Granite countertops can become cloudy for a number of reasons including sunlight exposure, harsh chemicals, manufacturing defects, extreme heat, water build up, and improper application of sealer. The most common cause, however, is simple — the counter just isn’t clean, resulting in cloudiness.
Why is my granite countertop cloudy?
1. Defects in the manufacturing
On occasion, mistakes can be made during the manufacturing process of granite. Sometimes, these mistakes affect the appearance of the stone, causing cloudiness that can’t be remedied with elbow grease and patience.
2. Prolonged sunlight exposure
Much the same way that sunlight can affect the appearance of our skin, so can it affect the appearance of granite. Depending where in your kitchen your granite countertop is and the angle at which the sunlight hits it (and at what time of day), your granite counter could be absorbing the sun’s most powerful UV rays.
The rays penetrating the surface of the granite for hours at a time can do extreme damage to the appearance of the countertop.
3. Harsh cleaners
When cleaning the kitchen, we rarely take time to think about the types of cleaners that we use on our kitchen surfaces — including our granite countertops. Unfortunately, that’s one of the most common mistakes that are made when it comes to kitchen cleaning.
Using the wrong cleaners – those that are abrasive, that contain bleach or ammonia, or that have high pH levels – can damage the surface of granite, making it look cloudy and dull.
How to Fix Dull Spot on Granite Countertops
4. Hot items
Temperature changes — particularly heat – can cause permanent discoloration and damage to natural stone surfaces. Hot pots, kettles, and other hot items being placed directly on the countertop can damage the bonds within the stone, causing discoloration. It can also pave the way for more stains, as the loss of these bonds can make it easier for future stains to penetrate into the surface.
5. Water and soap build up
Water build up could be one of the reasons that your granite appears to be cloudy or has been discolored. Although water damage can happen with both hard and soft water, it’s most common with hard water due to the excess of minerals within it.
If water is spilled on your granite and left to evaporate, the mineral deposits within the water will be left behind and appear as surface discolorations. They will appear to be cloudy or dark — or a combination of both.
Soap residue can also cause cloudiness. Unfortunately, even small amounts of dish washing liquid or other household soaps can create the appearance of cloudiness, making it crucial to ensure that your granite is clean and soap-free.
6. Food and drink stains
Like corrosive cleaners, acidic food and drink spills can result in damage and dullness. Food-related damage will be most noticeable if you don’t regularly seal your stone, which provides a layer of protection from liquids.
Acidic foods and drinks to be aware of and clean up quickly include grease, oil, milk, fruit, and tea.
7. Sealer not being buffed into the counter
If your granite countertop’s sealant has been improperly applied or not allowed to dry fully, it may be the cause of cloudiness. When sealing, be sure to apply the sealant to the stone and buff it in until it has completely dried.
Don’t let the sealant soak in. Doing so is what causes the stone to become cloudy. It can also prevent the stone from sealing adequately.
How to fix cloudiness on a granite countertop
1. Clean, reseal and polish
One of the easiest ways to remedy cloudy granite is by cleaning, resealing, and polishing. This three step process can do wonders to rid your granite of its cloudy appearance.
Use a commercial granite cleaner to thoroughly clean the countertop before resealing, taking care to ensure that the sealant is properly buffed into the stone and is dry before moving to the next step.
After resealing, polish your granite and buff until it shines.
2. Apply a thin layer of vaseline/petroleum jelly
To remedy a smaller area of discoloration, you can opt to use a thin layer of vaseline. This method works because cloudy spots lack moisture and vaseline is an excellent hydrator. When applied to cloudy areas, vaseline may restore the stone’s moisture content, minimizing cloudiness.
3. Contact the manufacturer for a fix
If your countertop is cloudy due to a manufacturing flaw, you could try to fix it yourself or simply opt to bring in the manufacturer for a fix. The manufacturer may choose to repair the countertop or replace it for you.
4. Call a professional
Alternatively, you could contact a local resurfacing specialist. He or she will have the knowledge to assess your situation and determine what actions need to be taken to restore your countertop. The specialist will have the tools to remove old sealant, sand away blemishes, and seal the stone.
How do I prevent my granite from discoloring?
You can prevent granite from discoloring by avoiding the use of abrasive chemicals, wiping spills and food residue away promptly, and keeping your counter out of direct sunlight. Thoroughly cleaning and using protection when placing hot items on the counter will also help prevent cloudiness and discoloration.
Should I seal my granite countertop?
You’ll need to seal your textured granite countertop because textured granite is less porous, thus allowing liquid to penetrate into the stone more easily. It also makes your counter more susceptible to damage from cleaners, soap, and heat.
