The fact is, the porous nature of granite can lead to absorption of water through tiny holes that are not visible to the naked eye. Just a small amount of water left to dry on your countertop may not cause a problem but if it is left for a very long period of time, it could cause the counter to darken in that one spot.
Most water stains are only a temporary problem. The granite may darken or lighten in color when the water is absorbed into the stone. However, once the water evaporates, the color of the stone should return to normal. You need to seal the surface regularly with a high-quality sealant, which prevents water absorption.
It has a natural water resistance that helps protect it. However, it isn't water-proof. Because granite is a stone, it is also naturally porous. And while it won't absorb in the same way as, say, sandstone or limestone, it will still absorb bits of moisture that can eventually damage your counters.
Again, you can make a paste with baking soda and water. For a poultice to work, however, you need to apply it to the affected area, cover it with plastic wrap (you can tape down the edges if needed) and let it sit for 24 hours. Wipe or scrub the poultice away, and reapply as needed to remove hard water stains.
While granite is a notoriously hard stone and renowned for its resistance to damage, it can indeed be stained; in fact, all natural stones can be stained if not properly cared for. However, most water stains on your granite countertop will only be temporary — if you act quickly and take the right steps.
For those tenacious water rings around a faucet resulting from hard water that sits on the surface, try scrubbing softly with a Brillo pad or gently scraping with a razor blade, then wiping away the residue with a soft, damp cloth. For really stubborn stains, try using a poultice, or extractor.
Make a paste of baking soda and water, or talc with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide. Use a soft brush to scrub the stain with the paste and then rinse it thoroughly. If you're getting results from this procedure, repeat it until you're satisfied with the progress.
However, vinegar should never be used on your granite countertops. 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.
Be sure the surface is clean and completely dry before sealing. Typically it takes about 12 hours for granite to dry prior to applying sealer. This is assuming normal, room temperature drying methods. Optimal sealing conditions are at or above room temperature.
The minerals in hard water cause a different kind of stain on granite. When hard water sits on a granite surface and dries, it leaves a visible mineral deposit that often creates white rings, especially around faucets.
Just like every other countertop, quartz is vulnerable to stains, including water stains. If not taken care of properly, they can cause severe damage to quartz countertops. It is essential to take the time to remove hard water stains as soon as they occur.
A mix between bleach and water can help remove tough stains, such as food and drink stains, including coffee and wine on sealed granite countertops.
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.
Apply sealant to countertops
Use a spray bottle, cloth, or brush to apply it. The entire surface should be damp, but not soaked. Give the sealant time to absorb into the stone. On average, it should take about 20 minutes, but take care to read the directions on the bottle of sealant for specifics.
The granite erodes very slowly at only one inch every 10,000 years, while the mica schist is eroded relatively quickly into canyons and gullies. Water is the main erosive force threatening to make any real change to the mountain.
Yes, an outdoor granite countertop may require more frequent sealing, but it withstands freezing temperatures, prolonged direct sun, and rain, quite beautifully.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
If your water has a high mineral content, it can leave a hard water stain on your granite, especially around a leaky faucet. This creates a white, filmy residue on your countertop that can seem impossible to remove but there is a way to do it.
Clorox and Lysol sprays and wipes are convenient, but they are not safe for granite countertops. They rarely contain bleach, but they do generally contain citric acid to help remove soap scum. Avoid using bleach as well.
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.
Do Not Use On Granite or Marble. If you have soft surface countertops like granite or marble, step away from the magic eraser. You can use them on laminate, Corian, quartz, and other solid surface countertops, but do a spot check.
Bar Keepers Friend Granite & Stone Cleaner & Polish is specially formulated for use on smooth, polished stone – including granite, marble, and quartz. Its pH-balanced formula won't scratch or mar stone finishes, and it's gentle enough to use every day.
You can clean hard water stains from granite counters using water, soap, and baking soda. This process can take 30 minutes to 24 hours, depending on how bad the stains are. There are also products on the shelf should you want to take the quick route.