What Causes White Stain On Granite

Even a completely sealed granite countertop can stain if a spill is left to sit for long enough.

What causes white stain on granite.

The minerals in hard water cause a different kind of stain on granite. Not caused by the stone absorbing an agent but rather caused by damage to the surface. Black or dark colored granite can develop a white haze over the surface from hard water mineral deposits. Some examples of things that might cause these stains are toilet bowl cleaner or spilled white vinegar.

Hair dyes colored toiletries paint and stain pigments the colorants contained in chemicals when spilled on granite will seep into the granite s pores and discolor the surface. When hard water sits on a granite surface and dries it leaves a visible mineral deposit that often creates white rings especially around faucets. A change in the natural chemical makeup of the stone. Many cases of granite discolorations are simple stains that are easy to remove.

Start by determining the source of the stain. Make sure to only add a small amount of rubbing alcohol as too much may damage your granite. Soft liquid cleanser with bleach household detergent ammonia mineral spirits or acetone. A thorough cleaning with mild detergent followed by a light coat of olive or mineral oil.

Food and beverage spills especially that of greasy foods and cooking oils can stain a granite surface over time. What should you stay away from using. The porous granite soaks colors and dyes often resulting in stains after lots of use or exposure to some fluids or objects such as oil based cosmetics food colored drinks and metal objects. If you have a light water stain that is caused by condensation you can often remove it using a mixture of mild dish soap warm water and a small amount of rubbing alcohol.

And of course more lightly colored granite is more likely to show stains than darker colors so if you have a white or other pale colored granite countertop it s important to be extra vigilant.