How To Remove Stains from Kitchen Countertops?

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You might be tempted to clean your kitchen countertops with whatever multipurpose cleaner you have at home.

However, this could possibly dull or damage them.

It turns out, the best way to remove stains from kitchen countertops is to use cleaning supplies you already have in your kitchen and use the suggested cleaners for that specific surface.

In this article, we will explore some easy and practical tips on how to remove stains from kitchen countertops.

How to Remove Stains from Kitchen Countertops?

Kitchen counters can be made with various materials such as butcher block, marble, granite, soapstone, etc.

All these different materials require different cleaning strategies.

Continue reading to find out how you can remove stains from kitchen countertops, depending on the material it’s made from.

Removing Stains from Butcher Block Countertops

Butcher block countertops are quite trending these days.

While these countertops are vulnerable to staining, they hold up quite well if they’re properly sealed.

Things You Will Need

To remove stains from butcher block counters, you will need lukewarm water, dish soap, and a scrub brush.

Along with that, you will also need baking soda, distilled white vinegar, and a wet cloth.

Removing the Stains

To start the cleaning process, add one tablespoon of dish soap to a cup of warm water.

Next, apply the solution to the stain and scrub using a dish sponge or a scrub brush with plastic bristles.

For tougher stains, make a paste by combining baking soda with a small quantity of lukewarm water.

This slightly abrasive paste will allow you to effectively scrub away the tough stains.

To disinfect the surface, spray some distilled white vinegar and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes.

Next, wipe off the vinegar using a clean, wet cloth, and then dry it up.

Bear in mind that solid-wood and butcher-block countertops must be sealed for protection as they are vulnerable to cracking and warping.

There are several options you can use for this purpose. However, expert cabinetmakers suggest you use the less toxic method.

For instance, you can simply use wax or a food-grade oil for sealing purposes. Since dings and scratches do occur, simply sand the surface and reapply the protective sealant.

Removing Stains from Granite and Marble Countertops

Granite and marble are the top choices for kitchen countertops.

While they’re more costly, they can increase your property’s value when you go to sell.

Since granite and marble are natural stones, they’re quite porous, and it’s hard to keep them clean.

Things You Will Need

To get rid of stains from granite and marble countertops, you will need water, dish soap, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, a microfiber towel, plastic wrap, and tape.

Removing the Stains

If there is an oil-based stain on your marble or granite countertop, you can clean it using a paste of water and baking soda.

However, if you need to remove a water-based stain, you will have to use a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.

Spread the paste onto the stain, put a plastic wrap on it, and tape the sides.

Allow it to rest for a few hours, then wipe away the paste using a microfiber towel. Repeat the steps if the stain is still there.

Pro-tip – Make sure to carry out a spot test to ensure that the cleaning process won’t impact the finish or color of the stone.

Removing Stains from Laminate Countertops

Laminate is a durable and affordable option for kitchen countertops.

It’s often called Formica – a trademarked term that’s become a generic word for laminate countertops.

Regardless of what you call it, knowing how to remove stains from laminate countertops is vital to retain its appeal.

Things You Will Need

If you have a stained laminate countertop, you will require water, baking soda, a gentle household cleaner, and a microfiber cloth to clean it up.

Removing the Stains

To remove tea or coffee stains from your laminate countertops, mix a mild household cleaner and baking soda to form a paste.

Apply the paste to the stained spot and let it sit for five minutes. Then use a damp microfiber cloth to rinse it off.

You can even use a nylon bristle brush to remove the stains. However, avoid scrubbing with it, as you can potentially scratch the laminate surface.

Baking soda is also a little abrasive and can lead to fine scratches, so you should avoid scrubbing it too.

Never use steel wool to clean laminate countertops. Once you scratch a laminate countertop, it becomes more porous and stains very easily.

For extremely stubborn stains, allow the baking soda paste to sit overnight and clean it up the next morning.

Bleach is also an excellent option for removing stains. However, some laminate manufacturers suggest using it undiluted on stains, whereas others warn against using any bleach product.

In case you don’t know what brand of the laminate you have, you can perform a patch test with bleach before using it.

Put a little bleach on an inconspicuous spot and allow it to dry. Make sure there’s no discoloration before using bleach on a stain.

If the patch test is successful, simply rub the stained spot with a cotton ball dampened with bleach. Then, rinse the surface with water and let it dry.

Removing Stains from Engineered Stone or Quartz Countertops

Engineered stone is made with resin-bound quartz crystals that help in re-creating the look of its natural countertops without demanding the same degree of maintenance.

Things You Will Need

In order to remove stains from quartz or engineered stone countertops, you will require water, dish soap, a nonabrasive surface or glass cleaner, a nonabrasive sponge, and a microfiber cloth.

Removing the Stains

Quart countertops are highly stain-resistant. However, if you do notice a stain, you can simply use a water and soap solution to get rid of it.

In case the water and soap solution doesn’t work, you can use a glass cleaner along with a soft sponge to make your countertop look pristine.

Removing Stains from Stainless Steel Countertops

Utilitarian and practical stainless steel countertops are commonly found in professional kitchens.

However, despite their name, stainless steel countertops can still get unsightly stains. Here is how you can clean them.

Things You Will Need

To get rid of stains from stainless steel countertops, you need water, dish soap, stainless steel cleaner, microfiber cloth, and stainless steel cleaner.

Removing the Stains

Stainless steel countertops don’t require anything more than a regular cleaning with water and soap.

However, you still need to avoid scratching the surface and stay on top of streaks and fingerprints.

Simply use a cleaner developed specifically for stainless steel along with a microfiber cloth to buff them about.

Do not use steel wool or abrasive scrubbing pads, as they can scratch the surface.

To remove tough stains from stainless steel countertops, apply a paste of baking soda and dish soap on the stained area.

Rinse with a moist cloth and then buff dry while moving in the direction of the grain.

Removing Stains from Concrete Countertops

Long-lasting and durable, concrete is robust and highly resistant to stains if you seal it yearly.

Moreover, it’s heat-safe, and if you’re a savvy DIYer, you can even make your own concrete countertop.

Things You Will Need

For cleaning concrete countertops, you will need warm water, dish soap, rubbing alcohol, along with a dish sponge and a microfiber cloth.

Removing the Stains

For regular cleaning, simply use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to clean away residue or stuck-on spills.

Then, rinse with warm water and dry it up with a clean microfiber cloth.

If you wish to disinfect a sealed concrete kitchen countertop, add ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol to 2 cups of water in a spray bottle.

Spray the solution and allow it to sit for five to ten minutes. Then wipe with a clean moist cloth and dry completely.

Removing Stains from Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a natural, nonporous stone and is highly resistant to scratches and stains.

Nevertheless, regular use can result in stains that might be tough to remove.

Things You Will Need

The things you need to remove stains from soapstone include a multipurpose cleaner, mineral oil, fine-grit sandpaper, and microfiber cloths.  

Removing the Stains

You can remove most of the stains on soapstone using a multipurpose cleaner.

However, for tough stains and scratches, you need to use very fine sandpaper.

Make sure you don’t use sandpaper rougher than 80 grit.

Once you have cleaned the surface with sandpaper, apply mineral oil.

Wrapping It Up!

In most cases, the best technique to clean kitchen countertops is using warm water and dish soap and wiping with a clean microfiber cloth.

Nevertheless, depending on the kind of material you’re working with, you might have to follow particular instructions to get the results you want.

Regardless of what type of kitchen countertop you have at home, these cleaning tips will allow you to make your kitchen surface look clean and pristine.

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