The Right Way to Remove Stains From Granite Countertops

Granite is a natural stone that looks beautiful when used for kitchen countertops. But despite its luxe appearance, granite is a porous material, which means that moisture can seep in and leave stains. While a sealant will prevent this from happening, proper care is still necessary to ensure your countertops maintain their beauty for a longer period of time. To keep your granite countertops looking great, we're sharing tips for removing stains from the material, including grease, water, food, and wine stains.

Materials Needed

Make sure you have these materials on hand when removing stains from granite countertops.

• Water
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• Cornstarch
• Bowl
• Microfiber(s)

How to Remove Oil Stains

When treating oil stains, be sure to blot rather than wipe, as wiping can spread the stain and make it worse, says Alicia Sokolowski, the president and co-CEO of AspenClean.

1. Blot the stain to absorb as much of the oil as possible.
2. Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy solution and gently clean the stained area. Be gentle to avoid scratching the granite.
4. Rinse the area with water to remove soap residue.
5. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
6. If the stain remains, mix cornstarch with water to make a thick paste and apply it to the stain.
7. Cover the area and let it sit overnight. The cornstarch will help absorb the oil.
8. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste.
9. Rinse with soap and water to remove any residue.
10. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Food Stains

Be sure to remove food and drink stains from granite countertops as soon as they occur. You can do so by following these steps outlined by Sokolowski.

1. Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy solution.
3. Gently clean the stained area, being careful not to damage the granite.
4. Rinse the area with water to remove soap residue.
5. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Water Stains

Believe it or not, water can stain granite surfaces—either from condensation or from the minerals in hard water—but there is a simple way to take care of this on countertops, says Kathy Cohoon, the director of franchise operations of Two Maids.

1. Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
2. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy solution.
3. Gently clean the stained area.
4. Rinse the area with water to remove soap residue.
5. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
   

How to Remove Wine Stains

Wine spills and stains from wine glass rims are common, but cleaning these stains on surfaces like your granite countertop will require a little more effort than a simple wipe, says Cohoon.

1. Soak up the wine with a dry microfiber cloth.
2. Mix a few drops of natural dish soap with warm water.
3. Dampen a microfiber cloth in the soapy solution
4. Gently clean the stained area.
5. Blot the stain with the damp, microfiber cloth.
6. Rinse the area with water to remove soap residue.
7. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.
8. If the wine stain remains, mix 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide until a paste forms.
9. Slather the paste on the stain and cover it with plastic wrap for about one day.
10. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe away the paste.
11. Rinse with soap and water to remove any residue.
12. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

How to Remove Stubborn Stains

If stubborn stains persist after following the above techniques, try using baking soda to remove any remaining marks, says Sokolowski.

1. Mix baking soda and water until a paste forms.
2. Gently spread the paste over the stain.
3. Let the paste sit overnight.
4. Rinse the area with water to remove any baking soda paste residue left behind.
5. Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.