With its natural elegance and beautiful sheen coupled with dependable toughness, it's no wonder that granite is such a popular stone for kitchen countertops.
By all accounts, granite should last you many years. However, that doesn't mean it won't suffer a stain or two now and again—stains which can be especially problematic when you've chosen white, light grey, or cream-colored granite.
Here, we’ll summarize everything you need to know about removing stains on white granite countertops so your kitchen and bathroom surfaces look clean and new no matter how long you've enjoyed them.
Let's dive in!
STAINS ON WHITE GRANITE COUNTERTOPS
First, let’s look at the nature of stains and how they interact with white granite countertops.
In the kitchen, spills of water, oil, fruit juice acids and pigmented liquids like tea, coffee, and wine are a common occurrence. 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.
This means that liquids will slowly seep into the granite and ingrain in the stone deeper than surface-level cleaning can reach. Because of this, it's essential to clean any stains as quickly as possible. Otherwise, you might find yourself with potentially permanent markings that are much harder to remove.
HOW TO REMOVE WHITE GRANITE COUNTERTOP STAINS
For Light Stains or DirtGranite surfaces should be cleaned frequently with a mild soap and water and a nonabrasive cloth.
Many spills and smears that are addressed right away can be taken care of with that same simple mixture. You can use a spray bottle with one teaspoon of dish soap and four cups of water. Spray the cleaning solution and wipe the surface down with a clean microfiber cloth, then allow the counter to air dry after wiping away any excess solution.
For Greasy FilmsCreate a cleaning solution of one cup of cold water and one cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. The alcohol breaks down the oily stain and is safe for your granite. Wipe the surface down afterward with the soap and water solution.
For Tough StainsSome stains like mustard, red wine or colorful drinks may be more challenging to clean. For tougher stains like this, create a stain-removing paste.
Combine baking soda and hydrogen peroxide in a bowl to form a thick paste. You are looking for the same consistency as peanut butter. Spread the mixture over the stain, then cover it with plastic wrap. Hold it in place by taping down the edges and let the mixture sink in for 24 hours. Then remove the wrap and allow the mixture to dry completely before wiping it away. Repeat this process if the stain isn’t completely gone.
If the stain hasn't budged after these steps, you may want to contact a professional who can advise you on the best method to remove the stain. Don't risk damaging your countertops by being aggressive with the stain or trying out experimental solutions.
PREVENT STAINS WITH SEALING
A busy life can get in the way of attending to stains as soon as they occur. All too often, you might not notice a stain or remember to remove it before it's too late.
Luckily, you can prevent stains from occurring in the first place by sealing your white granite with a nontoxic stone sealer. By applying a sealer before using your granite, you can ensure that liquids pool on the top of your surface, buying you time to wipe away stains and prevent them from settling into the pores of your granite.
A smooth, sealed surface allows you to simply wipe stains off of white granite countertops without fearing long-term damage. But know that all sealers are not created equal; you'll want to take special care to choose a sealer that is safe to use around pets and family, is easy to apply and works effectively to keep your granite protected and beautiful.
