White granite is a beautiful and elegant stone that can be used to create stunning countertops, floors, and even walls.
It’s known for its bright white color, which adds an air of sophistication to any room. But one question many people have about white granite is whether it turns yellow over time.
In this blog post, we’ll answer this question by taking a look at what causes white granite to turn yellow and how you can prevent it from happening in the first place.
Understanding Granite
Granite is a type of igneous rock formed when magma cools slowly beneath the Earth’s surface.
It has been around since the beginning of time but only recently became popular as a building material due to its durability and resistance to scratches and stains.
It also comes in many colors, including black, gray, blue-gray, or brownish-black, with veins or mottles of lighter shades running through them – making it perfect for adding character to any space!
Things that Cause White Granite To Turn Yellow
1. Oxidation
Oxidation is one of the key factors that can cause white granite to turn yellow. This occurs when oxygen molecules from the air interact with minerals in the stone, creating a chemical reaction that results in discoloration.
The oxidation process begins with exposure to water and oxygen, which are naturally present in the environment.
As these elements come into contact with white granite, they react with its minerals and create a chemical reaction known as hydrolysis.
This process breaks down some of the components of the stone and causes it to lose its original color over time.
In addition to natural environmental factors such as humidity or moisture levels, other things like human activities can also contribute to this oxidation process.
For instance, if you were to leave wet dishes on your countertop for too long or use harsh cleaning products on it regularly – both could potentially lead to oxidation and discoloration of your white granite surface.
2. UV Light
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light is another factor that could cause white granite to turn yellow.
Ultraviolet rays are naturally present in sunlight and can be especially damaging when it comes to natural stones like granite since they can penetrate the surface of the material, breaking down its minerals.
Over time, this can lead to discoloration and fading of the stone’s original color – making it look yellow or even orange.
3. Iron
Iron is a very common element found in many different kinds of stone, including granite. When iron is exposed to oxygen or water, it can cause oxidation and discoloration in the stone.
Not only is this one of the main contributory factors to yellowing of white granite, but it is also a very difficult problem to solve since iron particles are often ingrained within the stone itself.
This can cause your beautiful granite countertops to yellow or stain easily – even if you take great care to maintain it properly.
4. Poor maintenance
Poor maintenance can also cause white granite to turn yellow. It’s important to note that granite is a porous material and needs to be properly treated in order for it to remain looking its best.
This means using the right cleaning products, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, and making sure the surface is regularly sealed.
If you neglect to take these steps, your granite could become damaged or discolored over time due to the build-up of dirt and grime, as well as oxidation caused by exposure to water or oxygen.
5. Use of harsh Chemicals
Using harsh chemicals on your white granite countertops can also cause discoloration or staining.
This is because some of these products contain acids or alkalis that can react with minerals present in the stone, leading to oxidation and yellowing over time.
It’s important to always use the right cleaning products when it comes to natural stones like granite, and never use anything that could potentially damage the surface.
6. Age
Finally, age can also be a factor in white granite turning yellow. As time passes, some of the minerals present in the stone will start to breakdown and fade away – resulting in discoloration or staining.
This is especially true if your granite has been exposed to any of the factors mentioned above, such as UV light, water or oxygen.
Preventing White Granite from Turning Yellow
In order to prevent your white granite from turning yellow, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect it.
Ensure Proper Cleaning
The most important thing you can do to keep your white granite looking its best is to make sure it’s cleaned regularly.
Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products that are specifically designed for use on natural stones – avoiding anything containing harsh chemicals or acids.
Also, be sure to seal the surface regularly using a sealant that is appropriate for granite – this will help protect it against staining and discoloration.
Limiting exposure to UV light
Where possible, try to avoid direct exposure to sunlight as much as you can. This means keeping your countertops away from windows or other sources of UV light and covering them with a cloth when they are not in use.
It’s also a good idea to install blinds or curtains over windows to provide additional protection, and make sure always to keep your granite surfaces clean and properly sealed.
Use Coasters & Place Mats
Where possible, it’s always a good idea to use coasters or place mats underneath drinks or any other items that could potentially stain your granite countertops.
This will help to protect the surface from accidental spills and keep it looking its best for longer.
These are just a few of the steps you can take to prevent white granite from turning yellow over time. With the right care and maintenance, you can ensure your granite countertops remain looking beautiful for many years to come.
Avoiding Harsh Chemicals
It’s also important to avoid using any harsh chemicals on your granite countertops, as these can cause discoloration or staining.
Always choose cleaning products that are specifically designed for use on natural stones, and never use anything containing acids or alkalis – even if the label says it’s safe for use on granite.
By taking these simple steps, you can help ensure your white granite countertops remain looking their best for years to come.
Regular Sealing
It’s important to remember that sealing your granite countertops regularly is essential in order to keep them looking their best.
This will help protect the surface from staining and discoloration, as well as damage caused by exposure to water or oxygen.
Be sure to use a sealant that is specifically designed for use on granite, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to get the best results.
Professional Maintenance
Finally, it’s always a good idea to have your granite countertops professionally cleaned and sealed at least once a year.
This will help to ensure that any potential damage or discoloration is identified and dealt with promptly while also helping to keep the surface looking its best for longer.
Restoring Yellowed White Granite
If your white granite has already started to turn yellow, there are a few steps you can take to restore it.
Cleaning Yellowed White Granite
The first step is to use a mild cleaning product specifically designed for use on natural stones. Make sure to avoid anything containing harsh chemicals or acids, as these could cause further discoloration.
Gently clean the surface using a soft sponge and warm water, taking care to avoid abrasive materials such as steel wool which could damage the granite.
Using a Color Enhancer
Once the surface has been cleaned, you can then use a color enhancer specifically designed for granite to help restore the original appearance of your white granite countertops.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully, and apply it evenly using a clean cloth or brush. Once dry, buff the surface using a soft cloth to remove any excess product.
Sealing And Polishing Yellowed White Granite
You can use a mild polishing compound to help restore the original shine of your white granite countertops. You can do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.
Always use a polishing compound specifically designed for natural stones, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to get the best results.
Final Thoughts
White granite countertops can be a beautiful addition to any home, but it’s important to take steps to prevent them from turning yellow over time.
By taking precautions such as using coasters and place mats, avoiding harsh chemicals, regularly sealing the surface, and seeking professional maintenance when necessary, you can help ensure your white granite countertops remain looking their best for many years to come.
If your white granite has already started to turn yellow, there are steps you can take to restore it. By cleaning the surface with a mild product specifically designed for natural stones, using a color enhancer, and sealing and polishing the surface, you can help to restore the original appearance of your white granite countertops.
