Benchtop Care: Cloudiness & Haze

Have you noticed a cloudy or hazy appearance on your natural stone benchtops? While these elegant surfaces are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, they can quickly become an eyesore when their finish is marred by a lack of clarity. There are several reasons why this issue may arise, and here are some of the details about what causes it and how it can be remedied.

INCORRECT CLEANING PRODUCTS Using cleaning products like window cleaners or soap on benchtops can lead to a buildup of residue, causing a haze or cloudiness to form on the surface of the stone over time. Abrasive cleaners, such as scouring powder, can also damage the finish of a benchtop. We always recommend using pH-neutral and stone-safe cleaning products. If these products don’t remove the haze or cloudiness, it’s time to seek the help of a professional who can clean, seal, or refinish the stone.

INCORRECT CLEANING METHODS Using abrasive cleaning tools can also harm the finish of natural stone benchtops, just like abrasive cleaners.

OIL-BASED SPILLS Oil-based spills that are not cleaned up right away can penetrate the porous surface of the stone, causing it to develop a haze or cloudiness. Removing oil from stone can be challenging, especially if it has dried on the surface. To remove it, carefully use a sharp razor to scrape off the excess, then apply poultice powder on the spill and let it sit for 12-24 hours. After that, apply a solution of degreaser and water, let it soak for 30 minutes, vacuum the solution up, and blot the rest with a clean white cloth. If the haze or cloudiness persists, poultice with a solvent (such as commercial paint remover) and poultice powder.

INCORRECT SEALER APPLICATION When applied correctly, a stone sealer is absorbed into the porous surface of the stone without affecting its appearance. However, if the wrong sealer is used, or if the sealer is applied improperly, it can result in a haze or cloudiness on the surface of the stone. A highly polished surface may not even need to be sealed. A professional stone restoration contractor can help you select the right sealer and apply it correctly.

HARD WATER DEPOSITS Hard water deposits can also cause a haze or cloudiness on the surface of natural stone. In mild cases, a pH-neutral and stone-safe cleaner can remove the buildup. In more severe cases, it’s best to seek help from a professional restoration contractor who can restore the finish.

If you have any questions or concerns about removing a haze or cloudiness from your natural stone benchtops, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.