I just moved into a home that we’re renovating. I need to know how to remove stains from granite countertops and wallpaper. Is there a way I can clean the stone myself without hiring a professional service?
Yolanda Bard, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Congratulations on the new home and I hope the renovation goes smoothly. You can find lots of tips on how to remove stains from granite countertops and wallpaper on this page. In the meantime, here is a quick summary to help you clean your stone surfaces without damaging them.
To begin, try simply washing the granite with mild soap to see if that takes care of the problem. Use a pH neutral cleaner or gentle dish liquid in warm water. This solution also works for how to clean slate floors.
When you clean quartz and stone countertops, it is wise to wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth because microfiber removes grime without scratching or leaving bits of fabric behind. This can also be an effective homemade wall cleaner and a great solution for all types of grime found throughout your home.
If that doesn’t remove the stains, try these natural ideas using ingredients you probably already have at home. For oily stains, apply a paste of baking soda and mild soap. Let that sit on the spots for as long as it takes, even up to a day or more. If you can cover it with plastic wrap, that may help keep it moist and let it do a better job of stain removal.
On the other hand, if the stain is water-based, simply swap one ingredient. Instead of water as natural granite cleaner, use hydrogen peroxide along with the baking soda and mild soap. Again, let this paste work overnight if needed. Be careful of using peroxide on dark surfaces. Since it is a bleaching agent, it may stain the surface.
If you get a glue stain on your granite counter, a little extra effort may be necessary to unstick the adhesive. To remove super glue from granite, start with soap and water, then use the baking soda paste and soap remedy. If there is still some glue remaining, add the peroxide to the paste. Try to flick the edges of super glue up with your fingers.
Although you may need to repeat the process to completely remove the stains, it should work. And to prevent damage to the granite, don’t give in to using harsh cleansers. Avoid bleach, ammonia, and vinegar or your counter may be left with damage that no cleaning can remove.
To conclude, you may want to reseal the granite so that stains don’t soak into it in the future. The article I mentioned explains how to do that, too.
Joan