Why Do I Have Cloudy Granite Countertops and How Can I Fix Them?

Granite flooring and countertops look great, particularly if the stone has been honed and polished to a glossy finish, but when a cloudy film forms on the surface, you get the opposite effect.

Why Do I Have a Cloudy Film on my Granite Countertops?

Film on granite countertops that is often described as "cloudy" is usually due to lapses in maintenance or improper technique with your cleaning materials or application. See some of the common issues for cloudiness and haziness on granite surfaces in our article "Top Reasons for Cloudy Granite Countertops and How to Avoid Them".

How to Fix Cloudy Granite Countertops

In most situations, this is something you can easily take care of except when the cloudy film is the result of etching, in which case the stone may need to be resurfaced by a stone restoration professional. Here are our top tips on removing the cloudy film from your granite surfaces.

1 - Do a Deep Cleaning

Deep cleaning your granite countertops is the first step to improving their appearance. If you notice the cloudy film has slowly developed over time and regular cleaning has been neglected, chances are strong that a deep cleaning session is in order. Deep cleaning requires using a bit of elbow grease when you wipe the surface. If the haze comes off unevenly, you may want to try scrubbing with a stone-safe pad such as Granite Gold Scrub Sponge®. If you’d like to learn how to properly clean countertops made of granite and other natural stone, here’s a short video explaining how:

2 - Seal the Countertop the Right Way

You're not alone if you don’t know how to seal natural stone properly. Spray Granite Gold Sealer® on the stone’s surface in 3-foot sections, then immediately wipe it into the stone with a lint-free cloth. It's good to know that you cannot over-seal granite tiles or slabs, but often residues are left behind when the sealant isn’t fully absorbed into the granite, continuing the cloudiness issues. You have to work the sealant into the stone so it penetrates the pores, that's why we recommend that you buff it dry with another separate, clean lint-free cloth. Once sealed, let the sealant sit and cure for 24 hours before going to the next step, polishing.

3 - Polish the Countertop

Now that your sealant has dried, polish your granite countertop to enhance shine and luster. When you skip polishing your granite, or if it hasn't been polished in a while, your granite countertops can look as if a cloudy film has formed, but this dull appearance is easily remedied. Keep in mind that polishing comes after sealing and never the other way around. The key to getting the most out of Granite Gold Polish® is to work it right into the stone with a firm buffing motion.

4 - Maintenance: Don’t Use Common Household Cleaners on Granite Countertops

Now that you've fixed the cloudy film on your granite countertops it's important to maintain them by avoiding most common household cleaners. The abrasive chemicals in most cleaners will degrade the protective seal and acidic substances can dull and discolor natural stone. Read all of our tips to avoid cloudiness or pick up our stone-safe Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. Contact the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® if you have additional questions about caring for granite countertops. Our products are safe to use on all types of natural stone, including marble, slate, and travertine. Call us today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866), and check our Store Locator to find a store near you that carries Granite Gold® brand products.