergent

If your countertops aren’t looking great and lustrous, you may want to change how you clean them. For cleaning, instead of using just water, try to switch to a soapy solution with detergent and water. You don’t need to use those fancy countertop cleaners, because it’s something that you will use every day, and buying them can certainly add up over time. So, you can easily whip your solution and use it as many times as you want.

For a simple cleaning solution, you will need one part of detergent and four parts of water. Mix it up together in a spray bottle and use a clean microfiber cloth to clean the surfaces daily. You will see how clean and bright your countertops will look, just after a simple clean-up.

Dull countertops can be because of improper cleaning or worse, not cleaning the countertops at all and this can lead to them looking lifeless and, not to mention, dirty. So, clean the countertops first and you’ll see the difference.

Use Baking Soda

If you want to change the look of your countertops around and make them go from dull to amazing, then you need to opt for baking soda. Baking soda is an amazing cleaning agent and it helps to get rid of all kinds of gunk and dirt from the countertops, leaving behind super clean and lustrous countertops. So, for this, you will need to make a pasty solution with baking soda and water.

Since baking soda is already quite abrasive, you don’t want to use things like lemon to make the solution, otherwise it will be too acidic for granite countertops. Once you make a solution that has the consistency of runny toothpaste, then you can apply the paste all over the countertops and use a soft scouring pad to clean the surfaces. Wipe the remnants away and you will be left with super clean granite countertops.

A Splash Of Vinegar Doesn’t Hurt

If you want to disinfect your countertops, while also keeping them in amazing condition, then you need to go for a cleaning solution with vinegar in it. If you want, you can use the same cleaning concoction mentioned above and add a splash of white vinegar. This will not only make the countertops look amazing, but germs will be history too.

If you’re scared that the countertops will smell vinegary, then you can add in a splash or two of your favorite essential oils. They will mask the pungent smell of vinegar.

Time To Get Rough

Even though granite countertops are easy to clean, you want to use something that will clean the countertops that much better. This is where a wire pad will come in handy. It is rougher in texture than a sponge or a microfiber cloth, but it will do wonders for cleaning.

If you have lots of dried-up food and splotches all over your countertops, then you can use a wire pad to gently scrape off the things and clean the countertops. This will instantly add that brightness to your granite countertops and they won’t look as dull.

Scrape, Scrape, Scrape

Speaking of dried-up food, they can make your countertops look very dirty and that is not the look you’re going for. So, if you’re scared of using a rough wire pad, as it can leave scratches, then you can use a soft to medium bristled toothbrush and use it wet with a bit of detergent to get rid of the food stains. This is much more targeted and it’s going to get rid of everything unwanted on your countertops.

Get Professional Help

Sometimes, your countertops can get dull, because they’re too old and far gone when it comes to maintaining them. It will take more than a cleaner or detergent to get life back into the countertops again.

This is why it’s recommended that you call in granite countertop contractors Rockville who know how to bring granite countertops back to life. These guys know countertops and their problems like nothing else and they will be able to solve the problem right away and your countertops will be good as new.

Use Cutting Boards

This is more of a preventative tip, but if you don’t want your granite countertops going dull too soon, then you need to know how to protect them. First of all, you need to use cutting boards whenever you’re prepping food and veggies on the countertops. The juice and water from these foods can go inside the surface of the countertops and cause dullness like nothing else.

Also, make sure that you wipe off the countertops after you’re done cutting things even when you’re using a cutting board because the longer the moisture sits in the countertops, the harder it will be to get rid of the stains in the future.

Clean The Countertops Every Day

This is also something that will pay you off in the end. You want to clean the countertops every single day. This doesn’t mean doing a full deep clean. It’s more like wiping down the countertops and tidying everything once you call it a day in the kitchen.

It will only do you better. Not only will you have a clean surface, to begin with the next day, but you will also minimize the risk of granite countertops getting dull with all of the dirt and gunk sitting on the countertops all night long.

Seal The Deal

Another reason why your granite countertops can get dull is because you haven’t sealed them. Granite is a natural stone and it is porous. So, it will let in all kinds of liquids and moisture and you know what that means. Stains will be inevitable and that is not something you want.

So, you want to make it a point to seal the countertops and get them resealed almost annually depending on how well the sealant is putting up with the use of the countertops in the kitchen. You won’t regret doing this.

Maintenance Is Key

If you’re going to go this far and get granite countertops, then you need to maintain them too. Part of the reason why granite countertops can fall victim to dullness is because you don’t maintain them as required. So, if you want your countertops to look amazing for years to come, then things like sealing, polishing, varnishing, etc., should go without saying.

You need to clean your countertops daily, do a deep clean every couple of weeks, and do some major maintenance work by the end of the year or even in the middle of it.

Conclusion

Granite countertops, as durable as they are, can have a tendency to get dull. However, these tips will save your countertops from looking sad and lifeless and will turn their look around for good. However, if your countertops are too old, it’s better to invest in new countertops by consulting granite countertop installers Potomac.