Granite Countertops: Stains vs Etching

Granite countertops with stains and etchings aren't attractive. Renovating a home with granite countertops will often include having to either remove the granite countertops with stains and etchings or repair them. What causes stains and etchings in granite vary as do the ways that are needed to remove them. The information below will address the causes of granite countertop stains and etchings so that you can prevent them from happening. It will also address some ways that granite countertops with stains and etchings can be repaired.

Certain Foods

An obvious way to get stains on granite is with certain kinds of foods. This is usually caused by the acid found in the particular food. The most common food that causes granite countertops to get stains is tomato sauce. It contains a lot of acids that can eat away at the finish and then stain the granite underneath. Orange juice, lemons, and pineapple can also eat away at the finish and if left on the countertop for too long can etch the granite.

Cleaning Chemicals

Even though cleaning chemicals are created with granite countertops in mind that does not mean they are always safe. You have to be very careful when using any type of cleaning solution on the granite because granite is very expensive. Damage to the granite can cost hundreds to repair or replace. Granite countertops with stains can be damaged worse by using the wrong chemicals. Avoid using anything with synthetic cleaners or harsh chemicals like bleach. Bleach in high concentrations can eat away at the surface and cause it to etch. Select chemicals that are completely natural.

Avoid Scrubbing

When we try to clean granite countertops with stains we tend to use a scrub brush to do it. This can cause the stain to be removed but can also remove the finish. This depends on the brush as many of them can easily etch the granite. After the cleaning spray has been applied simply wait a few minutes for it to work then gently wipe it off with a paper towel. Only use a soft bristle brush to do any scrubbing on the granite countertops. Never use a wire brush or scouring pad.

No Rubber Feet

One of the easiest ways to stain granite countertops is by using appliances that have rubber feet. This is difficult considering most appliances these days come with them. We tend to slide appliances instead of picking them up and in doing so the rubber stains the granite. The easy fix is to remove the rubber feet and replace them with felt. You will be able to slide the appliances as much as you like without worrying about the granite getting scuffed up.

Heavy Objects

Getting etches in the granite countertop can easily be done by keeping heavy objects like mixers on top of it. If the rubber feet or felt happens to come off, moving the appliance can cause severe etching to occur. If you can keep heavy appliances in a cupboard do so to avoid damaging the countertop.