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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.

If you would rather use vinegar to clean the stone fireplace instead of dish soap, this mixture should work fine. Vinegar is slightly acidic, however, so it may etch some kinds of stone without quite a bit of diluting. For a stone fireplace, dilute it to about one cup of vinegar for every gallon of hot water. It’s a smart idea to test the diluted mixture in an inconspicuous area of the fireplace and watch for etching. You can use vinegar to clean quite a few different items around your home, and it’s especially good at removing stains.

While minor polishing can be done DIY, larger projects benefit from professional expertise to achieve a high-quality finish and ensure the work's durability.

While quartz holds up well against stains of all kinds, it isn’t completely resistant. Make sure to wipe up water and other liquids as soon as possible to prevent stains. If you spot water stains on your quartz countertops, you can clean quartz counters in just a few steps using simple household cleaners, like dish soap or baking soda paste.