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Granite countertops are highly regarded because of their beauty. One of the ways that you can keep these natural stone surfaces looking beautiful is by waxing periodically. This guide will provide you with all you need to know about waxing your granite countertops, from which type of wax to use to removing the wax when you are finished.
How Do You Know it is Time to Wax?
In general, your granite countertop will let you know when it is time to wax. If the surface appears dull, it is an ideal time to wax it. For a more specific timeline, you should likely wax the surface about every 6 months.
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What Type of Wax Do You Use on Granite?
For granite countertops, use only waxing products that are specifically designed for granite. Do not attempt to use car wax, as it will not properly complete the job. For lighter granite countertops, use a clear wax product. For darker granite countertops, you can use a black wax. Make sure to never use the black wax on a light-colored granite countertop, as it can result in the stone darkening. Be careful when you apply, as black wax can also stain your clothing.
If your countertop falls somewhere in between light and dark, you should play it safe by using the clear wax. Note that clear wax can be used on any color granite, even dark granite.
Can You Wax a Granite Countertop on Your Own?
Yes, you can wax your own granite countertop. You can also have a professional do the job, but this is a process that is DIY-friendly.
How Do You Wax a Granite Countertop?
Below is the step-by-step process for waxing your granite countertops.
Step 1: Clear and Clean the Surface
Before you wax the countertop, you will need to clear everything off the surface and clean the countertop. You can clean the surface using a granite cleaner.
Step 2: Apply the Wax
Apply a small amount of wax to a soft cloth. A microfiber cloth will be ideal for this step of the process. After you have applied the wax to the soft cloth, rub it into your countertop in a circular motion. Make sure to wax the entire surface.
Step 3: Let it Sit
Let the wax sit and settle into your countertop. It will usually only take a few minutes. At a minimum, wait at least 10 minutes for the wax to soak in.
Step 4: Remove the Wax
Lastly, remove the wax from your countertop. To do this, use Grade 0000 steel wool. As you are carefully removing the wax, you will need to make sure you are not getting wax back onto the countertop.
When completing this process, be sure to follow the specific instructions that come with the wax product you are using. Different products may have different instructions. The table below summarizes the steps.
| Step 1 | Clear and clean the surface |
| Step 2 | Apply the wax |
| Step 3 | Let the wax soak in |
| Step 4 | Remove the wax |
What Else Can You Do to Care for Your Granite Countertops?
Other than waxing, there are various steps you can take to keep your granite countertops in great shape. The two primary ways you can keep your countertop in good condition are cleaning and sealing.
To clean your countertop, there are granite cleaners that you can use. While you can wipe up spills with a paper towel, warm water and soap, granite cleaners will help you get a much deeper and effective clean.
Sealing is another key factor in keeping your granite looking as good as new. Granite, as is the case with most natural stone, is porous. This means that liquids and stains can work their way down into the pores of the stone, which can potentially cause damages. To avoid this, you must seal the countertop.
While it may sound like a hassle, sealing a granite countertop is not difficult at all. To complete the process, purchase a granite sealer. Many sealant products work on various types of natural stone. Once you have purchased your desired product, clear and clean the countertop just like you would before waxing. After this, apply the sealer using either a brush or spray it on if it comes in a bottle. Then, let it settle in. After 15 minutes, wipe off any excess sealer. If all the sealer absorbs before 15 minutes, re-apply another coat. Lastly, let the countertop sit for at least 24 hours before using it.
| Step 1 | Choose your sealer |
| Step 2 | Clear and clean the countertop |
| Step 3 | Apply the sealer |
| Step 4 | Wait 15 minutes and wipe off excess sealer |
| Step 5 | Let the countertop sit for at least 24 hours |
How Often Should You Clean and Re-Seal Your Granite Countertop?
It is a good habit to clean your granite countertop every day. At a minimum, you should clean the surface at least once a week. As for sealing, the seal you apply will not last forever. You will need to re-seal your countertop periodically. With granite, you typically only have to re-seal once every year. This can depend on your specific type of granite, however.
What to Stay Away from When Cleaning
When you clean your granite countertop, you should stay away from using any homemade cleaning recipes that you find online. For example, never use a product such as bleach to clean your granite countertops. Bleach is very harsh and can cause damages to the natural stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding granite countertops and stone care.
Do You Have to Seal Your Granite Countertops?
In short, yes you do have to seal your granite countertops. Not sealing them will leave the surfaces susceptible to various damages. Especially considering how quick and easy the process is, it is not a wise idea to leave the countertops not sealed.
Can You Use Common Household Cleaners on Granite Countertops?
You should stay away from all common household cleaners when it comes to granite. Do not use products such as bleach, Windex, Clorox, etc. These products can damage natural stone surfaces.
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What Happens if You Use Car Wax on Granite Countertops?
If you use car wax instead of granite wax, it will not work properly. You will risk damaging the surface. In addition, it will not produce an adequate shine and the product is not designed to protect your granite like the granite wax is.
Installing new granite countertops is a major step in any home improvement project. Granite countertops are some of the most desirable home surfaces you will find. The natural stone is beautiful, durable and is available in a vast array of colors and styles.
Granite countertops can truly transform any home for the better. This is why you will want to make sure that you keep the surfaces in great shape. With proper care, your granite countertops will look amazing for many years to come. In fact, your granite countertops will likely reside in your home for longer than you do. This guide provides the necessary knowledge on how to wax granite as well as other helpful tips for maintaining these beautiful natural stone surfaces.
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