Why Is My Granite Countertop Losing Its Shine (and How Can I Restore It)?
- Scott Thomas
- Sep 19, 2025
- 5 min read
Granite countertops are known for their elegance, durability, and mirror-like shine. But if you're noticing yours looking dull, cloudy, or worn out, you're not alone. This is a common issue for homeowners across the Bay Area, especially those in hard water zones like San Jose and Santa Clara County. So when you ask, Why Is My Granite Countertop Losing Its Shine, The good news is, that shine isn't gone forever. Let's break down what's going wrong and how to bring your granite back to life.
Why Is My Granite Countertop Losing Its Shine: The Truth Behind Granite’s Shine
Granite doesn't shine because of a coating. It shines because it's mechanically polished to a high-gloss finish during fabrication. That finish can last for years if the surface is cared for properly.
The polish fades when the stone’s surface becomes coated with grime, etched by acidic products, or exposed to water spots and mineral buildup. Once that happens, the surface no longer reflects light the same way.
What’s Making Your Granite Look Dull?
Soap Residue and Greasy Film
One of the biggest culprits is buildup from dish soap, oil splatter, or general kitchen residue. Many people use dish soap or multi-surface cleaners on granite, thinking they’re harmless. Over time, these products leave behind a film that dulls the surface.
Using the Wrong Cleaners
Granite is tough, but it isn’t invincible. Acidic or abrasive products like vinegar, lemon juice, ammonia, or bleach can etch the stone. This creates microscopic damage that scatters light instead of reflecting it, leaving the surface cloudy or rough.
You should never use glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, or anything with high pH on granite. Stick with stone-safe formulas only.
Hard Water and Mineral Deposits
In areas like San Jose and Morgan Hill, hard water is a known problem. Minerals like calcium and magnesium leave behind a cloudy white film on granite. Over time, this builds up around faucets, sinks, or anywhere water pools. This is more than a visual problem, it also wears down the sealer.
Your Sealer Has Worn Off
Granite is porous. It needs to be sealed to prevent moisture, oils, and stains from penetrating the surface. If your granite was never sealed properly, or if that sealer has worn down, the stone will soak in liquids that lead to stains, dark patches, and a permanently dull appearance.
Etching or Surface Damage
Etching is different from staining. It’s physical damage to the stone surface, often from acidic spills or abrasive scrubbing. If your granite feels rough or looks blotchy even after cleaning, chances are it’s etched. Etched granite cannot be fixed with cleaning alone. It must be repolished professionally.
What You Can Do at Home
Stick to Stone-Safe Cleaning Products
Daily cleaning with a pH-balanced stone cleaner and microfiber cloth goes a long way. Avoid soap-based cleaners or anything that promises a "shine" unless it's made specifically for natural stone.
Use a Granite Polishing Paste for Light Touch-Ups
There are stone-safe polishing products that help restore some of the luster. These are ideal for surface film and light cloudiness but won’t fix etching, scratches, or deep stains.
Try a Poultice for Minor Stains
For oil-based or organic stains, a granite-safe poultice paste can draw out the discoloration. It won’t make your countertop look brand new, but it can help with surface-level spots.
When to Call a Professional
DIY methods are great for maintenance. But if your granite is truly dull, rough, stained, or etched, it's time for a professional restoration.
At Olson Marble & Stone Care, our technicians use industrial-grade tools to hone, polish, and reseal your granite. This isn’t just a deep clean. It's a full resurfacing of your countertop. We correct surface damage, remove buildup, restore the polish, and reseal it for long-term protection.
What to Expect from a Professional Granite Restoration
Here’s what a full restoration includes:
Surface evaluation and moisture test
Deep clean using a stone-safe degreaser
Mechanical honing to remove etching and roughness
Professional diamond polishing
Application of penetrating sealer
How Much Does It Cost?
Professional granite polishing typically runs between $4 and $10 per square foot depending on the extent of damage and access. That’s a fraction of what it would cost to replace your granite, making restoration a smart investment for homeowners who want to protect their kitchen or bathroom value.
Why San Jose Granite Countertops Are Especially Vulnerable
Local Hard Water Issues
Homes in Santa Clara County deal with high levels of calcium in their water. This leaves behind mineral residue that dulls granite faster than usual. Areas around sinks and cooktops are particularly vulnerable.
Climate and Usage
Bay Area homes see heavy use of kitchens and bathrooms. Combined with the region's microclimates and moisture, your granite surfaces are constantly exposed to changing conditions. That’s why local expertise matters.
Olson Marble & Stone Care is based right here in San Jose and understands the specific issues homeowners face in this region. If you’re dealing with cloudy granite, it’s not your fault. It’s just time for a reset.
How to Prevent Future Dullness
Rinse After Cleaning
Even with the right cleaners, residue can build up if you don't rinse. After wiping down your granite, go over it with clean water and a dry cloth to remove leftover product.
Reseal Your Granite Annually
You should reseal granite every 12 to 18 months, especially if it’s exposed to heavy use or acidic substances. A good way to check if it’s time is to pour a small amount of water on the surface. If it darkens within a few minutes, your sealer is no longer effective.
Use Coasters and Trivets
Simple habits like using coasters under drinks and trivets under hot pans go a long way in preserving your granite’s finish.
Why Choose Olson Marble & Stone Care
We’re not a franchise. We’re a local, family-run business that specializes in high-end surfaces. Our team brings decades of experience in natural stone restoration, concrete polishing, and tile and grout cleaning.
Whether you need granite restored, tile brightened, or concrete floors resealed, we’ve got the expertise and the tools to do it right. And we’re proud to serve homes and businesses across the entire South Bay.
Bring Your Granite Back to Life
A dull granite countertop doesn’t mean it’s ruined. With the right care and the right help, you can restore its beauty, protect its structure, and enjoy it for years to come.
Contact Olson Marble & Stone Care today to schedule your free quote and see what expert restoration can do for your home.
FAQ: Granite Restoration and Shine
What causes granite countertops to lose their shine?
Granite loses shine from buildup, improper cleaning, worn sealer, or etching. Common culprits include soap residue, hard water, and acidic cleaners.
How do I restore shine to a dull granite countertop?
Use a granite-safe cleaner and polishing paste for minor dullness. For deep etching or stains, hire a professional like Olson Marble & Stone Care to hone and reseal the surface.
Can I use vinegar or bleach to clean granite?
No. Vinegar, bleach, and acidic cleaners can damage granite by etching the surface. Always use a pH-neutral stone-safe cleaner.
How often should granite be resealed?
Most granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months. If water absorbs into the surface quickly, your sealer is no longer protecting the stone.
Is professional granite polishing worth it?
Yes. It restores the original shine, corrects surface damage, and protects your investment. It costs significantly less than replacing the countertop.
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