Q: Will Bar Keepers Friend remove the etching on stone counters?

• <div><p>Unfortunately, the product Bar Keepers Friend won&rsquo;t remove etching from stone countertops. In fact, it can make it worse. Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, which can cause further damage to natural stones like marble or limestone.</p></div>

Question 1

How often does granite need to be sealed?

Accepted Answer

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Granite should be resealed every 12 to 18 months, depending on the color and usage. Lighter granite needs to be resealed more frequently than darker colors. If you use acidic cleaners or prepare food on the surface regularly, you must reseal the surface more frequently. Without proper sealing, granite is vulnerable to staining. You can tell if your countertop needs to be resealed by placing a wet paper towel on the counter for 10 minutes. If the water beads up, it is still sufficiently sealed; if it sinks in, it’s time to apply sealant.

Question 2

Will Bar Keepers Friend remove the etching on stone counters?

Accepted Answer

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Unfortunately, the product Bar Keepers Friend won’t remove etching from stone countertops. In fact, it can make it worse. Bar Keepers Friend contains oxalic acid, which can cause further damage to natural stones like marble or limestone.

Question 3

How do I maintain polished stone surfaces?

Accepted Answer

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Use pH-neutral cleaners, avoid acidic substances, and reseal porous stones periodically to maintain their finish.

Question 4

Are quartz stains permanent?

Accepted Answer

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No, minor quartz stains are usually not permanent. Addressing spills on your countertop quickly can prevent the stain from worsening. Any remaining stains can generally be removed with a quartz-safe cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water applied with a soft microfiber cloth. Severe stains may need professional treatment—and, in severe cases, countertop repair or replacement.

Question 5

Can you make granite countertops darker?

Accepted Answer

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You generally cannot change the color of the natural stone, such as making granite countertops darker or lighter. Some people claim that certain chemicals will lighten or darken granite, but those will damage the stone and not provide uniform, expected results, so it’s better not to try. Similarly, some people ask whether they can stain over granite. Granite is beloved for its stain-resistant finish, so you probably won’t get the best outcome if you try to stain over granite to make it darker.

Instead, consider honing, painting, or applying another material over the top of the granite to make it appear darker.