If granite has a stain it means a substance is absorbed into the pores of granite and will require a poultice, like the ones offered by Stone Care International, to remove it. Poultice are extremely absorbent substances. The poultice enters the pores of the stone and chemically draws the stone into the poultice.
Stains can be easily removed if you are proactive. You can remove the stains by using a poultice or a paste. The particular ingredients that make up the poultice will depend on the type of stain. Never attempt to clean the countertop or remove the stain using harsh products like bleach.
Granite is a porous stone, making it susceptible to stains from liquids or other substances left to sit on the surface. The liquid seeps into the small holes in the rock, making it harder to remove it. Spills are common on a kitchen counter, but bathroom counters are also prone to stains from toothpaste or make-up.
Stones that are lighter in color do tend to show stains more quickly, as we can see in the pictures here. After 10 minutes, the oil was able to be wiped up without leaving a stain. After 2 hours though, you can see a stain where the olive oil was. The stain is even more pronounced and larger in size after 24 hours.
Granite surfaces feature tiny pores that can absorb liquids, staining the surface. Thankfully, granite is one of the least porous natural stones. When properly sealed, it won't stain at all. But over time, the seal on your granite counter will start to deteriorate, leaving it open to stains.
"Because granite is a natural porous material, some stains or surface damage may be so severe that restoration by a stone care professional may be necessary," says Gagliardi.
First, start by mixing poultice. Water and baking soda poultice for granite help remove oil-related stains, while combined water and hydrogen peroxide are great for others. For your mix you want the consistency of a thick paste. It should also have a puffy appearance.
Watch out for red wine rings if you leave your glass on the countertop, or a leaking carton of fresh blueberries. Some other culprits include coffee, tomato juice, grape juice, mustard, citrus products, toothpaste, and anything with chemicals.
Stains on White Granite Countertops
Makeup, soap with dyes and even household cleaners can leave stains on bathroom countertops, too. While granite is a very durable material, it's important to remember that it is a porous natural stone.
Sealed granite countertops are much less likely to absorb water, however if water is left on your countertop for long periods of time, it can cause a darker spot. Oftentimes, water will just dry and evaporate but if it's been left to sit for a long time, it might needs a bit more help.
Granite is impervious to water, but the polished surface may be exposing one or more of these minerals that can oxidize and change color when exposed to water. Granite and marble can also be etched slightly by mild acidic fruits and juices or discolored from a hot pan set out on the counter to cool.
Food & Drinks Will Stain Them
Unsealed granite counters are susceptible to stains from food, drinks, and other spills. Since granite is porous, is can quickly absorb food and liquids, which is then hard to get up. Sealing your countertops is the best way to avoid stains like this.
Mix a paste of baking soda and water that has the consistency of sour cream. Slather the paste on the stain. Cover the paste with plastic wrap. Let set for 24 hours, then remove the poultice, and clean the area.
There are several different reasons for cloudy-looking granite, but the most common is simply because they're not completely clean. Grease from food prep or cooking splatters can get smeared across your countertops, making it look hazy.
To clean an oil-based stain, make a baking soda paste with water. If you're dealing with a water-based stain, mix the baking soda with hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste generously over the stained area: Gently scrub the counter with a soft cloth and rinse thoroughly. Repeat as needed.
Some DIY resources claim vinegar will work as a household cleaner for natural stone, but this information is incorrect — vinegar is acidic and can harm your granite's sealant. An expertly sealed granite countertop should last your home for years with proper care.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
Vinegar is made up of acids that can severely harm your granite. Even if it is diluted, vinegar may still leave acids on your granite countertops. This can cause your natural stone countertops to etch. You can tell that your granite countertops have begun to etch by seeing a small ring or some sign of a watermark.
Staining: The resins in quartz countertops make them considerably more resistant to staining than granite. Bacterial resistance: Quartz is also less susceptible to harboring bacteria, again thanks to the resins that make the surface less porous than granite.
Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.
White anything, however, is always going to be more prone to visible staining than any other colour. White granite is no different, but that doesn't mean keeping it clean and beautiful has to keep you up at night.
Answer. Yes, Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach is safe for sealed granite countertops. Remember, bleach should never be used full strength for cleaning any surface — it should always be diluted with water first. For disinfecting countertops, use a solution of ⅓ cup Clorox® Disinfecting Bleach per gallon of water.
Granite that is not sealed is far more likely to develop stains, especially from soap. Sealing your granite closes the pores of the stone to prevent liquids from penetrating the surface. If you're unsure how to seal natural stone, you can seal it yourself in a few easy steps.
Luckily, everything you'll need to clean your hard surfaces can already be found in your home: Concentrated dish soap that's tough on stains and grease while staying gentle on stainless steel, granite, and glassware, like Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray. Soft cloth and sponge.
Scrub the Surface
Since granite countertops have a sealant on them to keep them shiny and stain-resistant, you want to avoid using anything too acidic or basic on the granite. Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick.