A Common Problem with Granite Countertops

You have a granite countertop, you are one of millions of homeowners who have chosen this beautiful and elegant option. Granite kitchen countertops are popular for their natural beauty, with many colors and textures, that’s why many people love them. Plus they go with any design with their patterns and swirls.

Granites like ‘tan brown’ and ‘uba tuba’ are mid-range that needs to be sealed every other year, ‘absolute black’ and ‘black galaxy’ are hard granites that needs low or no maintenance, making them durable and luxurious. Plus you can add backsplashes made of ceramic tile or stainless steel to enhance both aesthetics and protection for your kitchen walls.

Why Is My Granite Countertop Cloudy?

But when you see the surface is now dull or cloudy what does that mean and what can you do about it?

Don’t panic. Cloudy granite countertops are common and easy to fix. This condition is caused by a few simple mistakes of the homeowner that can be fixed.

But first you should understand the nature of granite and how you should take care of it to avoid cloudiness in the first place.

Improperly Dried Sealant

The simplest cause of a cloudy surface on your granite countertops is you applied the sealant after the countertops was fabricated and didn’t let it dry completely.

You need to use a granite sealer to maintain the countertop’s appearance and durability. The proper way to apply sealant is to spread it on the granite surface, buff it into the stone until it’s dry.

Many homeowners assumes it needs to “soak in” – this is what will leave a cloudy film on the surface. At the same time it prevents proper sealing which can affect the integration of countertops with kitchen fixtures.

Abrasive Cleaning Products

Yes, granite is a durable stone but you should never use abrasive cleaning products on it, like steel wool, harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners.

These will eat away the granite and damage the decorative edging leaving behind discolored, cloudy spots.

Quartzite countertops also requires gentle cleaning to maintain its luxury and prevent damage.

Instead use soft cloths and gentle cleaners to maintain its shine and avoid polishing. Granite countertops are heat resistant making it suitable for kitchen use.

Residue From Food and BeverageGranite is a natural stone composed of minerals that requires proper care to maintain its beauty and durability.

Different pattern options in granite can affect the visibility of stains and residues. Using sealers is essential to protect the granite from stains and damage.

Cloudiness can also be a normal wear and tear of daily use. If you haven’t been doing regular maintenance and prompt cleaning of spills as they happen you may see a cloudy appearance in certain areas.

Frequent spills of food or drink on the countertop will become more visible if you don’t clean them properly.

For example, drinks like fruit juice or wine will saturate the stone leaving dark spots and stains behind. Mop up all spills immediately so they don’t set into the stone material.

FAQs

1. How do I fix my cloudy granite countertop?

Cloudy granite is almost always caused by leftover residue—oil, grease, sealer that didn’t cure right, or cleaning products that leave a film.

I’ve been fabricating countertops for over thirty years, and here’s what I recommend:

• Use mineral spirits
  Available at Home Depot, Lowe’s, or any hardware store. It’s the best cleaner for breaking down residue. Apply with a soft cloth and gently wipe the surface.

• For regular maintenance, use Pledge
  Yes, the furniture spray. It leaves a slightly waxy finish that keeps granite looking polished. Just know it’s not for deep cleaning—more for touch-ups.

• Use dry steel wool (grade 00)
  Make sure it’s completely dry—do not use on a wet surface. Lightly buff the cloudy areas. It won’t scratch the stone and works great on stubborn spots.

• Optional: Apply car wax
  Just like waxing a car, it leaves a shiny, slick, protective finish. Only do this on a clean, dry surface. It’s a pro trick that works really well if you want that showroom look.

• Rinse and reseal
  After cleaning, reseal the countertop and let it cure for at least 24 hours. Then apply a granite polish to bring back the original shine.

2. What regular maintenance should I do with my granite countertops?

Granite is one of the most durable materials you can put in a kitchen—but it still needs the right care to stay looking its best. Here’s what I recommend:* Clean up spills immediately
Don’t let liquids sit—especially oils, wine, or anything acidic. These can leave behind stains or cloudy spots if ignored.

• Clean weekly with the right products
  Use a non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth. Avoid using vinegar or acidic cleaners—not because they’ll harm the granite itself, but because they can break down the sealer and leave the surface more vulnerable to stains.

• Know your granite
  Not all granite is the same. Some are more porous than others. Darker granites—like Absolute Black or Black Galaxy—are incredibly dense and nearly indestructible. I’ve seen clients come back twenty years later, and their counters still look like new.

  On the other hand lighter colors like beige, yellow or earth tones—think Ornamental, Ghibli, Shiwakashi—can be more porous and need more frequent sealing. Some of these come from Brazil, some from India, and they tend to absorb moisture if left unsealed.

• Know the sign your granite needs sealing
  If water darkens the surface when it touches the granite, that’s a clear sign it’s time to reseal. Sealer protects against stains and moisture but won’t stop scratches—so avoid dragging sharp objects or heavy pans directly on the stone.

• Stick to a maintenance routine
  Keeping up with sealing and gentle cleaning means your granite stays stain-resistant and looking great for the long run.

• Maintain long-term value
  A well-maintained granite countertop holds its value and appeal. With minimal effort it’ll continue looking high-end and high-performing for decades.

Conclusion and Final Tips

When choosing the perfect countertop material for your kitchen or bathroom you have a range of popular options: granite, marble, quartz (an engineered stone), quartzite, soapstone, and increasingly porcelain. Each has its own characteristics, benefits and considerations. The best approach is to visit our showroom, talk with us and get personalized advice.

As we’ve discussed throughout this guide granite countertop costs can vary significantly based on:

• Type of granite (rarer varieties tend to be more expensive due to availability and demand)* The size of your project (larger installations cost more)

• The complexity of the job (waterfall edges, full-height backsplashes, intricate edge profiles add to the cost)

Keep in mind most natural stones are imported so tariffs and international market conditions can impact pricing. Seam placement and yield are important for larger projects, cost and look.

New granite countertops offer a custom, high-end look with long lasting performance. Just weigh composition, maintenance and market variables to make an informed decision.

When you’re ready to see your options visit our showroom on Route 9 in Southborough. We’ll help you find the perfect fit for your space and style.

Final Thoughts

If you want a low maintenance product, quartz countertops are great. They’re durable, consistent and easy to clean.

But if you want the natural beauty and uniqueness of natural stone, granite is amazing. Granite can withstand extreme heat, so you can put hot pots and pans directly on the surface. It’s also UV resistant, so it won’t fade—great for outdoor kitchens too.

Both materials come in a range of prices, but granite stands out for its look, versatility and timelessness.

Ultimately the choice between granite and quartz depends on your lifestyle, design preferences and maintenance expectations. Granite offers a powerful combination of aesthetics, functionality, durability and long term value that’s hard to beat.

Our advice? Visit our showroom on Route 9 in Southborough and see the materials in person. We’ll help you choose the right one for your space and your life.

Granite Guy Inc.

As you start your search for granite countertops make sure to visit a showroom to see the different options.

Look for a professional fabrication and installation service that can give you high quality product and expert advice.

Follow these tips and consider all the factors and you’ll find the perfect granite countertops for your home and enjoy the beauty and functionality for years to come.Don’t forget to check out other countertop materials to make an informed decision. Among natural stones you have marble, quartzite, soapstone, limestone and travertine. For engineered stones consider quartz and porcelain. Each has its own benefits and style to offer.

With the right countertops you can add beauty, durability and value to your home and it’s a great investment for any homeowner.

Granite Guy Inc. – Call Us

If you have a cloudy granite countertop call us.
508-460-7900