Have you ever stared at your leathered granite countertop and thought, Where has the shine gone? It used to look so beautiful and glass-like when it was first installed. You wish your countertop could shine like it did when it was new. But restoring the shine and texture of a damaged countertop might seem like a dream. However, you will be glad to know that through some super simple, yet effective, steps you can restore your granite leathered countertops to former glory. You just need to be consistent and follow each step with caution to achieve the desired look
Let’s talk about how to make those leathered granite countertops gleam like they did the day they were installed in this step-by-step guide.
Pro Tip: Clean First - Apply The Polisher (Shiner) At Last
It’s important to clean your leathered granite countertop first and then move forward to the next steps. Some people often make the mistake of applying granite polish before properly cleaning the countertop. This results in streaks and lines on your countertops. Moreover, the really small particles that are not easily visible can also interfere with the polish and ruin the final results. So, even if your countertop seems neat and tidy, you should clean it before applying the polish.
Let's Move Forward to Our 7-Step Guide:
1. Clear The Countertop
You need to clear the countertop to ensure no spot is missed during cleaning. Remove everything from the countertop to make it ready for the next steps. Clearing the countertop does not mean just removing the objects, it also includes eliminating all the dust particles as well. Use a mop or soft bristle brush to dust off your leathered granite countertop. You can also use a piece of cloth or smooth foam to clean the countertop. Make sure nothing is left behind on the countertop.
2. Scrub The Surface
Scrub the countertop surface using water and mild cleaner. Since leathered granite countertops have a sealant for protection, you need to scrub gently. Using the foam dipped in diluted cleaner is the best way to scrub the surface. Alternatively, you can also use a piece of soft cloth. Make sure that the scrubbing effectively removes dirt and debris from the pores. Scrubbing twice is recommended if you haven’t cleaned your countertop for over a month. However, in general, mild scrubbing is sufficient for granite leathered countertops.
3. Scrape Away Stubborn Stains
When scrubbing is not sufficient to remove some of the stains, you can use a scraper. Though it can easily remove stubborn stains, some of the sealant might come off in the process. In that case, you will need to reapply sealant to the affected areas. It may not be ideal, but it’s the only way to remove persistent stains.
Regular cleaning is necessary to avoid such stains but don’t worry, that’s not the end of the world. You can scrape away stubborn stains, reapply the sealant (but after cleaning, washing, and drying the countertop), and then use polish to make your leathered granite countertop look as good as new.
4. Wash The Countertop
Now that you have scrubbed away the stains and debris from your countertop, it’s time to wash it. Don’t make the mistake of using hot water because it can damage a leathered granite countertop. Use mild to cold water while washing the countertop surface. Pick a spot from where the water can easily move forward, taking all the waste particles with it. Use minimal water to avoid wastage. You can also pour water in small portions to carefully wash your countertop. Use a wiper with soft, gentle bristles to avoid scratching the surface and remove all the water from the surface.
5. Disinfect It
Disinfecting is a crucial step of kitchen countertop cleaning that can be skipped but is it worth it? Disinfecting a leathered granite countertop is essential to keep it free from contamination. After all, you should not be working on a countertop that is unhygienic. Use a spray bottle and a good disinfectant to clean it thoroughly. You can either buy one from the store or make one at home.
How to make a disinfectant for countertops at home?
To make a disinfectant to clean any kind of countertop, you just need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of isopropyl alcohol, bleach, vinegar, or hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup of water
Mix them well, pour the mixture into a spray bottle, and then sprinkle them onto your countertop surface.
Note: Don’t mix all; just use any one of the above. For making leathered granite countertop disinfectant, isopropyl mixed with water is recommended.
6. Let It Dry
Let your countertop dry completely before doing anything on it. There might be some stains that can become visible right after drying. Moreover, on black leathered granite countertops, some stains are often easy to see after dying and you might need to clean them again.
Therefore, always make sure to wait till the countertop has no water particles left behind. If you have to apply a sealant, you can apply it once the countertop has become smooth and moisture-free. After sealing, you’ll also need to wait for the sealant to dry completely. This ensures a flawless result that makes your countertop look like it is newly installed.
7. Apply A Granite Shiner
To make your leathered granite countertop shine, you need to apply a polisher (shiner). You can buy a polisher made specifically for granite stone countertops or can use your kitchen ingredients. Yes, ingredients from kitchen can do the trick. For example, cooking oil is mostly used as a shiner for countertops. Just pour a few drops onto the surface and use a non-absorbent wipe to distribute it thoroughly to the entire surface. At the end, you will get a shiny surface that gives you the feeling of a new countertop.
Easy to Clean Leathered Granite Colors?
Not all granite finishes are created equal when it comes to maintenance, but some leathered granite colors make cleaning and polishing a breeze. Therefore, you need to know which leathered granite colors are easy to clean.
Lighter shades, such as white leathered granite countertops, tend to hide water spots and fingerprints well while offering a soft, modern look. But they show watermarks more frequently. On the other hand, there are colors like copper and brown leathered granite countertops that are excellent at concealing dust and smudges, making them ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens.
With the right care, all kinds of leathered granite countertop colors can stay looking fresh, clean, and elegantly matte for years to come.
Conclusion
You miss that shine, just like how your leathered granite countertop used to shine when it was newly installed. Now it just looks old and dull. However, you can still restore that shine with a few effective cleaning steps.
Moreover, make sure to clean the countertop regularly to avoid stubborn stains that become hard to remove later. Other than countertop cleaning, it’s crucial to apply a sealant and shiner or polisher to achieve the look you are craving. You need to follow the right steps and your countertop can again shine like a new one.
Want easy-to-clean, durable, and shiny leathered granite countertops? Contact us at SK Stones USA to explore countertops best for your space!
Read More: Quartz vs Granite: Which is the Best Choice for Kitchen Countertops?
