Granite Countertop Dull Around Sink
by Kelly
QUESTION:I have a Emerald Pearl granite countertop in my kitchen that is 8 years old. It looks great with the exception of some dullness around the sink.In particular, it's dull in the area where I keep my dish rack for hand washed dishes. Because the rack isn't that large, I've definitely left wet pots/pans on the granite itself. I've used Granite Gold daily cleaner and polish and it hasn't taken care of the dullness. Any suggestions? Also, I have a small water stain around the base of the faucet that I'd like to remove. What is the best method to polish granite, remove the stain and cleaner? Thank you. ANSWER:This could be a couple granite counter top maintenance issues.Granite countertops will not etch easily under normal household use, however, some city water supplies can be slightly acidic. And even though granite does not readily etch, constant exposure over time to any acidic substance could etch the surface resulting in the dull appearance. And eight years could be enough time. The fact that you are seeing the "water stain" and dullness around the faucet and under the dish rack where water will typically accumulate is the key clue here. If it is etching you'll need to call in a stone restoration professional to re-finish the etched areas. Since granite is so hard, there isn't any DIY products or methods for you as a homeowner to use. The second possibility is that you have soap scum build up, which doesn't explain the "water stain" around the faucet too well, but could explain the dullness under the dish rack. Dish soap or soap of any kind requires A LOT of water to truly rinse. Most often soapy residue still remains on rinsed surfaces (like pots, pans, plates) and could drip off onto your countertop. Soapy build-up is why we recommend that you do NOT use soap for granite counter top maintenance or cleaning... you get a dull build up. You should use only products safe for cleaning granite & marble. If it is soap scum, you should be able to scratch it off a bit with a fingernail. If you can't seem to scratch any off, then it is likely etching. Soap scum is tenacious and a general granite cleaner usually will not take it off. For removing soap scum use the Hard Water / Soap Scum Remover. A third possibility would be etching of a granite sealer residue on the surface, but you would have noticed this right away (not after eight years) and you'd almost certainly see it over other food prep areas, etc., so this is not likely. And Emerald Pearl is a tough granite (actually syenite) that would typically only etch under extreme circumstances or exposure to highly acidic substances, so dense it's nearly impossible to stain and rarely presents a granite counter top maintenance issue. My bet is even though your water could be acidic and theoretically it is possible that 8-years of exposure could etch the granite... it's soap scum build-up. If the Soap Scum Remover doesn't clean it off, then it is etching.  Good Luck,Ryan P.S. Get all the facts and simple step-by-step solutions to any problem with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals. |
