Polishing Countertop

Polishing Countertop

Removing Stains From Granite Countertops

Granite is the most popular choice in countertops today. Ask anyone in the market for a new home what they want in a kitchen or bathroom and chances are, granite countertops will be on their list.

One of the reasons why so many people choose granite is that it's a durable, hard-wearing surface. And while professionally sealed granite resists stains incredibly well, accidents – and resulting stains – do occur.

If something spills on your granite countertop, blot it up immediately using a soft, white cloth. Follow with a solution of mild soap and water, and then dry the area thoroughly. If a stain remains, consult the following guide for a removal method. When in doubt, contact a granite countertop professional.

The Power of the Poultice

Because granite is a porous material, stains that have soaked into it must be drawn back out. This is done using a poultice, which is powdered whiting (sold in most paint and home improvement stores) mixed with any number of chemicals, depending on the kind of stain in need of removal.

Poultice recipes for common granite countertop stains can be found below. Here are some guidelines to follow when mixing and applying any kind of poultice:

1. Mixed poultice should be the consistency of peanut butter.
2. Applied poultice should be about ¼" thick and should overlap the edges of the stain by ½" to 1" on all sides.
3. Cover applied poultice with plastic wrap, taping down edges of the wrap. Poke several holes in the plastic wrap and let it set until it is completely dry. Depending on the poultice recipe, this can take up to two days.
4. After the poultice has dried completely, gently scrape it off with a plastic paint scraper, then wipe off remaining residue with a clean cloth.
5. Clean the area with another clean cloth and a solution of mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly. If any of the stain remains, repeat poultice application, including step 3. Some stains might require several poultice treatments before they are removed completely.

Poultice Recipes

Ready to remove that stain on your indoor or outdoor granite countertops? Consult this table, then mix the appropriate chemical with powdered whiting to make the right poultice for your particular stain. Because it's easiest to remove stains if they're dealt with promptly, we recommend printing this table and keeping it handy for quick reference whenever you need it.

Reminder: It's never a bad idea to test a poultice recipe on an inconspicuous area of your granite prior to applying it to your stain, just to rule out any possible adverse reactions.

Stain                                       Chemical + Whiting

Algae                                        mild bleach solution OR MB-9

Bark                                         if it's outdoors, let sun & rain bleach it out

Bird Droppings                          if it's outdoors, let sun & rain bleach it out

Blood                                        liquid laundry detergent

Butter                                       baking soda (no whiting) OR K2R

Caulk                                       pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Coffee                                      hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Cola                                         hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Cosmetics                                 pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Cream                                      pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Dirt                                          hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Dye                                          hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Fruits & Juices                          hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Gravy                                       hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Grease                                     pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Ink                                           rubbing alcohol OR mineral spirits

Ketchup                                    hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Leaves                                      if it's outdoors, let sun & rain bleach it out

Lemon                                      hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Lotion                                       pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Margarine                                 baking soda (no whiting) OR K2R

Mayonnaise                              baking soda (no whiting) OR K2R

Mildew                                      mild bleach solution OR MB-9

Milk                                          pure acetone (not nail polish remover)

Moss                                        mild bleach solution OR MB-9

Mustard                                    hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Oil                                            baking soda (no whiting) OR K2R

Paint (water based)                  commercial paint remover

Paint (oil based)                        mineral spirits

Peanut Butter                           baking soda (no whiting) OR K2R

Rust                                         Iron-Out

Smoke                                      mild bleach solution

Soap Scum                               MB-3

Soda                                        hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Soot                                         mild bleach solution

Tea                                           hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Tobacco                                    hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Water (rings or condensation)  do nothing; will disappear over time

Wine                                         hydrogen peroxide (20% - 40% by volume)

Note: Highly acidic substances like vinegar, lemon juice and orange juice can etch the surface of your granite or sealant if not cleaned and dried immediately. If etching occurs, the area will need to be thoroughly cleaned, polished and resealed.

Have questions? Call the professionals at Master Stone Crafters at 770-931-4090 or email them for fast, friendly advice on all your granite countertop needs.

About the Author

Article written by Michelle B.

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