Last night's party was a roaring success. In the morning you notice someone spilled your world famous cheddar-bacon-ranch dip on your brand new granite countertops and didn't wipe up the mess. You clean up as best you can but now there's a dark stain the size of the spill. How do you going to remove the stain?
Stains happen when a stone surface is discolored by liquid or chemical born dyes or contaminants. A stain only disappears when the contaminant has been completely removed. Stone may darken when water is spilled or a water ring is left from condensation on a beverage container but when the water evaporates the discoloration disappears. That's not a stain. A stain like an unwanted pest won't leave on its own.
Thoroughly clean the stained area with a small amount of a ph-neutral cleaner like Dawn Dishwashing Liquid mixed in clean water. The detergent will break down and help suspend any surface oils and food particles so they can be wiped away. Rinse the area with clean water and let dry. If the stain is still there the next step is to apply a poultice.
Stone poultice products are available online. A simple and safe poultice can be made by mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste with the consistency of sour cream. The poultice should be spread over the entire stained area in 1/4" layer extending no more than 1/2" past the stain and then covered with plastic wrap. The plastic should then be taped around the edges, sealing the poultice to the stone. The plastic wrap is then pricked, creating small holes which allow the poultice to slowly dry.
The poultice should be allowed to dry for 24 to 48 hours and then removed using a plastic scraper. As it drys the poultice will pull the stain our of the stone surface into the baking soda. Some stains may require multiple applications of poultice. Copy and paste this link in your browser for more stain removing information from the Marble Institute of America (http://www.marble-institute.com/consumers/stains/).
In 1993 Solid Surface Designs, Inc., began business as a factory certified fabricator-installer for DuPont Corian. Since then we have grown to become the region's largest fabricator and installer of Granite, Quartz and Solid Surface countertops.
If you need help with an estimate, give us a call at (417) 258-2787 and ask for Doug, Holly, Mitchell or Sarah.