Water Stains On Granite Worktops

The minerals in hard water cause a different kind of stain on granite.

Water stains on granite worktops.

Water stains are one of the most common sources of stains on granite countertops and they generally occur in two forms. Hard water is water that has a high mineral content. But substances like cooking oils that don t evaporate can cause permanent stains if they re allowed to soak into the stone. Don t rub too hard with the steel wool to avoid damaging the granite.

When hard water sits on a granite surface and dries it leaves a visible mineral deposit that often creates white rings especially around faucets. Knowing how to get hard water stains off granite can be very daunting if you ve never done it before but it s really not that difficult. For this kind of stain use. Washing the surface with hot water and dish soap and rinsing well will remove the vast majority of germs and bacteria.

Oils can discolor granite surfaces and the stains they leave behind can be harder to remove than water marks. Step 3 eliminate water marks and stains by gently rubbing steel wool over the discoloration. Although most of this will disappear as the water evaporates there will be some telling marks to show that a stain has been there. Water stains are one of the easiest stains to remove.

This is a solution that can be created by a mixture of baking soda and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Mix these ingredients in a bowl until it forms a thick paste. This type of stain may cause your granite to look darker or lighter in the area that has been exposed to too much moisture. If you are unable to do so the water will be absorbed in the granite and will appear as a stain.

Even though water can stain your granite countertops don t be afraid to use it regularly for cleaning. Dawn dish soap is safe for use on granite and is a popular choice. Rub the granite with hydrogen peroxide using a cleaning rag to clean ink and marker stains and organic stains such as coffee and milk. Hard water stains are the result of hard water buildup on your granite countertop.

Hard water stains can be removed by making a mixture of baking soda and water and gently rubbing to remove the stain. Removing water stains from granite typically involves the use of a poultice. When water seeps into your granite countertop it leaves a dark spot that evaporates in a few minutes and returns to normal. If it is in fact water and not an acidic liquid like wine it will dry and evaporate.

Again washing and rinsing are what the above noted cleaning studies found and what the center for disease control also recommends as the first line of defense.