Granite is a durable natural stone that’s highly stain-resistant; however, liquids left on its surface may seep into its pores.
There are various effective techniques available to you for cleaning granite countertops of stains. Your approach will depend on the nature and extent of the stain you wish to eliminate.
Baking soda
Baking soda can be an excellent way to safely and efficiently remove stains from granite without harming its surface. It works especially well when dealing with oil-based stains; organic spots like coffee and juice spills also respond well.
For light stains that are easy to remove, sprinkle some baking soda directly on the spot and leave for at least half an hour before wiping with a moist rag. For more serious stains, combine baking soda with water in order to create a paste to apply on top of it before leaving it sit before wiping with a cloth rag.
In some instances, repeating this process might be necessary in order to remove stubborn stains. If they’re particularly persistent, consider applying a poultice made from baking soda and distilled water on the area in which there’s staining.
To make a poultice, mix a small amount of baking soda with distilled water in a bowl, and use a spatula to form a thick paste. You should be able to cover your stained area in about 1/4″ layer with this poultice; it might extend beyond this coverage as far as an inch or two beyond its edge.
Once you’ve covered the area with plastic wrap and left it alone for 24 hours, check to see if the stain has been eliminated from your granite countertop. If not, continue attempting different techniques until one works for your particular stains.
If you want a more effective approach, consider purchasing and using a specially crafted stone poultice. Available online and providing an ideal way of cleaning granite surfaces without damaging them, be sure to follow all instructions on packaging for best results.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be an invaluable aid when it comes to cleaning granite countertops of stains. Not only can it disinfect surfaces and kill germs, it can also prevent mildew growth on its surface.
Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely strong chemical, so be sure to wear rubber gloves when handling it. Use a clean rag or cloth to apply hydrogen peroxide directly to stains before running a cloth over them until stain lifts. If any residual odor exists after application, flush thoroughly with water afterward.
Spray 3%-6% hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and leave it on for at least an hour – this should help break down fatty materials while potentially lightening some colors on granite surfaces.
An effective solution for eliminating granite stains is using a paste composed of baking soda and water. This will absorb any stain while making it easier to scrub off. Just be sure to test on an inconspicuous area prior to applying this solution on all countertops.
There are also specialty granite cleaners designed to remove stains from granite countertops, which you can find at many home improvement stores. These specially-formulated cleaners will clean and protect your granite, so be sure to utilize it!
As soon as a spill occurs on your granite countertop, it is imperative that it is cleaned up immediately to prevent stains from deepening and potentially causing permanent damage to it.
Oil-based stains on granite can be some of the hardest stains to eliminate. These spots often come from cooking oil, peanut butter or makeup application and tend to appear most prominently on lighter-colored surfaces.
If you have an oil-based stain on your granite surface, mixing baking soda and water together may help remove it quickly and smoothly. This will produce an even, seamless surface and keep it looking its best!
Hydrogen peroxide is an easy and safe solution for disinfecting granite countertops, offering powerful yet safe protection. Use hydrogen peroxide as needed – whether to wipe up spills or spray onto countertops – while bleach or ammonia might cause potentially negative side effects on its surfaces.
Isopropyl alcohol
Granite is porous material and easily absorbs any stains or spills, which makes cleaning your counters difficult. But with regular mopping and disinfection you can keep them looking their best!
Use household products from your kitchen to remove stains from a granite countertop safely, inexpensively, and effectively – but take several attempts until the stain has been entirely eliminated.
First, scrub the stain using a soft cloth and baking soda. If working on a water-based stain, combine baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste; otherwise mix baking soda with water to form similar paste.
Apply the paste directly onto the stained area and cover it with plastic wrap for at least 24 hours or up to several days, before rinsing and wiping down your granite counter.
If the stain is particularly stubborn, try applying a poultice. While this method will be slightly more aggressive than using baking soda alone, it could still prove useful when dealing with large or difficult-to-remove stains.
Spray rubbing alcohol over any granite stain to quickly eliminate it. Rubbing alcohol is an extremely potent disinfectant available at any drug store or grocery store and often used as part of homemade cleaners to act as an antiseptic and remove soap residue from granite countertops.
An occasional spray of rubbing alcohol combined with some soft cloth wiping should do the trick to eliminate most food stains from granite surfaces. This method is particularly useful when trying to get rid of stubborn food debris stains.
Keep bleach and ammonia-based cleaners off of granite countertops as these may weaken its seal over time. For stronger disinfection needs, mix 50:50 mixture of water and 91% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle as a more suitable disinfectant solution.
This homemade granite cleaner is easy to make and safe to use on granite surfaces, plus eco-friendly and biodegradable!
Steel wool
Granite is an attractive and long-lasting countertop material, but its porous nature means it can easily absorb spilled beverages such as coffee, tea or any other liquids containing acidity or acids that can stain it over time. Therefore, any stain should be cleaned up immediately in order to protect the integrity of your granite and prevent any serious damage to it.
Steel wool can be an efficient solution for cleaning granite stains, being an abrasive material widely used across household, remodeling and construction projects.
This type of abrasive comes in various grades, depending on the coarseness of its metal strands. This fineness can make or break an effective cleaning or sanding task.
Steel wool can be an invaluable tool in the kitchen, not only to sand wood surfaces but also for cleaning out pots and pans of grease and grime buildup.
Clean granite countertops by applying mild detergent and using a soft cloth. This method works especially well on light stains such as those left by milk or oil spills.
Use 12% hydrogen peroxide solution to remove organic stains on granite. However, this may take more time and work before the stain is entirely eliminated.
If the stain remains, consider applying a layer of varnish or paint. This will add an additional barrier against any further staining or scratches on the stone surface, giving your stone another layer of protection from further discoloration.
After cleaning granite surfaces, it’s wise to apply a layer of wax or polish as a safeguard against future scratches, helping maintain its shiny appearance and keeping it looking new and vibrant. This will also keep the granite looking shiny and bright.
Just as with other abrasive cleaning materials that you use on your granite counters, any time you use abrasive cleaners it is essential that they are rinsed off as soon as possible to avoid damaging its protective sealant and damaging its integrity.
Apart from these tips, steel wool offers plenty of surprises! Use it to sharpen scissors or try light painting!