How to Prevent Countertop Stains

How To Prevent Countertop Stains
How To Prevent Countertop Stains

So, you’ve decided to redo the look of your kitchen. You’ve had your cabinets redone, you’ve picked out a beautiful wallpaper, and now, you’re ready to choose the perfect countertops to compliment your new design scheme.

The only problem?

With your family (and penchant for messes) you’re worried about countertop stains.

Whether you go with a quartz, granite countertop, or another material altogether?

This post will show you how to keep it looking just as beautiful as the day it was first installed.

Invest In The Right Material

One of the best ways to prevent countertop stains from ruining the look of your beautiful kitchen?

First, make sure you’re investing in countertop material that’s resistant to staining in the first place!

You need to look for material that’s durable, easy to clean, and won’t become easily discolored because of an accidental spill.

So, which types of countertops are the best for cooks that have been known to be a little bit messier than most?

Granite is an excellent choice here. It’s heat resistant, meaning that if you set down a grimy, hot pan on it, you won’t see a stain in the form of a ring. Unlike marble, granite can also stand up to both lemon juice and vinegar.

If you choose marble countertops, be aware that sometimes the acidity in popular cleaning products and foods like the ones above can cause sudden discoloration and staining.

Another type of material that’s inherently resistant to countertop stains?

Quartz.

This is because quartz has a non-porous surface, which means that liquids, sauces, and whatever else you spill won’t be able to get down into it and leave their mark.

So, especially if you’re in a house with children or a clumsy chef, we suggest going with either granite or quartz countertops.

Plus, quartz is also an incredibly popular design trend. If you want to be “in the know,” it’s a great material for your countertops!

How To Treat Stains On Different Types Of Countertops

Now, let’s discuss a few of the best ways to treat countertop stains, depending on the material your countertops are made from.

Keep in mind that the most important thing here is to tackle the stain as quickly as possible. Don’t give it any time to set or soak into the countertop. Even if you have a more stain-resistant material, you don’t want to have to use more elbow grease than is necessary.

Finally, especially if you’re trying out harsher chemical cleaners, always do a test patch on your countertops to prevent any discoloration from happening.

If You Have Granite Countertops

Because granite countertops are stain resistant already, they’re incredibly easy to wipe clean. In most cases, all that you’ll need is a few squirts of dish soap on a sponge and a bucket of water.

However, for tougher countertop stains, you might have to get a bit more creative.

The first option is to mix about one cup of unbleached flour with four tablespoons of dish soap. Once you’ve mixed the soap and flour, add about half a cup of water slowly. Keep mixing the whole time, and stop when it’s a texture similar to yogurt.

Leave this mixture on the spot and cover it with plastic. Let it sit for about 24 hours, and then rinse with soap and water.

You can also make a mixture out of about three tablespoons of baking soda and a little bit of water (again, so that it’s the same consistency of sour cream.) As with the earlier option, leave this on for about 24 hours for the best results.

Both of these homemade solutions are eco-friendly and pack a serious punch!

If You Have Quartz/Stone Countertops

When it comes to preventing and cleaning stains on quartz countertops?

You also have lots of options.

While quartz is known for its durability — especially when it comes to being resistant to scratches — you still want to ensure you’re avoiding harsh cleaning agents whenever possible.

Not only is this better for your health. It’s also a great way to save some cash.

As with granite countertops, soap and water will usually work best when it comes to removing lighter stains. (Remember to use a sponge that’s as gentle as possible on your countertops — no scrubbing side required.)

However, if you weren’t able to catch the stain fast enough?

First, try making your own cleaning solution out of one part white vinegar and two parts water, shaken up in a spray bottle.

If that doesn’t do the trick, don’t panic. You should “spot treat” the stain as you would on a granite countertop.

This time, you’ll need some unbleached flour and some hydrogen peroxide. Mix these two items together until you have a paste that’s about the same consistency as your favorite brand of peanut butter.

Then, place the mixture on the stain, and let sit for at least twelve hours.

When you wake up, remove it and the stain should be gone!

Don’t Let Countertop Stains Ruin Your New Kitchen

If you’re in the process of updating the look of your kitchen, the countertops you choose is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.

Don’t let your new investment go to waste by staining it a few months after the installation.

Instead, use these tips to both prevent and treat stains.

Looking for more kitchen countertop advice? Want to browse through our collection of materials and stone?

Feel free to check out our website and blog for both design and installation assistance.

When you’re ready to create your dream kitchen, get in touch with us.