How To Remove Hard Water Stains From Granite

Last Updated on January 19, 2023 by Mattias

Granite is a durable and good-looking porous material that is versatile and can be used on different surfaces in the home.

However, its beauty is taken away when hard water rings or stains form on it.

Aside from diminishing the shiny look of these surfaces, these stains are difficult to remove and do not go away like other types of stains.

The good news is that you can use methods and products to remove these stains from your granite surface.

In this post, we will look at the best methods and cleaning products to remove these stubborn hard water stains from your granite surfaces and restore their sparkling look and how you can prevent them from forming on your granite surfaces.

But first, let’s take a look at howhard water stains form on granite surfaces.

Table of Contents

How Do Hard Water Stains Form On Granite Surfaces?

If you have granite counters or marble countertops in areas of your house like the bathroom and kitchen where water is always used, then be sure that these counters will always come in contact with water.

When the hard water comes in contact with these countertops and stays there for a long time, the water undergoes evaporation and leaves behind hard water deposits on the surface.

Hard water has magnesium and calcium mineral content, so the mineral deposits it leaves behind on these water-stained granite surfaces are usually magnesium or calcium deposits.

These tough stains are usually in the form of white spots.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the best ways of removing hard water stains from granite.

It is non-toxic and also removes hard water spots properly.

Baking soda works best with hot water so ensure you fill a separate spray bottle with hot water to aid the cleaning process.

After that, sprinkle a reasonable amount of baking soda on the stained area and then wet it by spraying the hot water from the bottle.

Then, scrub the stained area in a circular motion with a soft brush and use clean water to rinse the area.

If these hard water spots are still present after this process, then repeat the process until the surface regains its original look.

A Designated Granite Cleaner

You can make a designated granite cleaner for your granite sink home with mild dish soap and clean water.

Add the mild soap and warm water into a container to form a soapy solution, and then use the bristle of the soft brush to stir the water till it creates a lather.

Then use the brush to scrub the stained area in a circular motion with gentle pressure, which will get the work done.

After scrubbing the affected area, you can clean it with fresh water and use a soft towel to dry it.

Talc

Talc is a powder used to clean granite countertops that have stains that are more stubborn than usual simple water stains.

First, fill a separate spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and sprinkle a reasonable amount of talc on the hard water stain.

You can spray the hydrogen peroxide from the bottle onto the stained surface and then use a soft sponge to ensure the mixture touches the spot.

Then, circularly move the sponge until the stain is removed.

After removing the stain, you can use warm water to clean the area and a soft towel to dry it properly.

Steel Wool and Natural Stone Soap

Before carrying out this process, you must use steel wool to clean the surface and ensure it is smooth.

Then, you can apply natural stone soap in small quantities to the stained area and use a brush to scrub the soap into the area.

After a while, you can use fresh water to clean the area and paper towels to dry it properly.

Finally, use steel wool to clean the surface again.

Note: If you use steel wool, ensure it is soft so it doesn’t scratch the granite surface.

Brillo Pad

A brillo pad with a clean razor blade or plastic scrapper can remove hard water deposits on a granite or stone surface.

First, use a clean razor blade or plastic scrapper to scrape away the deposits on the surface carefully.

Then soak a brillo pad in warm water and gently move it in a circular motion on the stained area to wipe away any remaining stain after the scrapping.

You can now use a sponge and clean water to rinse away the soap, and then finally, use a towel to dry the spot.

Alcohol

Another effective way to clean granite surfaces of stains is the application of alcohol on the affected area.

To do this, add the same quantity of water and alcohol into a spray bottle and then shake it properly for a mixture.

After doing this, spray the liquid on the water stain.

The quantity of the liquid you spray depends on how the stain is. If it is a water ring, you must spray the area more than you would for a normal water stain.

After spraying the stain with the liquid, you can use an old toothbrush to scrub the area in small circular motions until the stains disappear.

When you have removed the stains, then you can use clean water to rinse the area and use a soft towel to clean it.

Poultice

The Poultice method involves a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and flour to remove hard water stains.

First, mix hydrogen peroxide and flour in a container, form a paste, and then apply it to the areas with water stains using your hands.

After applying the poultice, use painter’s tape to tape a piece of plastic wrap to the stained area and then allow it to stay there for a day before removing it.

When you remove it, soak a clean cloth in hot water and use it to clean the area to remove any residue that might have been left behind.

Next, use fresh water to clean it and a soft cloth or towel to dry it.

This method is very effective, but its effects can’t be seen immediately, so if you are looking for a technique that will bear fruits swiftly, it isn’t for you.

How To Prevent Hard Water Stains From Forming On Your Granite Surfaces

• Make sure you clean spills of hard water immediately and do not allow them to get dry on granite surfaces.

Also, make sure you wipe away every soap scum and keep granite surfaces dry at all times.

Regular cleaning and drying of your granite surfaces with a dry microfiber cloth is another way of preventing these tough stains from forming on them.

• Avoid using acidic cleaners, white vinegar, and lemon juice (or lemon in general) to clean your granite surfaces.

These substances remove the seals from your granite surfaces and help these hard water stains form on them quickly.

Also, avoid using abrasive materials on your granite surfaces, as it would scratch them.

• Due to its porous nature, granite has a protective sealant which reduces the chances of these stains forming on it, but when this sealant comes off, these chances are increased.

So ensure your granite sealant doesn’t come off.

However, if the seals on your countertops have gone off already, ensure you reseal them.

• These stains affect the hard water in your water supply, so you can install a water softener to help reduce these effects on your home.