In kitchens and bathrooms, daily use of our countertops can create many opportunities for staining to happen on our clothes, skin, cooking utensils and towels. But do our stone countertops also have the potential to get stained? The short answer is, only some types. Here is a breakdown of types of natural stone and whether they can be stained.
Soapstone: Soapstone is nonporous so food and acids cannot stain the surface.
Marble: Many stains on marble can gradually fade over time, but some food and rust from metal will leave marks that need to be treated.
Limestone: This is the most susceptible stone to staining from dark foods like beets and acidic foods like coffee or red wine.
Granite: Granite can also stain from red wine and beet juice. Other harsh chemicals like vinegar, lemon juice or foaming bathroom cleaners can also dull the finish of granite.
You can treat granite, marble and limestone stains with a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste and let it dry before wiping it away, up to 24 hours. Repeat as needed. For granite, be sure to reseal the stone after cleaning to prevent future stains.