How to Remove Stains on Countertops

Spills and splatters cause many countertop stains.

The cleanliness of your countertops affects the entire kitchen. Clutter, grime and stains draw attention from attractive decor and make an otherwise clean kitchen look dirty. Stains on countertops are a common occurrence because of contact with grease, food and beverages. You can successfully remove stains to keep your countertops looking clean. Tackle the stain with supplies and techniques that are safe for the material in your countertops and effective for removing the stain.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• Natural stone cleaner
• Clean cloths
• Bowl
• 1/4 cup talcum powder
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Mineral spirits
• Spoon
• Sponge
• Dish washing detergent
• White vinegar
• Baking soda

Instructions

Natural Stone Countertops

1. 

   Keep paper towels on hand to remove spills quickly.

   Lay a paper towel over the stain matter on your natural stone countertop. Absorb any stain liquid. Discard the paper towel.

2. Apply a nickel-sized amount of natural stone cleaner to a clean cloth. Gently rub the surface to remove the stain. Rinse with a damp cloth before drying with another cloth.

3. Treat stain material that's absorbed into the stone by making a poultice. Pour 1/4 cup of talcum powder into a bowl. For nongreasy organic, food or beverage stains, add enough hydrogen peroxide to make a peanut butter-like poultice. Use mineral spirits in place of the peroxide for oil-based stains.

4. Mix the poultice with a spoon.

5. Smear the poultice over the remaining stain. Cover the stain with a 1/2-inch thick layer of poultice. Allow the poultice to dry overnight. As the poultice dries, it draws out the stain.

6. Remove the dried poultice from the countertop. Wipe the surface clean with natural stone cleaner. Rinse the countertop with a damp cloth before drying.

Laminate Countertops

1. 

   Wring out the sponge to avoid too much moisture on the countertop.

   Moisten a clean sponge with water. Squeeze the sponge to remove excess moisture.

2. Place two to three drops of dish washing detergent on the sponge. Wipe the laminate countertop to remove the stain.

3. Treat remaining stains on the countertop by dampening a clean cloth with white vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda over the cloth to act as a safe abrasive.

4. Scrub the stained area with the vinegar and baking soda mixture. Rinse the countertop with a damp cloth to remove baking soda residue. Dry it with another cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Natural stone is porous, and liquid stains absorb quickly. Protect your countertop with coasters and place mats to prevent the absorption of stains.

• Purchase natural stone cleaner at your hardware store.

• Apply an appropriate kitchen appliance wax to your laminate countertops once every month or two to protect the surface from stains.

• Abrasive cleansers can permanently scratch countertop surfaces, causing stain material to collect in the tiny scratches.

References

• Marble Institute of America: Natural Stone Care and Cleaning: Making and Using a Poultice
• Housekeeping Channel; Removing Stains From Stone, Tile and Concrete; Fred Hueston; October 2004
• "This Old House"; How to Remove Spots From Kitchen Countertops; Louise Jarvis
• Michigan State University Extension; Cleaning Plastic Laminate Counters; Anne Field; June 2003
• Ask the Builder; Plastic Laminate Care Tips; Tim Carter
• Mrs. Clean: Cleaning Laminate Floors

Resources

• "Consumer Reports": Countertop Guide: Types of Countertops