To remove rust stains from granite countertops, use a physical abrasive such as a cleaning pad or nylon brush, making circular motions. But not a steel wool ball as this could damage the granite. If there’s no physical change, spray hydrogen peroxide on the area to help lift the stain.
- Apply 3-4% hydrogen peroxide to the rust and let it sit for 40 minutes
- Thoroughly wipe down the effected area with a cleaning pad or soft nylon brush.
- If the rust stain still persists call a professional.
Rust stains can be particularly bothersome. Not only does rust ruin the beauty of granite countertops with its brown discoloration, but it can prove difficult to remove. However, don’t fear, because I’m going to tell you how best to remove rust stains from your granite countertops.
One of the best ways to remove rust stains from granite countertops is with a physical abrasive. Try using a special stone-safe cleaning pad or nylon brush. Both of these items can be easily found and bought from home wares websites and shops. The method for using both these physical abrasives is the same.
Use them by rubbing in gentle circular motions. You can do this as much as necessary. But if you see no change or removal of the rust, then try using hydrogen peroxide straight afterwards.
The abrasive will have helped remove a layer to make it easier for the hydrogen peroxide to penetrate. Hydrogen peroxide is a very strong and effective cleaner you can safely use on granite countertops. It’ll help lift the stain and remove the discolouration from the rust.
Why Does granite Rust?
Granite rusts because of metal oxidation. This occurs for various reasons. But the most common reasons for rust on granite countertops comes from the oxidation of the metals inside the granite itself or metal objects or rusty water. This is especially true with repeated exposure.
To understand why granite rusts, we need to delve into and understand a little science. In a nutshell, granite rusts due to metal oxidation. This can be down to the metals inside the granite itself or external causes, such as the oxidation of metal objects on the surface or repeated exposure to rusty water left to evaporate on the surface.
Metals high in iron are a particularly common cause of rust. So, it’s best not to leave metals such as tools lying on your granite countertops.
What Can Scratch Granite Countertops?
How to prevent granite from rusting
The best way to prevent granite from rusting is with the proper preventative techniques. It’s important to understand granite is porous, meaning it’s penetrable. So, first, make sure your granite is sealed and second, avoid the contact of metal objects and water with your granite countertops.
While granite is an extremely strong and durable natural stone, unlike other counterparts such as quartz, its surface is porous. This means it’s penetrable. Liquids and chemicals and other substances left on its surface can get deep into the surface and cause rusting and staining and other damages.
The best way to stop your worktop from rusting is with prevention. This comes in two forms. First, seal your countertops. Sealant helps protect your counters. Usually, countertops come sealed from the manufacturer, but you may want to think about resealing them as they may weaken over time.
Second, keep the surface as dry as possible and keep metal objects away. If there are any spillages, even if only water, wipe it up and dry the area straight away. Avoid leaving metal objects, especially tools and metals with high iron content, off your granite countertops.
Of course, if the counter is in the bathroom, it’s impossible to keep water off the surface, so you’ll need to seal the counter on a regular basis.
What are the don’ts of removing rust stains from granite countertops?
There are some things you shouldn’t do in trying to remove stains from granite countertops, such as using strong cleaners with bleach or ammonia or using sharp objects to try and scrub away the rust. Harsh ingredients and sharp objects can permanently scratch and damage your granite countertops.
While there are various methods for removing rust stains from granite countertops, including using physical abrasives and hydrogen peroxide, there are many things you should not do. Don’t use a cleaning agent containing bleach or ammonia. Both of these ingredients are particularly damaging to granite and other natural stone countertops.
Also, don’t try to scrub the rust off with anything sharp like a knife. This will scratch and can permanently damage your countertops.
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