Yellow stain on Granite Countertop
Granite is an amazing material for interior design, it looks amazing when used as a kitchen countertop. The polished and glossy surface makes it ideal, it is relatively easy to clean and maintain. However, the material is prone to yellow stains, which can either be caused by food stains or the oxidation of a metal.
The yellow stain on granite countertops is completely removable if you apply the right solution, below will be a few of the causes of yellow stains on granite countertops as well as the best possible solution to remove the said stain.
Let’s get after it;
1. Metal Oxidation aka Rust
This is the most common cause of yellow staining of granite, in an environment where you constantly use water to cook and clean.
it is easy to forget that when the metal comes in contact with water in the presence of oxygen or other less naturally occurring substances like chemicals that have oxidizing properties such as bleach, it will make the metal oxidize or rust.
It may seem like a basic definition of “rust”, however, it is important to take note of this because this information will come in handy soon.
Solution
For oxidized yellow stains, generic cleaning methods may not suffice.
however, the first step is to use soap and water with a sponge to scrub the affected areas, then wipe with a dry clean towel.
If that does not work, the most surefire way to remove the stains completely would be to use a Poultice (A paste-like substance made from powder and liquid used for stain removal).
An example of a Poultice that will get the job done is the Lustro Italiano Stain Removal Powder,
it is relatively affordable and works wonders for granite and marble-related stains.
You can also DIY some poultices right in your kitchen if you have the right materials which I’ll get into in a minute.
Application
● As the name implies, the stain removal powder is true— yes you guessed it, a
powdered substance. You need to first mix the powder in a plastic container using
anything besides metal to stir the powder with some water until you get a semi-thick
paste-like consistency.
● Then spread a thin layer of the mixture over the yellow stained area (mix the amount that
will suffice, to avoid wastage).
● Then cover with a Saran Wrap or Plastic Wrap, sealing all the edges to prevent the
poultice from drying out too quickly, poke some holes in the Wrap to give it a little space
to breathe.
● Leave it to ‘marinate’ for 12-24 hours.
● Then remove the Saran Wrap and clean thoroughly, and wipe with a dry towel.
● The stain should be completely removed. Although, some stubborn stains may require a
couple of applications of the poultice to completely get rid of them.
For the homemade version, all you need is just 3 ingredients— Baking powder, lemon, and
hydrogen peroxide. Use the same method of application as mentioned above and it should yield
similar results, apply as many times as you need to completely get rid of the stains.
Prevention
The most effective way to prevent this from occurring or reoccurring would be to avoid leaving
your keys, keychains, or cutlery laying around for too long on your countertop, especially if you
regularly use bleach as a cleaning agent for your granite countertop. Always organize your
countertop to avoid unnecessary clusters.
2. Food Stains
Another common cause of stains on granite is food stains, not cleaning up afterward when you
Using your countertop for food prep is not only going to leave stains, but it is also very unhygienic.
Bacteria and other microorganisms will thrive in such an environment which may cause illness
when it comes into contact with your food.
Solution
Food stains are relatively easier to clean, you may not need to take drastic measures such as
using a poultice.
However, that should remain as a backup plan in case the solution I’m about to
offer does not suffice.
All you need is a high-quality detergent, an abrasive (a sponge will suffice), bleach (optional),
clean water and a dry towel.
Application;
● Mix the detergent or soap with water in a container until you get a mixture that
sufficiently lathers.
● Use the sponge (preferably one that is super abrasive) to soak up the mixture and scrub
all the yellow-stained areas until you are satisfied with the results.
● Wash with clean water.
● Then wipe off the water with a dry towel to keep the area tidy.
This solution is pretty straightforward if you ask me. Most of the materials can be found in your
home.
Prevention.
The best way to prevent this scenario would be to use a chopping board when doing meal prep
while cooking, or simply always, and I mean ALWAYS clean up after yourself each time you use
the countertop.
Leaving the mess would cause it to dry out and that will make it significantly more difficult to
remove and end up being permanent.
3. Worn out finish/polish.
The property that makes granite ideal to be used in the design of kitchen countertops is the fact
that it’s smooth and glossy.
Which provides a cool aesthetic for your kitchen. However, after a couple of years or depending on how often you use the countertop, it starts to lose gloss and smoothness.
When this happens, it makes your countertop more prone to staining, unlike the
the repellent effect that the glossy granite provides.
When it loses that property, dirt and other materials tend to adhere more easily to the surface. Yellow stains on your kitchen countertop could be a result of the deterioration.
Solution
The most cost-effective solution would be to first get rid of the yellow stains, with a poultice
using the steps I mentioned above but it does not stop there because it is not a long-term fix.
A long-term fix would be to restore the smooth and glossy properties of the granite, which can
be carried out in two steps.
Application;
Step 1- Polishing the granite.
This can be done either using a wet medium (paste) or dry (powder) whichever you feel is more work should be fine, they tend to yield similar results.
Most granite polishing powders are affordable and easy to work with.
● After you’ve purchased the stone polishing powder, apply a generous amount all
over the surface of the countertop (use a powder that matches the color of your granite
for the best results).
● Using sandpaper or a hand grinder, gradually work the surface of the granite with your
device of choice until you get the desired results.
● Wash off the powder and debris, then it’s on to the next step. NB; the same technique
applies to the wet medium of granite polishing.
Step 2- Application of Sealant.
Filling the crevices and pores (which will undoubtedly be present in the granite) using a silicone-based solution. By doing this part, you ensure all the pores are covered to prevent dirt and food substances to situate which will ruin the aesthetic.
The application of the sealant is pretty straightforward, the most important step is getting a top-quality and appropriate material for the job. The TriNova Granite Sealer and Protector should be
a great fit.
● Apply the sealant across the surface of your granite countertop, a sufficient amount.
● Just be patient for about 10 minutes to allow gravity to do its thing as the liquid enters
the pores of the granite.
● Wipe off the sealant with a dry rag before it dries and sets.
● After a couple of hours, when it’s completely dry, your granite countertop should have a
new lease on life.
Or you could simply avoid all of these hassles and multiple steps by getting a professional to do
the work for you. That’s an idea.
DIYs can be fun though.
Prevention.
The way to prevent your granite countertop from wearing would be to regularly polish the
surface, the most convenient interval would be yearly. Also, you have to avoid using sharp and
pointy objects to hack at your granite countertop to avoid cracks and crevices.
FAQS.
Does peroxide remove yellow stains?
Yes, it does, when applied correctly.
Peroxide is commonly used to remove stains when doing laundry, and when it is mixed with
some other substances such as baking soda, make a great cleaning agent for most tough
stains.
It is outlined above how you can make a DIY poultice using peroxide, lemon, and baking
powder.
Can I use Vinegar on granite?
Using Vinegar on a granite surface will cause it to lose its gloss. The sealant used after
polishing granite is usually susceptible to acid damage, which is what Vinegar is.
Minimize or avoid spilling Vinegar on granite surfaces.
Can baking Soda damage granite?
No, It will not damage granite.
Baking soda is not only used in making pastries, it also makes a good cleaning agent when
mixed with peroxide as mentioned earlier.
Conclusion.
Granite countertops offer a beautiful aesthetic when used in interior design, the glossy nature
makes them repellent to most stains which makes them ideal for kitchen use.
However, that does not mean it can not get stained.
Yellow stains on countertops are awful to look at and generally make the environment look dirty.
Using the techniques and prevention steps I’ve outlined above would help you maintain a neat
granite countertop.
