I am often asked if granite countertops stain or not. The answer is yes, but you can prevent it if you know how.
Read this article to fully understand how to prevent granite from staining.
Granite does stain. Any time a liquid is allowed to sit on the countertop surface, you run the risk of granite staining. You can prevent granite from staining by using a high-quality sealer that repels liquids preventing staining.
Know what substances to avoid around your countertops and if you accidentally spill any of these substances act quickly to clean them up even if your granite countertops are sealed properly.
To fully protect yourself from stains on your granite countertops you must clean your granite countertops and use a high-quality sealer.
All-natural stone countertops are porous; however, the porosity levels vary from stone to stone. Granite is one of the less porous types of stones. Lower porosity levels mean the stone will not absorb liquids as quickly as other stones.
Natural stones have pores that allow liquids to seep into the stone. When a liquid is allowed to remain on the surface of a stone countertop, it can enter into the stone and cause a stain. An impregnating stone sealer helps close these pores up to reduce the risk of staining.
The first step in reducing the risk of staining is to seal your granite countertops with an impregnating sealer. Begin by cleaning your countertops with a granite cleaner and allow the countertops to air dry before applying the stone sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on applying the sealer.
Apply the penetrating sealer using a soft, clean cloth, ensuring the entire countertop is wet. Allow the first layer of sealer to dry for five minutes and then apply additional layers every five minutes until you have reached the desired number of coats.
Apply a final coat and allow the sealer to soak in for thirty minutes. Then, wipe excess sealer off the countertop and allow the sealer to air dry for 24 hours. After the drying time, your countertop is protected against stains.
To ensure that your countertops are sufficiently protected, perform a water test after the sealer has cured and bonded to the natural stone. To ensure your countertops remain protected, a sealer should be applied every six to twelve months, especially in high-use areas.
Oil-based stains caused by oils, grease, cosmetics, and milk will darken the granite countertop. In order to remove the stain, the oil must be chemically dissolved.
The best product to use to remove oil based stains is Mangia Machia
Organic stains, including coffee, tea, wine, and fruit cause pinkish-brown stains to appear. You can remove these organic stains with a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. Wipe the stain using a cloth and allow the hydrogen peroxide mixture to sit for ten minutes before rinsing the countertop with clear water and buffing dry with an absorbent cloth.
Biological stains, including fungi, mildew, algae, and mold, should be cleaned using diluted (a half-cup in a gallon of clean water) ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach. Apply to the stain and wipe clean using a clean damp cloth.
Paint should be scraped off using a razor blade. Exercise care to avoid scratching the surface of the stone. Ink can be removed using hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Rinse the area and wipe dry
Water doesn’t actually stain; however, it can cause an artificial stain to appear. The water causes rings of granite sealer to appear. These water rings can be removed by applying denatured alcohol to the countertop and wiping in a circular motion. You will need to apply the alcohol several times because it evaporates so quickly.
If you clean your granite countertops with dish soap, a film will eventually build up. This can be removed using a soap film remover. If your countertops appear dull, it is probably due to soap buildup. Cleaning the countertop with a soap film remover will restore the shine.
If these methods do not remove the stain, you will need to use a poultice. The poultice is made by mixing an absorbent material like diatomaceous earth, talc, powdered chalk, or baking soda with water or a liquid cleaner. The treatment is then applied to the stain and covered with plastic wrap. The poultice is left on the countertop for twenty-four to forty-eight hours. The liquid will pull the stain into the absorbent material.
Stain removal also removes the sealer from the countertop. To protect your granite countertops from further staining, follow the instruction above, and apply multiple coats of penetrating sealer to the entire countertop.
Your granite countertops will provide you with years of beauty when they are properly cared for. Proper daily maintenance includes wiping your granite countertops down daily using a damp cloth. If you spill anything on your granite countertops, wipe it up immediately and clean the countertop using a pH-neutral granite cleaner.
Granite countertops are extremely durable and resist stains quite well; however, staining can still occur. Wipe spills up immediately and routinely seal your granite countertops to reduce the risk of staining. If a stain occurs, follow the steps listed above. If a stain remains after using a poultice, contact your stone specialist for assistance.
