Why is there yellow staining on my granite?
There are many possible reasons for yellow staining on your granite, including oxidation of metals, sun exposure, using the wrong cleaning products, or repetitive heat on the surface. Granite is strong and durable, but many things can stain it. We go through these causes of yellow staining in depth.
Yellow stains on your granite can indicate several different sources. Yellow staining on granite is a fairly common problem. And, depending on what the cause is, can in most cases be removed. One of the most common causes of yellow stains on granite is metals.
More specifically, external metals such as those from keys left on a the countertop or jewellery, or the metals naturally found inside granite. What is most often the case is water spillage or improper cleaners penetrating the porous surface of the granite and causing the metals inside to oxidise.
This can also be the case when, for example, jewellery is left on a the countertop and drops of water interact with it and leach the metals out onto the granite. This oxidation is one of the most common causes of yellow stains on granite.
Another common reason for yellow staining on your worktop is sun exposure. Depending on your location, the sun may beam through your windows and at certain times of the day be right on your worktop. Over enough time, which will surely be many hours if not blocked, the sun’s rays can leave yellow stains.
Yellow stains on granite are also commonly found when the wrong cleaning products are used. One of the most common is bleach. Many people turn to bleach for its powerful cleaning properties. But, on natural stones such as granite, bleach can wreak havoc.
Strong chemicals and improper cleaners not suitable for granite will damage the sealant and cause discolourations, usually resulting in yellow stains.
Finally, it’s possible yellow staining on your countertop has been caused by heat stains. Placing hot pans, pots, or mugs repetitively onto your counter for long periods can cause fracturing of the resin and heat the metals inside which can cause yellow stains to appear.
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How to remove yellow stains from granite countertops
You can remove yellow stains from granite countertops with a simple baking soda and water paste. You can also try adding hydrogen peroxide for extra power. The gentle abrasive nature of baking soda plus the whitening effects of hydrogen peroxide can pull out and brighten yellow stains.
Luckily, as tough as they may seem, yellow stains can be removed from granite countertops. To remove yellow stains, you’ll need a strong enough cleaner and the right tools.
One of the best ways to remove yellow stains from granite countertops is to use a simple baking soda and water paste. And you can try adding hydrogen peroxide to it if baking soda and water alone don’t work. You want to make a paste.
- So, mix one-part clean warm water and one-part baking soda until you’ve created enough paste to cover the stains. At this point, feel free to add one or two drops of hydrogen peroxide.
- Then, smear the paste over the stain, cover it entirely, and leave it to sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the area thoroughly with a soft clean microfibre cloth.
- Wipe away the paste and rinse the area with clean water. The powerful combination of baking soda, an abrasive, and hydrogen peroxide, a whitener, can help remove yellow stains and brighten discoloration.
- Finally, you may want to reseal your worktop if you haven’t done so in 9 months.
What if the yellow granite stain does not go away?
If you can’t completely remove the yellow granite stains upon the first try, then you can either try repeating the cleaning methods, try treating it as a scratch and look to polish the surface as a last resort only. If all else fails, check your manufacturer’s warranty to see if yellow stains are covered or for repair costs.
Calling a pro from your local countertop shop is a great option. It will save you a lot of headache.
Yellow stains on granite can prove challenging to remove. While the cleaning methods we suggested are powerful and will work in many instances, there’s always the chance a yellow stain just won’t go away.
Yellow stains that were caused by heat, or yellow stains that have been there for a long time before being treated, are two common causes of seemingly permanent yellowing. What to do if your yellow stain won’t go away will partly depend on the cause. Here are some suggestions.
First, try to repeat the cleaning methods we suggested. As powerful as they are, they’re safe to use on stone. If you find the cleaning methods brought out the yellow stains at least a little bit, then it’s working. Repeat the process until all the stain is out. If after many repetitions the stain does not fully go away, then go on to the next step.
Second, you can try using steel wool. Steel wool is a physical abrasive that can be commonly used to remove surface stains and bring about a robust shine.
The benefit of using steel wool is that it’s a safe and effective physical abrasive you can use on granite. Steel wool works by taking off the top layers of stone. This can take off yellow surface stains to reveal the true natural stone of granite underneath. If you decide to try steel wool, only use it dry. Do not wet it.
Third, if all else fails, you should check your warranty and manufacturer for repairs. This is the last alternative anyone wants to take as it could be costly.
If you’re lucky enough to have a great warranty that allows you to send back the countertop for yellow stains, then you can do that. Otherwise, you’ll find all the information you need on repair costs for stains that you can’t get out yourself.
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