The Best Way to Remove Stains from Granite Counters, According to Cleaning Experts,

Granite is a durable option for countertops, but it can be difficult to keep it looking pristine — especially when it can be stained by everything from hard water to acidic produce. If you tackle any spots quickly, though, those stains won’t have any lasting power. Below, learn how to remove stains from granite, according to cleaning experts Delah Gomasi, managing director and CEO of Australia-based MaidForYou, and Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids.

These items will help you tackle any stain. Gomasi suggests using distilled water for cleaning as much as possible, as hard water can cause stains of its own.

• Microfiber cloth
• Paper towel
• Distilled water
• Liquid dish soap (if dealing with water-based stains)
• Baking soda (if dealing with grease or oil stains)
• Acetone (if dealing with ink or dye stains)
• Cotton pad (if dealing with ink or dye stains)

Gomasi and Williatt share how to remove stains from granite countertops, including juice, coffee, oil, grease, ink, and dye stains. 

This method should work for all water-based stains, like juice or coffee, as well as hard water residue.

1. Blot the area with a microfiber cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.

2. Dampen a new microfiber cloth with water and add a few drops of dish soap to the cloth.

3. Use the damp, soapy microfiber cloth to wipe away the stain.

4. Dampen a new microfiber cloth with water and wipe the area with just water.

5. Wipe the counter dry with another clean microfiber cloth.

Cooking oils, grease, and butter are easy to get on granite countertops and difficult to remove. “The oils from these products can seep into the micro cracks in the stone, leaving dark spots,” Willatt says. Here’s how to quickly clean them up.

1. Blot the area with a microfiber cloth to remove the oil. Do not wipe it.
2. Sprinkle baking soda onto the stain, then add just enough water to make a paste. 
3. Rub the paste around and cover the entire stained area; leave it for five minutes.
4. Wipe up the baking soda mixture with a damp microfiber cloth and repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
5. Wipe the counter dry with another clean microfiber cloth.

Gomasi says that ink or dye stains (like hair dye on a bathroom counter) are among the toughest stains to remove from granite. But if you act fast you have a good chance of getting rid of it.

1. Gently blot the stain with a paper towel to remove as much color as possible before it sets in.
2. Put a small amount of acetone on a cotton pad. Dampen it with the acetone; do not soak the pad.
3. Dab the cotton pad onto the stain from the outside edges, moving towards the center of the stain (so work from outside, in). Gomasi says this will stop the color from spreading beyond the actual stain boundaries.
4. Repeat until the stain is gone, replacing the cotton pad as needed with a fresh, damp one.
5. Rinse the countertop with water.
6. Wipe the counter dry with another clean microfiber cloth.

Of course, the best way to avoid stains on your granite countertops is to prevent them in the first place. Gomasi says it’s important to seal the granite if you haven’t already, and to reapply that sealant once or twice a year because it can wear down over time. 

He also notes you should be proactive in cleaning up spills and splatters. Don’t give them time to sit. As far as cleaning products, Willatt says to avoid anything harsh like bleach or ammonia-based solutions. Those can break down the stone’s surface and lead to more damage. Your best option for cleaning granite is simple: liquid dish soap.