Next you need to determine what caused the stain so that you can apply the correct materials to remove it.
Ring stain on granite countertop.
Granite countertops also don t like it when you use something like windex on them because it strips the seal off of the stone.
But one thing about granite countertops is that if they are not sealed with a quality granite countertop sealer they become prone to staining.
Removing stains from granite countertops can be both a challenge and a puzzle at the same time.
Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough.
Apply household detergent mineral spirits acetone ammonia or bleach to the stain and clean gently.
Use a wet sponge.
To remove the stains you will need to lift them out of the stone with a special formula or poultice.
And of course more lightly colored granite is more likely to show stains than darker colors so if you have a white or other pale colored granite countertop it s important to be extra vigilant.
Oil based stains caused by oils grease cosmetics and milk will darken the granite countertop.
How to remove oil based stains on granite countertops.
Water rings on granite are particularly common as water on a cooler glass will form condensation and result in a circle of moisture on the counter.
This happens when water pools or drips onto a granite counter and is left there to dry.
Sometimes lifting a soap ring is as easy as leaving a wet sponge on top of the stain for a couple of days.
You re looking at an iron oxide rust stain in a granite countertop that could be millions of years old.
In order to remove a stain you need to ensure that it is indeed a stain and not damage to the stone.
Courtesy of tim carter tim carter.
However one issue people can have with their granite countertops is water staining.
Hence a granite countertop does not soak up as much spills or oils as other countertops do.
If you are trying to remove an old stain create a dense paste of more baking soda and less water.
In my opinion it s not a defect.