How to remove hard water stains from granite countertops and keep them spotless and shining without using chemical cleaners?
Granite countertops are beautiful and add a lot of style to the kitchen but most varieties require some careful maintenance due to the porous nature of natural stone.
Hard water stains can be very unpleasant as they are visible and if not taken care of, they can ruin the beautiful look of your worktop. There are many ways to clean natural stone counters and keep them looking as brilliant as new. However harsh cleaning products can damage them so we shall give you some tips for homemade cleaning solutions.
How to remove hard water stains from granite countertops – general maintenance tips
How to remove hard water stains from granite countertops?
Like with most household questions, prevention is the best strategy. One of the first steps for protecting your worktops is sealing them. Make sure that you apply a sealer around the sink and faucet areas when you notice that the area gets darker after being wet. Re-seal the counters once or twice a year to prevent from staining. Do not let water sit around the faucets. Dry the area with paper towels or a cloth. This will prevent the buildup of lime which leads to stains with time.
You can make a simple test for the condition of the sealer – allow some drops of water to sit on the countertop surface for 10-15 minutes and if you notice that it is absorbed into the granite, this is a sign that the surface needs to be re-sealed.
How to remove hard water stains from granite countertops with homemade cleaners?
Hard water stains are caused by high mineral content and when water or a wet container like a glass or a vase sits on the countertop, the drops dry and the mineral deposits remain on the surface.
One of the ways to remove mineral deposits from your granite countertop is to treat it with a mild detergent. You need a soft bristled brush which will not damage the surface. Scrub the stains lightly, rinse with clean water and dry immediately.
Another homemade cleaning solution to eliminate spots from granite is the paste of baking soda and warm water. Apply it on the stains, let it sit for no more than 5 minutes and wipe the surface clean. Rinse with clean water and dry the surface.
Cleaning deposits manually will require a clean razor blade and a soft cloth. Carefully and gently scrape away the mineral residue from the surface of the countertop. Use caution not to gouge the countertop and wipe it with a clean damp cloth.
Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic cleaners, unless you are certain that such cleaners can be used on your countertop. They can damage the sealant and cause a bigger problem.
