We’ve all been there — using old-fashioned elbow grease to remove a stain, only to be met with the same mark and a sore arm. Your countertops can pose a unique problem, especially if you paid up for the nicer marble. Depending on what your surface is made of, there are various substances that work best for finally removing pesky stains once and for all.
Starting with stone, sealed surfaces should be easier to clean and stains should come out easily with warm, soapy water. But, if you run into a deeper, more entrenched mark, grab the baking soda. According to PureWow, granite may become soiled by things like oil, and adding baking soda paste to the spot can draw it out. Rather than leaving it for a few moments, let it sit overnight after you’ve covered the stain with plastic wrap, the outlet recommends. For stone countertops, you’ll generally want to avoid intense abrasive scrubs, as these can damage the sealant and the stone underneath. So stick with baking soda and some patience — the stain should come out.
The fanciest of stone varieties, marble countertops are easier to clean when sealed. For this type of surface, “blot” any spills rather than wipe — this can spread the stain. Use water and gentle soap to rinse it out, PureWow says. For persistent marks, you may need to call in a professional, unfortunately.
Be gentle on your countertops when removing stains
When cleaning your kitchen, using heavy scrubbing agents and abrasive substances can leave marks on your countertops and actually make stains worse. For laminate surfaces, baking soda will come to the rescue again. Make a paste of water and baking soda, then apply to the affected area. Architectural Digest recommends letting it sit for at least five minutes, then gently wiping it clean with a cloth. Because this substance qualifies as “a mild abrasive,” it’s best to avoid scrubbing.
For soapstone, you can actually use sandpaper to remove intense stains that a multipurpose cleaner won’t knock off. Use an extremely fine grit to gently scrub off, then top with mineral oil to smooth any rough spots, the outlet explains. If your surface is made of tile, you may struggle with grout stains. Picking up a high-quality grout cleaner can help remove any discoloration or spots, per PureWow. Furthermore, lemon and salt can do the trick for wooden countertops — just place salt on the stain, scrub with a lemon, add white vinegar and water, and it may be gone sooner than you think, Architectural Digest attests.
It appears that no countertop stain is un-cleanable. Just find the right substance for your surface, take care not to scrub too hard, and have patience.
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