Stone countertops are an increasingly popular and common kitchen and bathroom counter material. Cleaning stone counters is easy provided that you use the right materials ito avoid damaging the stone.
Supplies to Use
Several different kinds of stone are commonly used for home countertops including soapstone, granite, marble and slate. While it can be tempting to purchase fancy and expensive stone cleaning solvents, the truth is that you can use items that are found in almost any home kitchen to remove stains and spills. Vinegar, baking soda and mild liquid soap are all popular and work extremely well.
Method 1: Baking Soda Poultice
- Make a poultice by mixing water or vinegar with baking soda and spread it over the stain.
- Let the area dry and then use a soft cloth to remove the poultice.
- This should pull the stain up and remove it. For deep stains, it may be necessary to repeat this process several times.
Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide Pad
- If you are attempting to remove stains made by wine, ink, tobacco or other organics, soak a paper towel in hydrogen peroxide and lay it over the stained area.
- Press the paper towel pad firmly over the area and leave it in place for several hours.
Materials to Avoid
Because it is easy to damage stone countertops, do not use cleansers that have a highly acidic base or which are extremely abrasive. Cleaners that have bleach can be damaging to stone countertops, particularly if they have a polished finish.
