When the staining agent is removed, the stain is gone. You can if you want, but it is not necessary. Granite countertopsare made of natural stone, so each individual slab is unique. (Some types of granite do not require sealants and when they are applied, they become damaged and look as though the area is stained.). You cannot remove a stain that is actually damage as it requires repairing/removing the damaged area. Remove the tape and plastic wrap only, leaving the poultice in place. How to Remove Vinegar Stains from Granite Countertops, How to Remove Chemical Stains from Countertops, How to Remove Plumbers Putty Stains from Granite, How to remove Burn Marks from Countertops, Sealing Granite Countertops: The Real Test, How to Restore Stainless Steel and Granite Damaged by Cillit Bang, How to Remove Burn Marks from Granite Flooring, How to Remove Burn Marks from Countertops, How to Properly Clean and Protect Hands from Coronavirus, How to Clean Hair and Dust from a Bathroom Floor, Discoloration from the stone absorbing a staining agent (coffee, tea, oil, etc.). It should have the consistency of putty. Apply the mix to the stained area, keeping it only on the stain. For stains on your granite rings, dark spots, or oil stains try using a poultice of baking soda and water (make your paste about as thick as dough). Not caused by the stone absorbing an agent, but rather caused by damage to the surface. Allow it to set for 24 hours. The remedy for damaged stone is to refinish it. The best Instant Pot accessories for 2022, With Tesla bleeding money, Elon Musk initiates hardcore spending review, Best external hard drive deals for August 2022, Best refurbished laptops deals and sales for August 2022, Need a laptop for school? You can also apply a granite polish, like or , to periodically to make your counters really shine. If the water absorbs into your stone or leaves a watermark, you need to seal your counters. evgenyb / 123RF Stock PhotoAccording to two 2016 surveys, the kitchen is the room homeowners tend to investthe most money in, and that shows in the decor people choose. Allow this to remain on the stain until it is completely dry. Factory sealants can last for manyyears, depending on the level of wear and tear. You can purchase a laminate countertop for a fraction of that price, or even create your own faux granite countertop. If you would like a response from us, please leave your question in the comment area at the bottom of this page instead of here. Even today, granite is still the king of all stone materials, as builders install the stone in 64 percent of new home builds. There have been a lot of new trends in kitchen decor lately, from recycled cabinets to black stainless steel, but a classic material is still on the table (or counter): granite. Use a soft cloth to wipe your counters with the soap and water solution, and rinse the cloth frequently while youre cleaning your counters. Because granite is pricey, and those who have granite counters typically want their kitchens to look their best, granite care and maintenance are key concerns. Upgrade your lifestyleDigital Trends helps readers keep tabs on the fast-paced world of tech with all the latest news, fun product reviews, insightful editorials, and one-of-a-kind sneak peeks. Then, place the paste mixture over the stain. For regular daily cleaning, you dont need to purchase a specialty granite cleaner. Drop a few drops of water on your countertop, and if it beads up, your countertop does not need to be sealed. The layer of paste should be about one fourth of an inch thick and overlap the stain about a half an inch. Step 1: Make sure your countertop is properly sealed. Soap and water will do the trick, and itll save you a bundle of money. Clean the area as normal and dry with another clean cloth. Some examples of things that might cause these stains are toilet bowl cleaner or spilled white vinegar. Wipe remaining paste away with a clean cloth. Corrosion, typically caused by acids, leaving rings or water spots that cannot be removed. Granite is relatively non-porous, and many manufacturers seal slabs before shipping, but you should still reapply sealant periodically. When you finish wiping your counters, dry them completely with a soft cloth, so you dont leave water sitting on them for too long and form a water stain. You will want to create a thick paste. Your email address will not be published. Granite can stain if you let foods or liquids sit on it, especially things that contain oil (like pastry dough or lotion) or foods and liquids that contain bright-colored dyes (like popsicles). Some homeowners also swear by these stain removers: Flour mixed with dish soap, rubbing alcohol mixed with water (one part alcohol to eight parts water), baking soda mixed with water and a little bit of hydrogen peroxide, and molding plaster mixed with baking soda. Homeowners who install new granite countertops in their kitchensshell out a pretty penny for the stone, paying between $50 and $100 per square foot for granite slabs. Avoid using bleach, ammonia, scour pads, or any other harsh, abrasive, or acidic cleaner on your granite countertops. With great stone comes great responsibility, so new owners will need to learn how to care for and clean granite countertops. If you have granite counters, or youre considering a kitchen renovation that includes granite countertops, check out our guide that explains the right way to clean and care for granite. Sealants come in a variety of brands and types, but sealers you can spray onto your counters, like or Stone Care International Stone Spray-n-Seal, are easy to apply properly. How to Remove Mineral Deposits from Granite Countertops, How to Remove Hair Dye from Granite Countertops, How to Remove Dish Soap Rings from Granite Countertops, How to Clean Mold from Underside of Granite Countertop, How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops. Your updatedkitchen appliances and cabinets will also look much better in a kitchen with shiny, properly maintained granite. Use cutting boards, coasters, and placemats to help prevents food stains, rings, and discoloration. If the stain remains, you may need to repeat steps 2-6 several times, especially for oily stains, each time removing more of the stain. When your granite counters look in tip top shape, your kitchen looks newer. A change in the natural chemical makeup of the stone. Using a dry microfiber cloth, buff your counters daily. No one wants stains on the countertops in their big, beautiful updated kitchen. Step 2: Remove stains and water spots. The baking soda may absorb the stain from your counters. Clean your counters with a solution made up of warm water and mild dish soap that does not contain any acidic components (like lemon or citrus scents or extracts). When the paste is completely dry, use a plastic scraper to scrape away the paste. To check and see if your countertop needs sealing, contact your manufacturer or perform a simple water bead test. Cover it with plastic and wait a few hours. . Cover the area with plastic wrap and tape the edges down. This 15-inch Acer Chromebook is $129, Hurry Microsoft Surface Pro 7+ is $330 off at Best Buy today, Amazon Echo Dot is back to its Prime Day price at Best Buy, The best horror movies on Netflix right now (August 2022), Devotion explores a true story from Americas forgotten war. Step 4: Buff your countertops. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. It needs to be determined if the damage is to the stone or to the protective coating/sealant. If that doesnt work, try sprinkling cornstarch directly on top of the stain. Step 3: Clean your countertops. The cornstarch may suck up the remainder of the leftover stain. Cover the paste with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 to 48 hours. Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Use one of these guides for more information: Begin by mixing the poultice (ex: talc powder and hydrogen peroxide). Over the past decade, granite has become an increasingly popular countertop material in homes. If you absolutely cannot remove the stain, you can lighten or darken the stone as needed to hide the stain using the methods in the guide.