Know Which Countertops Are More Susceptible to Stains (and How to Clean Them)

It's easy to imagine that marble or granite counter tops are indestructible, but they can absorb fluids just like everything else. If not cared for properly, even water can leave stains on these expensive slabs. Homemaking site Tipnut offers some advice on what solutions to use on which types of stone.

We've highlighted one great solution for cleaning a stone countertop before. However, a commenter at TipNut points out that before you go mixing solutions, you should know which type of stone you have. Not all minerals are created equal:

The only (and I mean ONLY) stones that might be sensitive to acids like vinegar or citrus would be calcium-based stones (limestone, travertine, and many marbles).

For kitchen countertops, granite is the surface leader by a long shot over other types of stone. Few granites contain much (if any) calcium and are NOT affected by vinegar or any normal household acids. For those who are still unsure, they can always test any "alternative" cleaners (or even straight vinegar) in an inconspicuous location before using it everywhere.

Check out the source for several solutions that can be used for a variety of spills. More than anything, though, the best way to clean stains is to prevent them entirely. The longer fluids sit on your precious marble, the more it will set.

How To Clean & Remove Stains From Marble & Granite | TipNut

Source: http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/tnBn9nK0EMQ/know-which-countertops-are-more-susceptible-to-stains-and-how-to-clean-them

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