Posted by When it comes to cleaning granite counters, there are a few tricks that will help you remove various types of stains. Some of these stains are a result of hard water, oil, and ink. To remove these stains, you should first know how to remove them with a natural stone cleaner. Listed below are the steps you should take. If you don’t want to buy a natural stone cleaner, you can make your own.
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Hard water stains
After you’ve wiped the water off your granite countertop with a sponge or rag, you can apply a protective sealant. Follow manufacturer instructions to apply the sealant. Depending on the type of stone, you may need to use a foam brush or rag. Allow the sealant to soak in for five to ten minutes before blotting. After the sealant has dried, you can repeat the process if necessary.
To test the condition of your sealant, run a test on the surface by letting a drop of water sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. If the water absorbs, it is time to re-seal the surface. Water dries mineral deposits on granite surfaces. A water test will determine if it’s time to re-seal the surface. To get rid of hard water stains, you must first remove mineral deposits.
Oil stains
If you want to keep your granite countertops looking shiny and new, you can use baking soda to clean them. However, you should use a sponge or measuring tape to mask off any areas that don’t need to be sealed. Once the stone is clean, you can apply a sealer to the entire surface. Once the sealer has dried, you can apply it again. If you don’t want to mess with the grout and wood, use a store-bought sealer.
If you’re concerned about the stain on your countertop, you can try applying a dry baking powder or a hot towel. Another method is to mix a mixture of 12% hydrogen peroxide with corn or rice flour to make a paste. This will help the stain go away. Once this has worked, you can try removing the stain by wiping it away with a wet sponge.
Ink stains
If the stain is light, hydrogen peroxide may work. For a darker stain, lacquer thinner may work. Before attempting to remove a stain, consult a professional. In the meantime, a baking soda poultice may be used to remove the stain. To use this method, mix a small amount of hydrogen peroxide with one part of one cup of baking soda and spread it over the stain. Leave this poultice on the stained area for 24 hours, then remove it with a microfiber cloth or a plastic scraper.
Using abrasive tools to remove water rings is one effective method. A scrubbing pad or razor blade may be used to scrape the stain off. If the stain is too deep to remove with abrasive materials, a poultice application may be necessary. This method requires some time, but can effectively remove deep stains. Lastly, a professional can polish the countertop to restore it to its factory finish.
Natural stone cleaners
You can remove stains by applying a poultice made 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Spread the paste evenly, cover with plastic and tape, and leave it for 24 to 48 hours to dry. If a stain persists, blot it with a paper towel, do not wipe. Bleach is an effective stain remover. The stain should not spread to other areas of the countertop. Moreover, you can use a plastic or wood scraper to remove the poultice.
For general cleaning, avoid using acidic or bleach-based cleaning agents. Similarly, avoid acidic cleaners and photographic development liquid. Likewise, do not use abrasive materials or scouring powders on stone surfaces. In case you have to use an acidic product, it could etch away the sealer and make the stone vulnerable to stains. Always rinse thoroughly with clean water after using an acidic cleaner.
Hydrogen peroxide
If you’re wondering if hydrogen peroxide can be used to seal and remove a stain from granite countertops, the answer is a resounding yes. This household ingredient can remove most types of oil-based stains. For oil-based stains, the ideal cleaning solution is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a 6% hair bleaching solution. The solution can be applied to the stained area and left on for as long as 30 minutes before rinsing it away.
You can also apply a poultice to stubborn granite stains. Simply mix baking soda and three percent hydrogen peroxide and apply them to the stain. Cover the countertop with plastic wrap with holes and wait for the paste to dry. Afterward, scrape off the paste using a wet cloth. If the stain is too large, you can repeat the process with a second batch.