Granite is well-known for its toughness and resistance to stains. Despite its popularity as a material for countertops and other pieces of furniture in the home, it is not completely stain-resistant. But what is the most common cause of granite staining?
The reason behind stains on your granite is its microscopic holes that allow liquids to absorb and discolor the surface. Granite is one of the least porous natural stones, which is fortunate, and it won’t stain if adequately sealed. However, the seal on your granite counter will erode over time, leaving it vulnerable to stains.
It’s critical to realize that all granite and other natural stones exhibit this characteristic. Improper cleaning, such as not properly removing food and beverage spills or residue from cooking smoke, chips away at the color and clarity of the granite over time. As a result, when compared to when it was first put, the granite’s surface darkens dramatically.
Why Does Granite Stain?
To ensure that your granite is well-kept, you should watch out for these daily items.
Water
Granite is not stain-resistant and does not resist water staining. Dark areas may appear if your granite counters are frequently exposed to water.
If you’re unsure about your seal’s quality, pour 3 inches of water on the surface of your granite and let it sit for 30 minutes. Ensure you do this in multiple places because the seal’s integrity may vary from one spot to the next. The stone is sealed correctly if the water beads.
If already penetrated, it’s time to reseal the stone—look for a black mark or ring made by the water. Before sealing any stone surfaces, look for etching and stains. You’ll want to address these issues before applying the granite sealer.
More reading: How To Care For Granite Countertops
Wine, Vinegar, Coffee, and Tea
Natural pigments called anthocyanins can be found in a variety of plants and fruits. Chemically, these easily react with the molecular structure of granite surfaces. If you spill wine on your granite, expect a black stain if you don’t wipe it straight away.
With a good granite cleaner, you can easily remove those surface stains, such as those that occur on a thick seal. However, deeper stains that penetrate the pores are more challenging to remove, and they’re more prone to happen when the stone surface isn’t well-sealed.
White wine can also stain granite, though you may not notice it right away. Try placing a paper towel, cotton balls, or a white terry cloth towel soaked in liquid bleach on the affected area. Wait for 24 hours before rinsing with water.
Oil
Whether caused by vegetable oil in the kitchen or synthetic oil in the bathroom, these stains can quickly grow into dark areas. Make a thick paste with baking soda and water, enough to cover the entire stain, and let it sit for 24 hours to remove oil stains from granite. Rinse with water to remove any leftover paste before applying a new coat of sealant.
Cleaning up spills as soon as they happen would be the best way to keep your granite counters stain-free. However, even a properly sealed granite piece can discolor if a spill stays long enough. Also, of course, lighter-colored granite is more susceptible to staining than darker granite. So, if you have a white or another light-colored granite, you need to be particularly cautious.
It’s just as crucial to keep your granite pieces looking new as it is to seal them. So, read here to learn how to bring back granite countertops back to life.
Conclusion
Any liquid put over granite will frequently remain on the surface for several minutes. If the liquid isn’t sealed, it will soak into the granite pores and dry out in 15-20 minutes.
The liquid left on the counter can sometimes seep in and leave a stain. Even if this occurs, the stain will not necessarily be permanent. A topically applied paste that pulls out any moisture from the stone can most of the time remove it.
You’ll never have to worry about water rings, transient dark patches, or stains if you protect your granite properly every year. Don’t worry, if you have any further issues, we’ve got you covered.
Quintal’s Granite & Marble Inc.
408-295-8233
1775 Monterey Rd #64a, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
