Granite Kitchen Countertops in Toronto Homes: How to Keep Them Clean

A granite countertop is the ultimate great kitchen centrepiece, adding a touch of timeless elegance. Its durable and lustrous surface not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your kitchen but also provides a sturdy and reliable workspace. That is why it is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials and is prized for its beauty.

While it is extremely durable, granite is also porous, just like other natural stones. Common kitchen substances like cooking oil, coffee, and hard water can seep into your beautiful granite countertop. This can leave stains, which will lead to discolouration and limescale on your Toronto home’s granite kitchen countertop .

Are your beautiful granite countertops getting ruined by stains? Here, we discuss how to get rid of their different types of stains.

Let’s get started.

Ways to Remove Stains from the Granite Countertop in Your Toronto Home

We recommend having the following items on hand to care for countertops-

• Gentle liquid dish soap
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Baking soda
• Sponges and microfiber cloths
• Acetone
• Cling wrap
• Rubbing alcohol

By using the aforementioned materials and the directions below, you can restore the natural beauty of your countertops.

1. Removing oil stains

You can remove a splash or a ring of cooking oil from your counter by using daily household materials.

• Mix a tablespoon of baking soda and a few drops of dishwashing liquid into a spreadable paste and apply it to the oil stain.
• Cover the stain area with a piece of cling film.
• Leave the mixture on the stain for at least an hour. If you find the spot stubborn, keep the paste there overnight.

You can mix baking soda with acetone for an extra stubborn oil stain. This is also a gentle cleaner but works better for difficult stains.

2. Getting rid of cooking grease stains

Just like oil, stains from bacon, duck fat, or butter can ruin your counter. To remove these stains, we recommend using baking soda.

• Mix baking soda with a small amount of water and turn that into a spreadable paste.
• Spread the paste all over the stain and secure that with a cling film. Leave this on overnight.
• The next morning, remove the cling film and wipe the paste with a soft, wet cloth or sponge.

You can also mix one part water with one part rubbing alcohol and store this mixture in a bottle. Spray it on grease stains, wipe it down with a microfiber cloth and air-dry the area to achieve a clean, stain-free counter.

3. Eliminating soap stains

Kitchen counters are high-traffic areas for soap residue. That’s why you need to pay regular attention to keep it free from soap stains.

• Leave a moistened sponge on the stain overnight. We recommend this as the first good option for soap stain removal.
• If it is a difficult stain, mix acetone and baking soda to form a paste.
• Spread this over the stain and cover it with a cling film. Leave this mixture overnight or until the baking soda is dry.
• Wipe it off with a damp paper towel.

4. Washing off coffee stains

Coffee stains on granite kitchen countertops are very common. To prevent this stain, we recommend using coasters at coffee time and wiping off any spillage as soon as possible.

• Mix warm water and dishwashing soap. Damp a soft cloth with this mixture and wash off the coffee stain.
• If you need a stronger solution for old coffee stains, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide.
• Apply the paste on the stain and cover it with a cling film. Leave it overnight.
• The next morning, wipe away the paste with a dry, soft cloth and restore the lustre of the granite countertop in your Toronto home’s kitchen.

 5. Wiping off water stains

Granite countertops in the kitchen often have water on them. This can dry out and leave splash marks, streaks, or rings.

Most water stains can be quickly removed by a mixture of water and a small amount of dishwashing liquid.

• Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid in warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with this mixture.
• Wipe away the stain with a damp cloth.
• Rinse it off and polish it dry with a microfiber cloth.

If you notice a chalky film on your counter, then it might be a hard water stain, a.k.a. limescale. Hard water contains higher amounts of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.

• Soak a microfiber towel in hot water and cover the stains with it for about fifteen minutes. This will loosen up the minerals.
• Then clean the area using a soft sponge to restore the beauty of the granite.

Keep Your Granite Counter in Top Condition Longer

Follow these additional tips to maintain the top condition of your granite counter:

• Always use a cutting board when chopping or slicing food to keep the counter scratch-free.
• Avoid drastic changes in temperature. Do not put food on it that is piping hot or frozen.
• Never use the granite countertops as a seat or a step to reach high cabinets. Excessive weight can crack the stone.

When you are trying to remove stains and maintain the elegance of granite countertops, avoid harsh and acidic chemicals, such as:

• Vinegar
• Ammonia
• Lemon juice
• Bleach

Using these items can harm the protective layer of granite and ruin its surface. This makes it progressively harder to maintain your countertop. (The same is applicable while taking care of marble countertops.)

From removing stubborn stains to choosing the right cleansing solutions, taking care of granite kitchen countertops in your Toronto home is simple. If properly maintained, the lustre of the countertops can last for a long time. If you are looking for the best stone solution for countertops in your Toronto home, contact us today.