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Kitchen spills are bound to happen at some point, and homeowners should be prepared to clean up the mess and prevent staining quickly. Depending on the substance and how long it was left to soak, countertop stains can be very noticeable. Fortunately, there are ways to keep your counters blemish-free. The guide below reveals the most common kitchen countertop stains and how you can prevent them in the future.

Which Liquids Can Stain Countertops? 

1. Water

This may come as a surprise to many homeowners, but water can stain counters. The problem frequently occurs in one of two ways, either when water spills are left to air-dry, or when a damp container of water is left sitting for too long. Hard water, or water with high mineral content, is what causes stains. Dry mineral deposits will form where the spill or container once was. Thankfully, preventing these stains is fairly simple. Quickly blot the water with a clean paper towel, then dry the spot with a soft cloth.

2. Dark Liquids

countertopDark, sticky liquids like coffee, wine, and tea have a tendency to seep deep into porous materials and leave a permanent mark. These qualities make them very difficult to clean once spilled. Countertop sealing is the best way to protect your counters. Proper sealing blocks off the pores of materials like granite, marble, and quartz, making the surface easier to clean and much more resistant to stains.

3. Cooking Oil

While any oil-based substance can stain, cooking oil will be the biggest problem you’ll face in the kitchen. Greasy cooking oil doesn’t evaporate and can build up on surfaces after multiple cooking sessions. Over time, the oil soaks into the stone and darkens, leaving behind an undesirable stain. Like dark liquids, oil stains are easier to prevent than they are to treat. Regularly reseal your countertops to make cleanup easier. After each meal, wipe down your cooking station with a gentle kitchen cleaner.

4. Bleach

Using a harsh cleaner can also damage your countertops and leave bleach stains. Bleach is a strong and abrasive cleaning tool that can be useful for cleaning when highly diluted, but strips colors from most materials permanently when not mixed properly. While diluted bleach can briefly be used to clean sealed counters with little issue, the best way to prevent discoloration is by using a milder cleaning product.

 

If your countertops are stained beyond repair, you’re due for a complete replacement from Big Island Countertops. Serving Hawaii homeowners for over 28 years, this home remodeling company offers an unbeatable countertop selection from top quality brands like Corian®, Silestone®, and Formica®. Their team provides full installation services, from assisting with the design and selecting the material to installation and cleanup. Learn more about how they can transform your home online. To get started on your project today, call (808) 961-6633 for their Hilo location or (808) 326-2822 to get in touch with a Kailua-Kona representative.

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