The Kitchen Essential That Can Remove Stains From Your Granite Countertop

If you chose granite countertops for their durability and easy maintenance but still managed to stain your countertops, you are not alone. Although granite countertops are pretty stain-resistant, even in lighter colors, they are not fully immune to stains. Granite countertops are protected by a sealant that can wear down over time and allow substances, like grease, to penetrate, reach the stone, and stain it. Going too long without resealing is one of the things you should never do if you have granite countertops, but if you realized too late that your seal may be compromised, don't worry. Your countertops can still be saved. Granite stains can be treated fairly easily, and you likely already have the common cooking ingredient that will help you do so.

The surprisingly effective kitchen essential that can cut through stains on your countertops is cornstarch. Cornstarch is highly absorbent, and it will soak up grease from your countertop, removing the stain. This property also means there are plenty of ingenious ways to use cornstarch around the house. 

To remove grease stains, start by gently wiping the area with a microfiber cloth. Then, sprinkle cornstarch over the stain until it is completely covered and leave it alone for about 15 minutes. For an acid-based stain, follow the same steps but mist the area with distilled water before sprinkling the cornstarch. Also, cover the cornstarch with plastic wrap and leave it overnight. After the required time, gently wipe away the cornstarch before washing the area with a microfiber cloth, dish soap, and warm water. Finally, rinse the area and reveal a stain-free countertop. For persistent stains, repeat the process. 

While the cornstarch method is pretty tried-and-true and often recommended by countertop professionals, there are some things to know before trying it out. The most important thing to remember is that cornstarch can be abrasive and scratch the surface of granite countertops. For this reason, some advise against using it on granite. If you are careful to wipe the cornstarch away with a soft, gentle cloth and avoid pushing it into the surface as you wipe it, there should be minimal abrasions, if there are any at all. If you are worried about further damage, consider hiring a professional who can properly restore your granite for between about $4 and $10 per square foot.

Reapplying sealant to your granite countertops is an important way to avoid future stains and one of many tips and tricks to make your granite countertops shine. A professional can get the job done for between $200 and $700. DIYers can also reseal their countertops fairly easily, though. 

Start by wiping the counter to remove debris, cleaning the granite thoroughly with mild soap and warm water, and wiping it down again with a dry cloth. Then, while wearing protective gloves, spray the entire surface using a stone sealer. Be sure to follow the directions on the bottle, but you will likely leave it for about 15 minutes before wiping away excess liquid and leaving the sealer for 24 hours to set completely. You may also need to repeat the process a few times to get the best possible stain-preventing results.