How to Remove Yellow Stains From My Countertop

Avoid harsh cleaning products that may stain countertops.

Yellow stains on a countertop create an unsightly eye sore. Treatment for these stains varies, depending on the countertop material, as well as the source of the stain. Food stains, such as mustard, oil or juice, are fairly simple to remove. Chlorine bleach, found in many household cleaning products, may stain plastic laminates or stone countertops over time, according to Michigan State University Extension; these stains are probably permanent.

Things You'll Need

• Paper towels
• 1/8 cup 20 percent hydrogen peroxide
• 6 drops ammonia
• 2 cups cornstarch
• Clean cloths
• 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol
• 1/4 cup vinegar
• 1/4 cup water
• Bowl
• 1/4 cup chlorine bleach

Instructions

Stone Counters

1. Pour hydrogen peroxide and ammonia onto a folded paper towel. Place the paper towel on organic stains such as tea, mustard stains or fruit juice.

2. Lift the paper towel after two hours. If the stain is gone, wipe the surface clean with a damp cloth. Otherwise, return the paper towel to the surface for another two hours.

3. Sprinkle cornstarch on oil, butter or hand lotion stains. Wait 10 minutes and scrape the solution off. Sprinkle more cornstarch on the stain to completely cover it and wait 24 hours. Remove the cornstarch.

4. Moisten a clean cloth with ammonia and wipe the countertop. Rinse again with a cloth dampened with clean water.

Plastic Laminates

1. Pour rubbing alcohol on a food stain to cover it. Wait five minutes and wipe with a damp cloth.

2. Mix water and vinegar in a bowl. Pour on the stain and wait one minute. Rinse with clear water and dry.

3. Pour full-strength bleach on the stain. Wait one minute and rinse well to remove the bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe up spills immediately to avoid staining and check with the manufacturer before using household cleaners containing bleach.

• Do not mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or vinegar. Toxic gases may result.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Marble Stain Removal
• Michigan State University Extension: Removing Stains Plastic Laminate

Resources

• Michigan State University: Cleaning on a Shoestring