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Granite is one of the most durable and beautiful natural stones that you will find. However, because it is porous (like most natural stones), granite can stain. In general, granite resists stains better than many other countertop options. But granite can stain if you leave spills on the surface for too long, especially if your seal is not effective.
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How Can You Tell if Your Seal is Still Effective?
Granite countertops and other surfaces will require sealing. Sealing the stone helps to protect it against damages. With an effective seal, your granite is highly unlikely to stain. But a seal will weaken over time and need to be reapplied. One way that you can determine if your granite countertop or other surface needs to be re-sealed is to spill a small amount of water on a small area of the surface. After 10 minutes, if the water beads up, your seal is still effective. On the other hand, if the water penetrates the surface and leaves a dark spot, you need to re-seal your granite immediately.
How Do You Re-Seal a Granite Countertop?
The process of re-sealing a granite countertop (or backsplash, vanity top, etc.) is very simple. There are many sealant products on the market that are simple to use and the process will only take minutes of your time. Some sealers even come in spray bottles. Follow the instructions that come with your sealer to use the product effectively.
What Can Stain Granite?
Knowing what types of stains can cause significant damages can help you keep your granite in top shape. In general, any acidic substance will stain not just granite, but most types of natural stone. Below is a list of some general household substances that can stain granite:
- Orange juice
- Coffee
- Tomato sauce
- Grape juice
- Red wine
- Toothpaste
How Can You Treat Granite Stains?
If your granite becomes stained, it is not the end of the world. There are simple steps you can take to remove the stain. The best way to remove a stain from granite is by using a poultice. You can make this poultice by combining 1 cup of unbleached flour with 3 tablespoons of dish soap. Mix these together and add in a little water until you get a paste. Apply this paste to the stain and leave it covered in plastic wrap for 24 hours. After that, you can remove it and your stain should be all gone. If the stain is still there, you can try the process again.
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Review: How to Keep Your Granite in Good Shape
The table below will review some steps that you can take to keep your granite looking great.
Make sure that the stone is properly sealed |
Perform the water drop test periodically |
Re-seal the surface when needed (roughly once a year) |
Avoid acidic stains |
Wipe up any spills immediately |
Use a poultice to remove any stains |
Through taking some precautions, your granite surfaces can avoid stains and keep their high-quality looks for years to come. If your granite does become stained, treating it immediately is key. You do not want stains to set in, so acting quickly can help you avoid that. This guide will help you remember what steps you need to take to avoid stains and how to treat them if they do happen.