We can all agree that quartz or granite countertops are ridiculously beautiful. They’re considered elegant and plush while offering serious durability and resilience, which is why they’re popularly used in bathrooms and kitchens.
However, one of the very few issues one may experience with quartz or granite is dull spots. This occurs over time and diminishes the shine that is a key feature of these countertops.
In this article, I want to share some effective strategies on how to fix dull spots on quartz or granite countertops.
What Causes Dull Spots On Quartz Or Granite?
There are a few reasons why your quartz or granite countertops appear dull or have lost their shine, and they are as follows:
- Excessive sunshine has caused fading or discoloration.
- Exposure to harsh chemicals over long periods of time has stripped away the top coat or sealant.
- Substance buildup from debris from food, residue from soap, hard water deposits, grease, calcium deposits, and dye could have caused discoloration or blocked the natural shine.
- The sealant has worn off over time and has made the quartz or granite susceptible to ethcing and staining.
It could be one of these reasons or a combination of these reasons. This is why it’s important to enforce a regular maintenance program that cleans and preserves the integrity of your countertops.
You Can Remove Dull Spots Using This Approach
1. Determine the cause and assess the damage
By understanding the cause of dull spots, we can apply an effective solution to the problem.
As mentioned above, there are a few possible causes for dull spots.
Assess and examine the countertop closely to figure out if there’s been too much exposure to substances or if the sealant and polish have worn off over time.
Also, assess the extent of damage to determine whether you should apply a spot treatment or refinish the entire countertop.
2. Clean the surface and remove stains
Sometimes, the sealant or polish may still be present but hindered by the presence of stains or a buildup of residue.
Clean the surface and apply a solution that removes any buildup of water or chemicals. For an at home solution, you can mix baking soda and water to create a paste that can be gently applied to the countertops using a sponge or soft cloth.
Work the baking soda over the dull spots in a circular motion without applying immense pressure.
Spend a few minutes doing this before rinsing the area with clean water and drying it with a clean cloth. In a lot of cases, this may remove most of the stains, but if not, you may need to use a stain remover that is formulated for stone like quartz or granite.
3. Polish and seal
If, after cleaning the countertops, the dull spots continue to persist, you may need to consider refinishing them altogether.
Generally speaking, it is always advisable to seek out the help of a professional stone restoration service that can repair imperfections, polish, and re-seal the surface so that it can appear pristine and shiny again.
In the event that you want to do it yourself, find a stone polishing compound that is compatible with the type of granite in your home. It shouldn’t be too harsh, and it ought to be of the same or strikingly similar color as the granite.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to garner the best results when polishing. Thereafter, find a sealant that is compatible with the countertop.
Again, it is of paramount importance to seek out the help of a professional if you are completely new at this.
4. Fix etch marks
Etch marks are not brought on by liquid seeping into a surface, in contrast to stains.
Instead, etch marks occur when acidic substances come into contact with a surface and eat away at it.
Substances like lemon juice and vinegar are acidic by nature, and these are liquids that are commonly used in a household.
You can use a polishing powder that is formulated for quartz and granite to remove the etching.
5. Clean regularly
Given that prevention is better than cure, it’s important to clean and maintain your countertops to preserve their integrity.
Generally, it is recommended to clean the surface with a pH- neutral, non-abrasive, gentle cleaner that is designed for stone to achieve the best results without causing any discoloration or damage to the surface.
When cleaning, stay away from abrasive tools like steel wool or hard bristle brushes, as this can cause scratches on the surface, remove the sealant, and cause or worsen dull spots.
Final Thoughts
Before even thinking about replacing your countertops, try to resolve dull spots using the solutions mentioned above because it can save you a ton of money, time, and energy.
Always assess the damage before you take action.
In many cases, dull spots can be removed from countertops, and the natural shine can be restored with the right approach and products.
If the extent of damage is too significant, seek out the help of a professional for the best possible results.
That brings us to the end of this article on how to fix dull spots on quartz or granite countertops. I hope you found it to be useful and easy to follow. If you did, be sure to check out some of our other helpful guides that are linked below.
Related Posts:
How to fill a gap between countertops and walls