How to Get Stains Out of Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are a stylish and long-term investment in your kitchen or bathroom. However, it is a porous material that can let moisture seep in and cause stains. Also, it is easily prone to stains caused by daily activities such as spills, cooking, or water usage. Based on the stain, choose the right cleaning technique to get rid of stains from your granite countertops.

How to Identify the Type of Stain on Granite Countertops

Understand the type of stain on your granite countertop to effectively remove the stain by following the right cleaning solution.

• Oil-Based Stains: You can find dark spots on your granite countertops that are greasy. It denotes an oil-based stain that can be caused by cooking oils or butter.
• Organic Stains: These stains look reddish brown or dark and will be sticky. It can be probably due to the spills of substances such as surgery juice, fruit juice, coffee, or wine.
• Hard Water Stains: You can easily spot the water stains on granite countertops, as they will be light spots or rings.
• Acidic Stains: If you find etched marks on your granite countertop surface, you can confirm that it is acidic stains caused by citrus juice, vinegar, or soda.

How to Get Rid of Stains from Granite Countertops

Here are the effective cleaners that you can use to remove stains from your granite countertops.

Fressho Kitchen Cleaner

Any type of stain on your granite countertop can be treated well with our Fressho Kitchen Cleaner. This kitchen cleaning liquid can fight through the tough grease and grime while maintaining the shiny texture of your countertops.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Dilute one portion of Fressho Kitchen Cleaning liquid with 3 portions of water. If the stain is hard, you can opt for a 1:1 ratio.
• Spray the diluted liquid on the stain, and let it sit for 2-3 minutes.
• After that, scrub the stain softly using a scrubber.
• Rinse the area with water or wipe it off with a damp cloth.
• Dry the surface completely.

Oil-Based Stains

The oil-based stains on the granite countertops can be tricky and can be effectively removed using baking soda.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Make a thick paste by mixing baking water in a sufficient amount of water. Ensure the paste should not be watery, as it may drip.
• Now, apply the paste directly to the stain.
• Cover the paste using plastic wrap, and do not disturb it for 24 hours.
• After 24 hours, remove the plastic cover and gently scrub the stain using a soft brush.
• Rinse the area with water and dry the surface.

Organic Stains

If you have coffee, wine, or fruit juice spills on your granite countertop, you can tackle them using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Pour a little amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) on the stain.
• Then, sprinkle a tablespoon of baking soda on the hydrogen peroxide.
• Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Use a soft cloth to scrub the area gently.
• Rinse the stained area with water and dry it with a clean cloth.

Water Stains

This is a general stain that occurs on the granite surface, especially on the granite countertops in the kitchen and the bathroom. It is caused by the minerals present in the hard water, which get deposited on the surface when the water molecules evaporate.

Cleaning Instructions:

• When the stain is mild, you can use a damp cloth to wipe it off.
• If it is a stubborn stain, you can use a small amount of vinegar. Dilute a small amount of vinegar in water, making it a 50:50 ratio.
• Lightly rub the area as soon as you pour the vinegar on the stain. Do not exceed 5 minutes, as the acidic nature of the vinegar may damage the granite when left too long or used excessively.
• Dry the area thoroughly after the wash.

Acidic Stains

Acidic stains on the granite surface will be caused due to vinegar, soda, or citrus juice. You can fight this type of stain using baking soda.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Mix baking soda with water to form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the acid stain on the granite surface.
• Cover the stain using a plastic bag and let it sit for 24 hours to react to the stain effectively.
• Remove the plastic cover after 24 hours and scrub the area with a soft sponge.
• Rinse the area with water and dry it with a soft cloth.

Deep Stains

Stubborn stains such as oil, grease, or organic stains can develop into deep-set stains when left untreated for a long time.

Cleaning Instructions:

• Get poultice powder and mix it with water or a commercial cleaner as directed in the package.
• Apply the paste on the area of the deep-set stain and cover it with a plastic wrap.
• Allow the mixture to react to the stain for about 24 hours. Sometimes, you can let it sit for 48 hours to permanently draw out the stain.
• Wipe off the paste and clean the area with a damp cloth. You may also rinse the area with water.
• Dry the surface using a microfiber cloth.

Ask for Help

If you cannot remove the stain from your granite countertops using the above-mentioned cleaning agents, you can get professional help. Contact a professional stone care specialist, as they own professional tools and are expert enough to handle tough stains on granite.

How to Prevent Stains from Granite Countertops

• Clean the spills immediately to stop them from developing into a stubborn stain.
• Use coasters under glasses to avoid stains. Also, use a cutting board for chopping vegetables to prevent damage to your granite countertops.
• Seal your granite countertops every 1-2 years to prevent the water or other liquids from seeping in and causing stains.
• Do not use abrasive cleaning tools or strong chemical cleaners on your granite countertops. Using vinegar is also not highly recommended as its acidic nature can damage the smooth texture of the granite surface.

Granite countertops add magnificence and functionality to your home. However, its longevity depends on proper maintenance. Identifying the stain and following the right cleaning technique can help you get rid of the oil, water, organic, and acidic stains from your granite countertops.