QA

Question: How To Clean Hard Water Stains Off Granite Countertops

While it’s not generally wise to use abrasive cleaners on your natural stone countertops, you can safely treat stubborn hard water stains with a paste of baking soda and water. Simply apply it to the affected area and scrub it with a soft-bristled brush, then rinse with water and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Will vinegar remove hard water stains on granite?

Regularly cleaning your granite with vinegar is not a good idea. This liquid is acidic and may damage the sealers on the surface. Rubbing alcohol is a good substitute for removing hard water deposits and useful for spot cleaning.

Can you use CLR on granite?

Can I use CLR on my granite countertop? We do not recommend using our CLR Pro Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover on granite, however, our CLR Pro Bath & CLR Pro Kitchen Cleaners are safe on granite.

How do you get water marks off granite?

To remove water spots, wash the stain with a gentle detergent and water; use a soft bristled brush to scrub lightly. Rinse with clean water and dry. For slightly more stubborn stains, make a paste of baking soda and water, or talc with a diluted solution of ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide.

How do you remove mineral deposits from granite?

Cut the mineral deposit away from the surface of the granite with a flat utility knife if the deposit is superficial, such as scaling. Use gentle pressure and scrape the granite surface with the edge of the blade flatly aligned with the surface.

Is it OK to clean granite with vinegar?

Steer clear of vinegar, which can dull the granite and weaken the sealant—though there are plenty of other ways to clean with vinegar around the house! Also, avoid abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the stone. Wipe the entire surface once to clean it.

Can I use lime away on granite?

LIME-A-WAY® is not recommended for use on stone. The active ingredient within the formulation dissolves minerals; many of which are within surfaces such as marble and granite. Vinyl or any other form of plastic can be easily damaged by the ingredient within the formulation.

Can you use vinegar and water to clean granite countertops?

Vinegar on granite is a big no-no. This liquid, along with other acids in the kitchen such as lemon juice, soda pop or ammonia are very acidic and can etch your lovely granite countertops. Vinegar on granite can cause it to lose its shine, dull and etch over time, diminishing the beauty of this natural stone.

Does water permanently stain granite?

Sealed granite countertops are much less likely to absorb water, however if water is left on your countertop for long periods of time, it can cause a darker spot. If your water has a high mineral content, it can leave a hard water stain on your granite, especially around a leaky faucet.

Why does my granite show water marks?

Hard Water Stains: When hard water is allowed to sit and dry on a granite surface, it will leave a visible mineral deposit often in the form of white rings. This is especially common around sink fixtures or anywhere water containers are set down without a coaster.

Can baking soda damage granite?

Baking soda is a really wonderful ingredient that is extremely useful for removing stains from granite without damaging the surface with harsh and abrasive chemicals.

What cleans calcium build up on granite?

To deep clean limescale build-up, use a single-edge razor blade and gently shave the surface of the stone (it won’t harm the stone) or a stone-safe, non-scratch scrubbing pad to scrape away the limescale. When using a single-edge razor to remove limescale, soak the surface with Granite Gold Daily Cleaner.

What is the best homemade cleaner for granite?

Pour one-half cup of rubbing alcohol, one-half teaspoon of dish soap, and one-and-a-half cups of warm water into the spray bottle. The disinfecting properties of alcohol, coupled with the de-greasing powers of dish soap, will deliver a one-two punch to banish bacteria and grime from the granite surface.

Can I use hydrogen peroxide on granite?

Mix baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and warm water in a bowl until there is a thick paste. Though commonly used as a wound disinfectant, hydrogen peroxide also works wonders on your granite tops. A solution of hydrogen peroxide removes stains without bleaching or discoloring your countertops.

Can I use Clorox wipes on granite?

You should avoid using acid-based cleaners — lemon, orange, vinegar or bleach-based — on granite. That means those Clorox disinfecting wipes (which contain citric acid) that make cleanup so easy are actually quite bad for your granite’s seal.

How do you remove limescale from granite countertops?

Limescale is mainly calcium carbonate, which can be easily dissolved by mild, food-safe acids like kitchen vinegar or lemon juice.

What should you not clean granite countertops with?

Rock Doctor suggests that you avoid the following on your granite countertops: Ammonia. Bleach. Vinegar. Grout cleaners. Bath tile cleaners. Orange, lemon, or other citrus cleaners. Glass cleaners. Hydrogen peroxide.

How do you get the shine back on granite countertops?

Using dish soap or other soap-based cleaners to clean your countertops will result in a film that makes surfaces look dull. It’s an easy fix, though. Simply get a quality soap film remover to get the shine back. High mineral content in your water (hard water) can also result in a dulling buildup on your countertops.

How do you get stains out of white granite?

Create a cleaning solution of one cup of cold water and one cup of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. The alcohol breaks down the oily stain and is safe for your granite. Wipe the surface down afterward with the soap and water solution.

Is Windex safe for granite?

Frequent use of vinegar, Windex or bleach will dull the granite and weaken the sealant. Instead, a little soap and water should do the trick. Avoid using abrasive pads, as granite can be scratched.