You love your kitchen, especially the gorgeous granite counters that bring the room to the next level. The kitchen truly is the hub of your home and the granite counters have seen their fair share of the work. You chose granite to hold up to the task while still looking amazing, so why are the counters seemingly changing color?
There are a couple of different reasons why this could be happening.
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Staining
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Improper Sealing
Though granite is very sturdy, it is also very porous. Food and liquids left too long to linger on the surface can create stains, especially if the sealant was poorly applied or is over-due for re-sealing.
Stains can be created by pretty much anything that comes in contact with your granite including coffee, oil, tea, and fruit and vegetable juices. Even water can create a stain when allowed to sit on the surface of your counters and soak in.
Stain Removal for Granite Counters
If the stain is simply water, there is good news, all you need to do is let the water evaporate and the stain should disappear. Other stains can be removed with a granite countertop cleaning made specifically for the job or you can make a simple poultice from items you probably already have at home. A poultice draws the stain up out of the pores and then absorbs it.
You can make a poultice by combining one of these absorbents: diatomaceous earth, baking powder, powdered sugar, flour, or molding plaster— with a reactant: water, 12 % hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, liquid dish soap, or bleach. To use the poultice just follow these easy steps:
- Mix one absorbent and one reactant together until they are the consistency of tooth paste. It is very important that you only use one of each as it can be dangerous to mix certain things together such as ammonia and bleach.
- Spread the paste generously over the stain and just beyond it.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap over the poultice and create an airtight seal so it does not dry out. We suggest taping it to the counter.
- Allow the poultice to sit on the stain for about 48 hours and then remove the plastic wrap and allow the poultice to air dry.
- Once the poultice is dry gently scrape it from the counter with something dull like a plastic spatula.
The Importance of Proper Sealing
While sealing your natural stone surfaces isn’t fireproof insurance, it is very important. Sealant, when applied correctly, does a lot to help prevent stains by giving you a little extra time before substances soak into the surface to create a stain making cleaning stone counters much easier.
Related: 3 Ways to Boost Your Home’s Value
For proper natural stone cleaning and sealing on Mercer Island, Bellevue and the Eastside, make an appointment online or over the phone with All Kleen.
