What is the best stain remover for countertops?

Author: Prof. Xavier Hodkiewicz  |  Last update: Friday, January 23, 2026

Vinegar and Baking Soda Method For light stains on non-porous surfaces, create a paste with baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth. For tougher stains, add a small amount of white vinegar to create a fizzing action that helps lift the stain.

How do you remove tough stains from countertops?

To Recap How to Get Stains Off of Countertops:
  • Apply dish soap liberally to the stain
  • let dish soap set on stain for approx. 10 min for a new stain and a few hours for old set in stains.
  • Use a barely damp old towel to wipe away dish soap and the stain.
  • Repeat as necessary.

How to remove brown stains from a countertop?

  • Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution on the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes.
  • Use a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the area.
  • Rinse the area with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

What is the best stain remover for old stains?

Fels Naptha laundry bar/stain remover is a classic: long-lasting, inexpensive, and effective.

Is baking soda and vinegar a good stain remover?

The acetic acid in vinegar acts as a disinfectant and reacts with the baking soda to lift stains. This combination is also great for brightening whites.

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What is a powerful homemade stain remover?

DIY Stain remover recipe ➡️One part Dawn dish-washing liquid soap (approx 1 tablespoon) ➡️Two parts hydrogen peroxide (approx 2 tablespoons) ➡️One part baking soda (approx 1 tablespoon) ➡️ Let sit for about an hour the launder like normal - it's ok to let sit for longer or shorter.

Will vinegar and dawn remove stains?

Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 1 tbsp. of dish soap, and water in a spray bottle. Spray the area liberally and let soak for 5-10 minutes and then blot again with a clean, dry towel until stain is removed.

What is the best stain remover trick?

Sponge with white vinegar and rinse again. Repeat, treating the stain with liquid detergent, then with white vinegar until you've removed as much stain as possible. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder with bleach that's safe for the fabric.

Which lightens stains better, vinegar or lemon juice?

Lemon juice breaks down stains, brightens whites, and provides a fresh result. Whereas vinegar and baking soda stain remover are quite effective for light-colored fabrics and for removing detergent residues.

Does hydrogen peroxide remove stains?

Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful stain remover, natural disinfectant, and whitening agent – all without leaving harmful residues behind. It's safe for most washable, dye-stable fabrics and works effectively when added to your regular wash cycle or as a pre-treatment solution.

Will vinegar damage 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. You can tell that your granite countertops have begun to etch by seeing a small ring or some sign of a watermark.

Can I use Dawn to clean my countertops?

Is Dawn dish soap safe for granite? Yes, Dawn dish soap is safe to use to clean granite countertops. Not only is it safe to use on your cooking and food prep surfaces, but it is also a great degreaser and can remove stubborn grease stains.

How do you fix a discolored countertop?

How to Remove Stubborn Stains
  1. Mix baking soda and water until a paste forms.
  2. Gently spread the paste over the stain.
  3. Let the paste sit overnight.
  4. Rinse the area with water to remove any baking soda paste residue left behind.
  5. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Which household product will remove stains from counters?

Make a paste made of baking soda and warm water. Allow the paste to rest for 5 to 10 minutes, then scrub into the countertop stain very gently. Baking soda is abrasive, and hard or prolonged scrubbing may damage some materials. Rinse with warm water and a reusable cleaning cloth.

How do you get stains out of solid surface countertops?

To remove stains and scratches from your solid surface worktops, use a non-abrasive cleaner and a microfibre cloth. For stubborn stains, as you would with polishing your solid surface countertops, apply a paste made of baking soda and water, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.

Does hydrogen peroxide clean countertops?

You can use hydrogen peroxide in the kitchen to clean: All types of countertops. Doorknobs, cabinets, and drawer hardware. Appliance handles and touchscreens.

What is better than vinegar for cleaning?

Powerful Solvent: Rubbing alcohol is a potent solvent that can effectively dissolve dirt, grease, and certain stains. Its fast-evaporating nature ensures that surfaces dry quickly, leaving them clean and streak-free.

What kind of stains does lemon juice remove?

Lemon juice can brighten whites and remove rust and mildew stains from clothing when added to the laundry wash cycle. It serves as a natural fabric softener and whitener when mixed with baking soda, making clothes softer and whiter without the use of harsh chemicals.

Is vinegar or baking soda better for stains?

Vinegar, an acid, tackles hard water stains, mineral deposits, and rust, making it an ideal solution for various surfaces in your home. Baking soda, on the other hand, is a mild alkaline that dissolves organic matter, making it an excellent abrasive cleaner without causing scratches.

What is the best homemade stain remover?

Mix Dish Soap and Hydrogen Peroxide

Add 2 parts hydrogen peroxide (1 cup suggested). Add 1 part dishwashing liquid (1/2 cup suggested).

What is a stain that Cannot be removed?

Key Takeaways. Some of the toughest food stains to remove include coffee, tea, gum, peanut butter, mustard, berry juice, tomato-based sauces, baby food, red wine, chocolate, cooking grease and butter.

What gets out the worst stains?

Possible agents include hydrogen peroxide or white vinegar applied with a sponge. You can also use lemon juice on white fabrics. Rinse well. Repeat with detergent followed by mild bleaching agent until the stain no longer appears.

What happens when you mix Dawn dish soap and vinegar?

Dish soap, known for its grease-fighting properties, pairs excellently with vinegar, which acts as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer. This blend not only targets stubborn stains and buildup but also leaves surfaces sanitized and fresh.

What should vinegar not be mixed with?

There are certain substances you should never mix with vinegar, including bleach and ammonia, because these combinations will produce chlorine gas and toxic vapors, says Ryan Sinclair, an environmental microbiologist and associate professor at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health.

Is hot or cold water better for stains?

Many food or beverage stains, such as chocolate, jam, baby food, beer, and dairy are more easily removed with cold water soaks and washes. Cold water is also recommended for urine and blood stains. Other stains, especially oily or greasy ones, do better in warm or hot water.

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