Countertops are important for preparing food or meals. Countertops are prone to showing some neglect. It can lead to staining as a result of coffee, oil, or food coloring spills. Removing stains effectively will help keep your countertops beautiful. But how to remove stains from kitchen countertops? There are so many ways to do it. But you have to understand when to do what. In this guide, we will explain everything. So you become a pro at cleaning the countertop and keep it shining.
How to Remove Stains from Kitchen Countertops: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
Before getting to the stains, make sure your workstation is ready.
- Clear the Counter: Get rid of small stack appliances or dishes. So you can clean the space thoroughly.
- Wipe the Surface: Use warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap to clean the countertop. This helps remove any surface dirt and reveals the stain more clearly.
- Dry with a Cloth: Use a towel (that is not dirty) to dry the entire area.
It will help you identify the stain’s type and take the right action against it.
Step 2: Determine the Type of Stain
As you can understand, different stains need different approaches. It is vital to assess what kind of stain it is:
- Oil-Based Stains: These come from butter, cooking oil, or greasy food. They often darken porous surfaces like granite or marble.
- Water-Based Stains: Juice, coffee, wine, and sauces fall into this category. These stains are usually colorful and sit more on the surface.
- Chemical Stains: Harsh cleaners, acidic substances like lemon juice, or bleach can leave marks, especially on natural stone.
Knowing the cleaning method will depend on what type of cleaning is safest.
Step 3: Start with the gentlest cleaning Technique
Always be sure to start with the least aggressive cleaning solution and work your way up if needed. The supplies listed below can help with this:
Required Material:
- Liquid dish soap
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide (depending on the stain type)
- White vinegar
- Soft cloths, microfiber towels
- Safety goggles (if using chemicals)
How to Remove Stains from Kitchen Countertops: DIY Methods
Baking Soda With Water Paste
For light stains on non-porous countertops like quartz or laminate:
- Combine 3 parts of baking soda and 1 part water to create a thick paste.
- Apply the paste directly onto the stain and allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes. Scrub gently with a soft-bristle brush and cloth.
- Wash with a damp cloth and dry.
Using vinegar and baking soda (fizzy cleaner)
- For deeper and tougher stains on hard surfaces but not natural stone:
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain.
- Now, spray vinegar over the baking soda. It should fizz and bubble.
- Wait 10-15 minutes and scrub lightly. Wipe away the mixture with a damp cloth.
Note: Do not use vinegar on marble, granite or limestone as its acidity makes the surface etch.
Applying a Poultice for Stains That Just Won’t Budge
A poultice is a mixture of paste that lifts stains from porous surfaces such as granite or marble.
Here’s How you Use it:
- Combine baking soda (or talcum powder) with water or hydrogen peroxide till the consistency is a thick paste.
- Cover the stain with the paste, applying it generously.
- Let it sit for 24 hours.
- Remove the plastic and scrape off the paste with a plastic putty knife.
- Use a damp piece of cloth to wipe the area and rinse it.
If there is still a mark, repeat the procedure. If the stain is oil-based, use a degreasing cleaner or acetone in place of hydrogen peroxide (ensure to be cautious).
Organic Stains- Hydrogen Peroxide Method
Use hydrogen peroxide for coffee, wine, or food stains on light-colored stone countertops:
- Get a clean piece of cloth and soak it in hydrogen peroxide (3 per cent solution).
- Cover it with the stain as well.
- Give a break for about 10-15 minutes. You have to stay for an hour if the stains are darker.
- When the timer goes off, clean the area with a damp cloth and dry the area thoroughly afterwards.
Note: Hydrogen peroxide is a mild bleaching agent. So, do not use it on dark stones unless you have tested an inconspicuous spot.
Commercial Countertop Stain Removers
If DIY methods don’t work, commercial products designed for countertops are another great option.
- Choose products specific to your countertop type (granite, quartz, laminate, marble).
- Always read the label instructions and wear gloves when working with chemicals.
- Test in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the main stain.
Some effective brands include:
- StoneTech Stain Remover
- Bar Keepers Friend (for durable surfaces only)
- Weiman Quartz & Stone Cleaners
Avoid abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, as these can scratch or dull the surface.
Note: Do not use coarse cleaning products or abrasive pads. They will scratch the surface and leave it looking hazy and dull.
Additional Cleaning Tips by Countertop Type
Granite and Marble:
- Avoid any acidic products such as lemon juice or vinegar.
- Utilise ph-neutral stone cleaners.
- Natural stone surfaces should be sealed regularly to avoid preemptive staining.
Quartz:
- Avoid strong alkaline or acidic cleaners.
- Stick to mild soap, water, and a soft cloth.
- Don’t use abrasive scrubbers.
Laminate:
- Easy to clean with soap and water.
- Avoid soaking the edges—moisture can cause warping.
- Baking soda and vinegar work well for most surface stains.
Butcher Block:
- Sand light stains gently.
- Use a lemon juice and salt scrub for tough spots.
- Re-oil regularly to maintain protection.
A mark on a kitchen countertop is annoying. It is of utmost importance to recognize the kitchen countertop stain first, then clean. Both natural DIY solutions and commercial cleaning products can be used. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine and responding quickly to spills will keep your counters looking great.