How to get hard water stains off granite – 6 steps to keeping granite scratch-free

Granite is a hardy countertop choice for kitchens and bathrooms, but their porous nature means they are prone to hard water stains and mineral build-up. But how do you clean hard water stains off granite?

Professional cleaners urge caution when dealing with tough stains on stone surfaces. While it can be tempting to go in with tough cleaners for hard deposits, using too heavy a hand can damage the worktop and leave permanent scratches.

These are the six steps to clean granite countertops that will remove all traces of hard water without damaging the stone beneath.

How to get hard water stains off granite

As with removing any stains from countertops, it is essential to remove hard water stains as soon as you spot them to prevent them from building up into a bigger, more challenging problem, begins Elizabeth Shields, operations manager at Super Cleaning Service, Louisville.

‘Granite is naturally porous and if it’s not sealed well, water seeps in, minerals get left behind, forming those annoying white stains. It’s inevitable for kitchen countertops to get wet but if you keep it dry after use, you can help prevent the buildup. If you leave the water sitting, that’s when the stains really start to show. The longer you let water sit, the more it evaporates, leaving those mineral deposits behind.’

1. Remove crumbs and loose debris

When cleaning a kitchen or bathroom, start by removing any loose debris to avoid scratching the stone countertop.

Ryan Knoll, cleaning expert and owner of Tidy Casa says, ‘When cleaning granite countertops the first thing you want to do is wipe down the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any crumbs or debris from the countertop.

'Next, using warm soapy water, (use a mild dish soap like Dawn), and a soft sponge or rag, wipe down the surface of the stone. This will remove any debris and dirt that is stuck onto the countertop.’

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2. Use a soft sponge or cloth

A common cleaning myth that will damage your countertops is you should use abrasive cleaners to remove tough marks.

Instead, Ryan Knoll, a cleaning expert suggests, ‘Always using a soft sponge or cloth, such as microfiber cloths, at Walmart, to clean granite. Do not put a lot of elbow grease into scrubbing the granite as this may cause scratches in the stone. Instead, gently scrub the surface in small circular motions to avoid damaging the stone.'

3. Stick with baking soda and vinegar

One of the best ways to get rid of hard water stains is by cleaning with vinegar and cleaning with baking soda.

Ryan Knoll, cleaning expert, continues, ‘Do not use harsh chemicals to clean granite countertops. Instead, use baking soda, such as Arm & Hammer baking soda, at Walmart, and water or white vinegar to create a thick paste mixture that you will apply to the granite.’

The amount you mix will depend on the size of the area you need to clean. Add the vinegar or water to the baking soda bit by bit until the mixture reaches a spreadable consistency.

Apply the mixture over the stains using an old, clean toothbrush, and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes, or leave overnight before wiping away with a soft microfiber cloth, dampened with warm water.

4. Use a commercial cleaner for tougher build-up

If the hard water stains persist, you might need to use a commercial cleaner, such as cleaning with Bar Keepers Friend.

Elizabeth Shields, a cleaning expert, suggests, ‘Sprinkling Bar Keepers Friend, from Walmart, over the area in an even layer and scrubbing with some elbow grease and a soft, damp cloth. It works, but it’s a bit more intense and can be a little more effort to get results.’

She adds, ‘I recently switched to using Scrub Daddy PowerPaste. Splash the granite with a bit of water, get a paste from the tub using a ScrubMommy (when I bought the tub, it came with the sponge), and scrub. Simply rinse and dry with a paper towel after.’

5. Scrape thick build-up away

When cleaning stone floors and countertops, you want to avoid anything that could scratch the surface. If scrubbing hard build-up with clothes has not worked, then you might need to try a surface scraper, says Ken Doty, COO and cleaning expert at The Maids.

‘Take care of any resistant hard water stains and build up with a single-edge razor. Carefully scrape the residue while it's still damp, and brush the particles into your trash or dustbin.’

Given the increased chance of damage, it is best to leave this method as a backup only.

6. Dry thoroughly

With the hard water stains removed, you should then dry the granite worktop with a towel immediately. Leaving water to sit on the counter for prolonged periods of time can lead to watermarks and hard water stains, undoing all of your hard work.

Ken Doty, cleaning expert concludes, ‘Once your countertop has been thoroughly cleaned, seal it if you are able. After sealing the area, you can polish the surface every few weeks to form a protective layer that is adept at repelling hard water.’

Next, learn how to remove water stains from wood or glass.