Water stains are one of the most common sources of stains on granite countertops and they generally occur in two forms.
Water spots on granite.
Because of this hard water stains are more difficult to treat than regular water stains as they leave behind a mineral deposit.
The water spots are likely etch marks in the granite sealer left on the surface.
Removing water stains from granite typically involves the use of a poultice.
This is a solution that can be created by a mixture of baking soda and 3 percent hydrogen peroxide.
Once you have tested your granite then apply a small amount of bar keepers friend to a microfiber cloth.
The real baddies here are hard water stains.
Hard water is water that has a high mineral content.
Water stains happen when unsealed granite surfaces absorb water that s been sitting on it for too long.
If it is in fact water and not an acidic liquid like wine it will dry and evaporate.
A soft cloth a sharp razor blade granite cleaner gloves denatured alcohol dish wash detergent water baking soda white vinegar paper towels.
Once this happens apply the solution to the stain.
Mix these ingredients in a bowl until it forms a thick paste.
You shouldn t have to scrub hard.
This happens when water pools or drips onto a granite counter and is left there to dry.
This type of stain may cause your granite to look darker or lighter in the area that has been exposed to too much moisture.
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.
The minerals in hard water cause a different kind of stain on granite.
When hard water sits on a granite surface and dries it leaves a visible mineral deposit that often creates white rings especially around faucets.
However one issue people can have with their granite countertops is water staining.
Now simple water stains shouldn t be much of a problem since they will evaporate quickly thus leaving the stone without causing any visual damage.
Once the sealer is stripped off the surface your water marks should be gone and the surface back to normal.
Just about 20 seconds of light rubbing and then wash and wipe up the bar keepers powder.
A hard water stain will often appear as a white ring commonly around faucets.
Clean the area with stone care international cleaner allow the stone to dry for at least 12 hours conduct a water test in sections of the stone where you used the poultice powder seal the cleaned area and any other area without beading water test again one day later.
If the stain is removed.
The first and easiest to clean is a simple water stain that forms around the bottom of a glass or other container that sits on the countertop for too long or water droplets that do not evaporate quickly.
Hard water stains are the result of hard water buildup on your granite countertop.