Removing Water Stains on Granite Countertops

Granite countertops often serve as impressive visual highlights in a kitchen. They are durable, they look great, and they can last for a long time. However, granite countertops are bound to have hard water stains, especially in areas near or around the kitchen sink. Here’s a quick overview of water stains on granite countertops and how to deal with them

Why Does Granite Countertops Get Stained?

The main reason why granite countertops tend to get stained is because they have a porous surface. Water ends up penetrating the granite, but the minerals found in mineral or hard water get filtered out. These minerals accumulate as sediments on the surface, creating the all-too-familiar water stains.

Wiping the Stains Away

For mild cases of hard water staining, most homeowners can just clean up the surface using a clean rag with a specialized stain removing solution. For more moderate stains, you can loosen them up using a brush with soft bristles. Don’t forget to dry the surface with a cloth rag to prevent more stains.

Dealing With Tougher Stains

Some stains take more than light scrubbing and granite cleaners. If this is the case, some experts suggest using a thin blade to scrape off the stain. Take note that this runs the risk of leaving scratches on your countertops so you may have to leave thorough stain cleaning to the experts.

Preventing More Hard Water Stains

Removing the existing hard water stains is good, but if you want long-term results, you need to have your countertops protected. The best way to do this is to apply a layer of granite countertop sealant that prevents water from seeping into the surface. According to experts, the sealant tends to last longer if you avoid using acidic cleaning solutions to wipe your countertops clean.

Let us help you keep your granite countertops free of hard water stains. Handyman Connection® of Grapevine is the leading home improvement company in the area. You can call us at (817) 527-3600 or fill out this contact form to request an estimate.