Cleaning my countertop stains
January 25, 2019 7:52 AM Subscribe
In our new apartment, we have gray, solid surface countertops that constantly look dirty. I’m sure they’re not natural stone, but rather a synthetic material. There are some stains I can’t get rid of that look like water streaks that never dry. (Is this what etching is? Maybe I could etch the whole thing so at least it appears uniform?)
What might have happened here? Is there some miracle product out there that can clean these stains?
I’ve tried all-purpose cleaner, ammonia, granite cleaner, mineral oil, and Magic Erasers. (I’ve talked to the resident manager, and she has the same problem.)
What might have happened here? Is there some miracle product out there that can clean these stains?
I’ve tried all-purpose cleaner, ammonia, granite cleaner, mineral oil, and Magic Erasers. (I’ve talked to the resident manager, and she has the same problem.)
Yeah it would help to know what kind of counters you have. In my experience though, it's damn near impossible to get stains out of countertops once they've happened.
You say this is a new (to you, I assume, not like newly built) apartment, though. My advice? Wait a month and see if you still care. You probably won't.
If we're talking a few streaky-looking spots, attempting to etch the countertop is really unlikely to give you a result that you will like better. It will also make it more susceptible to future staining, and harder to clean in general. You want a smooth, glossy finish on a countertop, for easy cleaning.
You could try calling a countertop professional and have them come look at it and advise. The best approach for dealing with this will depend on what type of counter and what type of discoloration you have. Was it caused by food, by heat, by acid, by scouring? Is it quartz, laminate, corian, something else? We won't really be able to say, over here. A pro will probably be able to diagnose it by looking at your counters in person though, and will be able to tell you if there's anything in their arsenal of tools and tricks that would help.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 10:23 AM on January 25, 2019
You say this is a new (to you, I assume, not like newly built) apartment, though. My advice? Wait a month and see if you still care. You probably won't.
If we're talking a few streaky-looking spots, attempting to etch the countertop is really unlikely to give you a result that you will like better. It will also make it more susceptible to future staining, and harder to clean in general. You want a smooth, glossy finish on a countertop, for easy cleaning.
You could try calling a countertop professional and have them come look at it and advise. The best approach for dealing with this will depend on what type of counter and what type of discoloration you have. Was it caused by food, by heat, by acid, by scouring? Is it quartz, laminate, corian, something else? We won't really be able to say, over here. A pro will probably be able to diagnose it by looking at your counters in person though, and will be able to tell you if there's anything in their arsenal of tools and tricks that would help.
posted by Anticipation Of A New Lover's Arrival, The at 10:23 AM on January 25, 2019
Pictures would be helpful. In the meantime, I've heard from more than one source that this particular cooktop formulation of Bar Keeper's Friend is good for hard water markings, if that's what they are. Also see my previous non-laminate countertop AskMe for other ideas, including this headlight renewal kit, which did a reasonable job of improvement, much to my desperate surprise. You'll need a power drill for that. Find a hidden area to test.
posted by sageleaf at 10:28 AM on January 25, 2019
posted by sageleaf at 10:28 AM on January 25, 2019
To remove the stains you maybe need a Limescale Remover.
Then to seal the worktop so it doesnt quickly get stained again, some kind of protective wax - this one works well but is expensive.
posted by Lanark at 10:50 AM on January 25, 2019
Then to seal the worktop so it doesnt quickly get stained again, some kind of protective wax - this one works well but is expensive.
posted by Lanark at 10:50 AM on January 25, 2019
I have some sort of laminate countertop that is old and will often cling to colors (red wine, coffee grounds, mystery marks). I find a paste of baking soda and vinegar left overnight clears marks right up without damaging the rest of the counter. YMMV depending on countertop material, of course.
posted by stillmoving at 12:11 PM on January 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
posted by stillmoving at 12:11 PM on January 25, 2019 [1 favorite]
Try wiping down the countertop with dish soup on a damp microfiber cloth or reusable kitchen wipe. Once you’re finished with the initial wipe down, dry the countertop with another wipe or a paper towel. That should get rid of the streaks.
If you have more set in stains, try a baking soda pastes like stillmoving recommends.
posted by chrisulonic at 3:37 PM on January 25, 2019
If you have more set in stains, try a baking soda pastes like stillmoving recommends.
posted by chrisulonic at 3:37 PM on January 25, 2019
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posted by Hermione Granger at 7:55 AM on January 25, 2019