I hate my granite countertops!

[Tinijocaro]

Moved into a new house recently with black granite countertops. They are speckled and very glossy and they always look dirty. Swipe marks dry on them when I wipe them and they look filthy.

Am I doing something wrong? We also have broken many glasses due to how hard the countertops are. I hate them. Anyone else hate theirs?

 

[asta]

Swipe marks might be from too much soap. Either that or it could be a greasy film that needs to be cleaned off.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I love granite but do not like the black counters I have now for the "crumb" reason. It does show every crumb.

As far as the swipe marks, what are you using to clean them? I agree with PP that it sounds like residue from grease or your cleaner product maybe?

 

[tw1nsmom]

Try doing a cleaning with vinegar and water. Then, try using windex clear multi-surface with vinegar. My granite guy told me to use that and keeping my counters looking good has been pretty easy.

 

[shortbun]

I agree, use white vinegar. I put a rubber mat on my counter right beside the sink. I've never broken a glass on the counters even where I don't have a mat. Are your glasses thin? I have one set of wine glasses that are thin; they break quite easily. I love the feel of them, delicate and light, but they break.

 

[bdcp]

I use 409 for granite or Windex w/vinegar. I never have smear or wipe marks and i've my granite for 9 years. I have never resealed them either, although that is on my list of projects for the next couple of months.

 

[Poohforyou]

I'd suggest using a microfiber cloth when you wipe them down.

 

[pixiewings71]

What do you use to clean them? That is contributing to your streaks, we have granite cleaners and I also use vinegar and water. After they dry sometimes (usually when company is coming over lol) I wipe mine down with a microfiber cloth. I love my granite counters.

 

[rwdavis2]

A granite-specific cleaner should take care of streaks. Some are better than others. The one we use (forgot the name) makes them really shine.

 

[Wishing on a star]

I would absolutely never use heavy cleaners like 409 or even windex, which have a lot of chemicals and ammonia, to clean.

I use Glass Plus, which is ammonia free and good for any and all surfaces. (and even dilute that.... believe me it works... you do not need the chemicals and solvents and fumes for most cleaning)

OP, it is the slick black that is the problem, not that it is Granite... I love my beautiful Granite! You might have to use a good streak-free cleaner, and/or make sure that you wipe dry and streak free.

Maybe a good polish would help?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I only use Bounty paper towels on my granite. Others seem to leave streaks.

I also have Libby heavy-duty bar type glasses for every day use. They're really sturdy. (I sometimes worry they'll chip the granite! )

 

[wiigirl]

Try doing a cleaning with vinegar and water. Then, try using windex clear multi-surface with vinegar. My granite guy told me to use that and keeping my counters looking good has been pretty easy.

This...really works!

 

[kirstenb1]

OP, we don't have granite, but it's funny you mentioning breaking glasses. This is probably my #1 fear about having it. Occasionally I'll drop a plate or bowl, and I'm always relieved when it doesn't break.

 

[BellePrincessBelle]

I've had granite for almost a decade & have never broken a glass on it. I also don't get streaks with plain water & a micro fiber cloth.

 

[Debbie7452]

You need a different granite with some pattern in it. Mine has lots of variation so I can't even see when it's dirty( but I wipe them regularly anyway).

 

[Albort]

Granite tops are cheap now... dependin on how much you have, you can probably get another one that you like for like $150-$200 (1 slab, 8ft long)

 

[Disney Doll]

Window cleaner and a paper towel keeps mine streak-free.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

Granite tops are cheap now... dependin on how much you have, you can probably get another one that you like for like $150-$200 (1 slab, 8ft long)

WHERE are you looking? 150 to 200? Ah around here they are 45.00 on up per sq foot.

 

[sandramaac]

Try doing a cleaning with vinegar and water. Then, try using windex clear multi-surface with vinegar. My granite guy told me to use that and keeping my counters looking good has been pretty easy.

no, no windex on granite or vinegar!!!!!!!

granite is pourous, and the sealing method vaires from granite to granite, therefore using many grocery store cleaners can permantely ruin them



Invest in daily grainite cleaner and water!!!! no soap either---method sells a daily granite cleaner, a light spritz, followed by hot water wash, then dry with paper towels.

They may need to be re-sealed if they were cleaned like this for years--I/d call a granite company in for an opinion

 

[Tinijocaro]

OP here. I like them now. I have been using microfiber cloths but at times my kitchen sponge., which has dish soap residue on it.

I tried vinegar (oops) which made them look much better.

I went out and bought a granite cleaner and that made all the difference. No more swipe marks.

Question: how can they be ruined to the point of needing to be resurfaced as another poster said? How would I know if they were ruined?