Will Granite Countertops Stain?

Granite countertops are a top choice for homeowners who want a beautiful, natural stone surface that adds elegance and durability to their kitchens or bathrooms. One question that often comes up at StoneWorks is: Will granite countertops stain?

What Makes Granite Stain-Resistant?

Granite is a natural stone that is dense and hard, making it highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. One of the reasons homeowners love granite is its ability to stand up to heat, scratches, and, in most cases, stains. However, granite is still a porous material, meaning it has small spaces where liquids can seep in if left unimpregnated or if spills are not cleaned promptly.

The good news is that when properly impregnated, granite is highly stain-resistant. Impregnating granite creates a barrier that helps prevent liquids, oils, and other substances from being absorbed into the stone, reducing the risk of staining.

Common Staining Culprits

While granite is durable, certain substances can cause stains if spills are not dealt with quickly. Here are a few common items that can leave stains on unimpregnated or poorly impregnated granite:

Oils: Cooking oils, butter, and other oily substances can penetrate the surface of unimpregnated granite and leave dark stains.
Wine and Coffee: These dark liquids are notorious for causing stains on many surfaces, and granite is no exception. If spills aren’t cleaned up right away, they can leave behind stains.
Citrus and Acidic Foods: Lemon juice, vinegar, and other acidic foods can not only stain granite but also weaken the impregnator over time, making it more prone to future stains.
Water: While it may seem surprising, even water can leave behind stains on unimpregnated granite, often in the form of dark rings or spots.

How to Prevent Stains on Granite Countertops

The best way to prevent stains is to ensure your granite countertops are properly impregnated and maintained. Here’s how you can protect your granite from staining:

Impregnate Your Countertops: Impregnating granite is essential to maintaining its stain-resistant properties. Impregnator fills the stone’s pores and creates a barrier against spills. At StoneWorks, we recommend impregnating your countertops once every 3-5 years, depending on the porosity level of the stone.
Clean Spills Immediately: The longer a spill sits on the surface, the more likely it is to penetrate the stone. Be sure to wipe up any spills right away with a soft cloth or paper towel.
Use Gentle Cleaners: Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaners that can degrade the impregnator. A simple mix of mild dish soap and water is usually enough to keep your granite countertops clean.
Place Trivets and Coasters: Protect your countertops from potential stains by using trivets for hot pots and pans, and coasters for drinks.

Can Stains Be Removed?

If your granite does develop a stain, all is not lost. Many stains can be removed with a poultice, a paste that draws out the stain from the stone. For more stubborn stains, professional stone fabricators like StoneWorks can assess the situation and recommend a solution to restore your granite’s appearance.

Conclusion

While granite countertops are highly resistant to stains, they are not completely stain-proof, especially if left unimpregnated. By properly impregnating and maintaining your countertops, you can enjoy their beauty and durability for years to come. If you have concerns about staining or need help with impregnatingi, don’t hesitate to contact StoneWorks for expert advice and services.

Visit StoneWorks today to select the perfect granite countertops for your home or business! Stop into our Bluffton Showroom Monday through Friday 9am-4pm to browse for inspiration. Or schedule an appointment online and our team will come to your home or business to measure for pricing.