How to Get 7 Common Stains Out of Granite Countertops
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Granite countertops are classic, fitting for a variety of homes and styles. It's no wonder so many homeowners worry about scratching or staining their counters. A yellowed stain from olive oil or a dark splotch from spilt coffee can ruin your eye-catching masterpiece.
Fortunately, there are simple ways to remove stains from natural stone countertops, many of which employ common household items like baking soda. Learn how to remove stains from oil, coffee, and other substances from your granite countertops with the methods listed below.
Before You Begin
It's important to verify the type of stain before you get started, so you know the appropriate method to follow, and always be sure to test the method in an inconspicuous corner of your counter.
You also want to confirm that the blemish is, in fact, a stain and not etching. Etching indicates damage done to the countertop's sealant, and not the stone itself. Etching appears lighter and even whiter than a stain created by coffee, oil, or other substances. It also cannot be removed with the methods outlined below, so if your countertops have etching, you'll need to contact a professional to address the issue.
Warning
Never use abrasive materials or acidic substances like vinegar or lemon juice to clean your countertops, as these can permanently damage the surface. If you are removing stains from a countertop where food is prepared, remember to clean it thoroughly with dish soap and water when you're finished following the stain removal method.
How to Get Water Rings and Hard Water Out of Granite
If you notice a thin ring-shaped stain on your countertop, it's likely a water stain from a glass or mug. Water stains will evaporate on their own over time, but if a few days pass and the stain doesn't budge, you may have spotted a hard water stain. In most cases, you'll find these cloudy stains around the base of your faucet or the rim of your sink. No need to worry, though, as hard water stains require just a few simple steps to remove.
Start by gently cleaning the stain with a soft-bristled brush and a granite cleaner or a mixture of dish soap and water. Rinse with water and leave to dry. If that doesn't do the trick, move onto the second step.
Create a paste with baking soda and water. Start with two to three tablespoons of baking soda and one tablespoon of water. Gently scrub the solution into the hard water stain with a soft-bristled brush. Rinse with water and leave to dry. If the stain remains, try step the third step.
Once again, create a paste with baking soda and water. Cover the stain generously with the paste, then place a sheet of plastic wrap over the top. Leave the paste to sit for 24 to 48 hours, then return and remove with a wet washcloth or, if necessary, a plastic scraper.
For especially pesky stains, you can use a one-sided razor blade to gently scrape away scaly mineral deposits from hard water. Do not attempt this final step unless absolutely necessary, and always be careful not to damage the countertop's sealant.
Warning
To remove many stains left from hard water deposits, you'll use a vinegar-based solution. For granite countertops, however, you should not use vinegar. Vinegar is an acidic liquid, which can erode the sealant on your natural stone counters.
How to Get Oil and Grease Out of Granite
Oil and grease stains are tricky to avoid, specifically on kitchen countertops. If you find an oil-based stain on your counter, a poultice made from baking soda and water is typically all you'll need to restore the surface to its former glory.
Start by making your poultice. Combine two to three parts baking soda with one part water, mixing until it's reached a toothpaste-like consistency.
Next, cover the stain in a thick layer of baking soda paste, then cover that in a layer of plastic wrap. Poke a few holes in the plastic wrap and secure it to the counter with masking tape around the edges. Leave the paste and plastic for a minimum of 24 hours.
Remove the plastic wrap and clean the poultice with a wet rag or plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the counters.
Finally, clean your countertops thoroughly with a little dish soap and water.
How to Get Coffee and Tea Out of Granite
For stains from organic substances like coffee and wine, the baking soda paste will often work wonders. However, you can give it an extra kick by mixing it with hydrogen peroxide instead of water.
Create your paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, mixing until you've reached a pasty texture.
Cover the stained countertop in a thick layer of paste, followed by a sheet of plastic wrap, then tape it down with masking tape. Let the paste sit for 24 hours.
Remove the plastic wrap and rinse with a damp sponge or cloth. Don't forget to clean the area thoroughly with dish soap and water.
If necessary, repeat the process, or you can try the cleaning method for wine and juice.
How to Get Wine and Juice Out of Granite
A combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide makes for an effective cleaning solution when you're faced with stains from organic substances. However, if you've tested the mixture and are still dealing with some leftover discoloration, try the method below.
Mix one third of a cup of bleach to one gallon of water. Don't forget to use rubber gloves when handling bleach.
Using a sponge, apply the liquid solution to the stain, then allow it to sit for five minutes.
Clean the area with some dish soap and water, then allow it to air dry.
How to Get Rust and Copper Out of Granite
Rust is one of the more difficult types of stain to remove, but it's not impossible. These stubborn stains are often found on surfaces where appliances sit or at the base of a leaky faucet. They may require the support of a professional, especially if your countertops don't have a sealant, but test the cleaning method below before pulling out your phone.
Spray the stained area with three or four percent hydrogen peroxide. Avoid using a higher percentage, as it can damage your countertops.
Using a soft-bristled brush or the abrasive side of a kitchen sponge, lightly scrub the solution into the stained surface and leave it for 24 hours.
Finish by cleaning the stained area with a sponge and a little bit of dish soap and water.
Tip
If hydrogen peroxide doesn't erase the rust stain, try creating a paste out of liquid commercial rust cleaner and flour, Allow it to sit on the stain for 24 hours before cleaning thoroughly. If that doesn't work, it's time to contact a professional.
How to Get Inks and Other Dyes Out of Granite
For many stains, a poultice made from baking soda and water will be able to draw out and ultimately remove the blemish in your granite countertops. You can attempt a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide poultice for stains from inks and other dyes or try the method below.
For this method, the cleaning agent is dependent on the color of your granite countertops. If you have light countertops, use 20% hydrogen peroxide. If the countertops are dark, you can use acetone.
Soak a cotton swab in your cleaning agent: 20% hydrogen peroxide or acetone, depending on the color of your countertops.
Dab the stained surface with the soaked cotton swab, allowing it to sit just briefly before moving further along the stain. Wipe the surface with a damp cloth or sponge, alternating between the cotton swab and the cloth/sponge. Repeat the process until the stain has lifted.
To finish, clean the countertop with water and dish soap.
How to Get Mustard and Other Food Stains Out of Granite
As with many organic substances, you can remove most food stains from granite countertops with hydrogen peroxide (30-40%). For an extra cleaning boost, mix the hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to create a paste, as you would for stains from coffee, juice, and such.
Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
Cover the stain in a layer of paste, then top with plastic wrap. Secure the plastic wrap to the counter with masking tape around the edges, then leave it for a day.
Remove the plastic wrap, then thoroughly clean the paste with a damp sponge or cloth and dish soap and water.
When Should You Call a Professional?
While the cleaning methods in this guide are certainly effective solutions for most stains, they won't fix the problem every time. For instance, rust stains can be particularly stubborn, and they might require help from a professional.
If you've attempted the methods in this guide and are still staring down an ugly splotch on your countertop, it's a good idea to call a professional for advice. Additionally, if the issue is etching rather than a stain, you'll need to contact a professional to ensure the blemish is treated properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stains be removed from granite?
Yes, many common stains from substances like oil and coffee can be removed from granite. If you struggle to remove a stain, however, contact a professional support.
Does granite stain permanently?
While granite stains can be permanent, this is rarely the case. Many of the methods outlined in this guide can remove common stains, and if they don't do the trick, a professional can help.
Does vinegar remove stains from granite?
Although vinegar is a common cleaning solution, the acidity can damage your granite. That said, you should never use vinegar to remove stains from natural stone materials like granite and marble.
Read Next: How to Seal Granite Countertops - The Spruce
Read the original article on The Spruce.
