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.
There is a simple way to avoid stains on your new granite countertop: Sealing. In order to stay protected from stains and liquid damage, you must seal your granite.
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.
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.
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.
Mix a poultice paste of baking soda and water (for oil-based stains), or baking soda and peroxide (for others), until it's as thick as peanut butter. Spread the mixture over the spot, cover it with plastic wrap that you've poked a few holes in, and secure it with masking tape. Let the poultice paste stand for 24 hours.
Spot clean the stained area with 12% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia. Be careful not to discolor darker stones, because hydrogen peroxide is powerful enough for that. After finishing rinse the area and dry it completely.
Note: Some experts will recommend sealing granite countertops every “6-12 months” or “3-5 years”, but there is no hard and fast rule.
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.
A mild dish soap is the handiest cleaner you have that is safe for granite. Alternatively, consider a commercial cleaner that's specifically formulated for granite. Many natural cleaning products are also safe for use on this surface, but read the label for confirmation before using them.
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.
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. Add dish soap and warm water to a sponge, get a good lather and begin cleaning. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Water Stains Granite isn't resistant to water staining, and it's not completely stain-proof. If your granite counters are routinely exposed to water, dark spots may appear if the surfaces aren't frequently sealed.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
Before applying a new coat of sealant, take the "water test." Take 1/4 cup of water and pour it on the countertops. If the water stays "beaded" on top, your counters should not need sealant. However, if the water appears to seep into the surface or you notice a dark spot, you should seal the granite.
It is like any other natural material. Wood has its grain, and stone has its pores. Fortunately, it's easy to seal a granite countertop. It takes just a few minutes and requires little more than a granite sealer and a clean pad.
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.
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.
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.