Why Do Granite Countertops Stain

Start by determining the source of the stain.

Why do granite countertops stain.

Food and beverage spills especially that of greasy foods and cooking oils can stain a granite surface over time. Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough. More commonly granite countertops suffer from etching not staining. Industry secrets for removing stains.

Removing stains from granite countertops can be both a challenge and a puzzle at the same time. In some cases dark quartz counters exposed to direct heat or sunlight will show discolored spots that look like stains which can be prevented by using pot holders instead of placing hot cookware on top of quartz surfaces. Even oil stains can usually be removed using a poultice or paste that will draw out the oil from the stone. One of the reasons for this is that it is not as porous as other countertop materials such as marble.

However because it is porous like most natural stones granite can stain. And of course more lightly colored granite is more likely to show stains than darker colors so if you have a white or other pale colored granite countertop it s important to be extra vigilant. Unsealed stones may change color temporarily when wet but permanent stains can occur if substance like wine juice acidic foods or oils are allowed to sit on the stone. Stains could come from anything like rust water chemicals oil paint or even ink.

Next you need to determine what caused the stain so that you can apply the correct materials to remove it. Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful natural stones that you will find. Most stains can be removed from granite counters. In order to remove a stain you need to ensure that it is indeed a stain and not damage to the stone.

Liquids that do not evaporate such as oils will cause stains if left to soak into the stone. If you re not certain what caused the stain consider its size shape and location to give you clues. Dark water stains may appear close to the sink if the countertops are constantly wet. Hence a granite countertop does not soak up as much spills or oils as other countertops do.

Make a paste mixture of hydrogen peroxide and diatomaceous earth and place it over the stain. Jim hollenback of prescott az s granite kitchen concepts has provided us with valuable industry insider secrets about removing some types of stains from granite. Stains in granite countertops are permanent. The porous granite soaks colors and dyes often resulting in stains after lots of use or exposure to some fluids or objects such as oil based cosmetics food colored drinks and metal objects.

In general granite resists stains better than many other countertop options. Jim says that a poultice is a common way to remove stains.