Most types of natural stones are porous. This means that if moisture in any form is allowed to settle over the surface - for instance splatters of olive oil or just the regular coffee spill, the moisture would seep into the surface of the stone causing a stain. The sight of such stains can ruin the whole vibe of a gorgeous kitchen interior. People spend exorbitantly on installing the latest styles in countertops and benchtops.
They have a sealant applied to prevent any type of spillage from having any effect, but they wear off after a while. It is only with services like Granite Benchtop Stain Removal in Kew can such stains and marks be properly removed. Besides that, there are certain effective remedies and stain removers which people can find out more about by reading this blog. Doing so will help manage countertop stain removal more easily .
Types of Countertop Stains and Their Removal :-
The kitchen area is actively used for most of the day. Whether it's to cook a meal, spend some quality time with family or simply whip up a late-night snack, there is never any lack of reasons to find oneself in the kitchen.
The countertop area is the most preferred zone for interacting with the kitchen area which is why it is likely to sustain the most damage in the form of stains and spillage. Various types of stains affect different benchtop surfaces. This is because each type of material has its unique composition which reacts differently to different types of stains and spillages.
[1] Sauce, Coffee and Food Dressing on Marble :
Acidic food items can easily seep into the porous surface of marble countertops and they need to be wiped off as quickly as possible. Cleaning solutions that are lemon or vinegar-based are an absolute no for marble countertops.
A pH-neutral solution would be most effective in removing the stain. Such solutions can easily be made at home. Simply mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with just a few drops of ammonia. Spray it over the spillage and then wipe it off with a clean cloth.
[2] Oil Spills and Peanut Butter on Granite :
Granite is also a natural stone used on countertops and is just as porous as Marble. This means that greasy and oily items like peanut butter or cooking oil can easily seep in through the Granite surface causing discoloration. This occurs especially when the sealant begins to wear thin.
The ideal cleaning solution for Granite recommended by experts is Acetone. More popularly known as nail polish remover. Prepare a solution by mixing a few drops of acetone with a mild dish soap. Apply it over the granite surface. Allow it to draw out the oil and grease. Wipe off using a clean cloth.
[3] Red Wine Spills on Quartz :
Quartz is quite a popular choice when it comes to countertops given their high resistance to stains. However, keep in mind that they are stain-resistant and not entirely stain-proof. Drops or spills of wine on the other hand, especially dark wine if allowed to sit for long can trigger a reaction with the resin responsible for binding the engineered stone together, thus leaving a stain behind. This effect is most apparent when it comes to popular and lightly colored quartz countertops.
Spraying a diluted bleach solution should be able to wipe the surface clean of stains instantly. This solution should be comprised of eight parts water and one part bleach. One could also implement a mildly abrasive cleaning pad. Do make sure to test it out on a different surface before proceeding to clean the countertop. Scrub lightly over the darkened area and then wipe it clean with a cloth.
[4] Food Residue on Wood :
People quite often prefer wooden countertops for that natural rustic vibe and because it is convenient to chop vegetables and prepare food on them. However, leafy greens, onions and various other brightly colored vehicles can leave traces or residue behind which remains as stains on the wood.
A very simple trick for reversing food stains on wood is sprinkling salt over the discolored area and rubbing the citreous side of a half-cut lemon over it. Let this salt and lime mixture settle overnight. Wipe it off with mildly warm soapy water and let it dry off. Once the mixture has dried off, apply food-grade mineral oil to the surface as a means to prevent future stains or mildew formation.
[5] Water Rings on Stainless Steel :
Stainless steel is probably the least permeable countertop material there is. It is for this reason that stainless steel countertops are the most commonly installed in professional restaurant kitchens due to their high resistance to staining. They can withstand everything from the marinara sauce, beet juice, red wine and even hot pans.
Its only adversary is when dirty dishwater or glass condensation is allowed to settle on the surface for a long forming dull water rings. A damp microfiber cloth soaked in warm soapy water can be used to wipe the rings away. It is important to move the microfiber cloth in one consistent direction. Keep in mind never to use any hard-bristle brush on stainless steel as they can form scratches.
[6] Scorch Marks on Laminate :
Laminates are known to get scorched very easily. Even setting down a mildly hot pan over a laminate countertop can leave scorched marks behind. If no blisters have formed yet, one can remove or at least lessen the scorched marks using a gentle abrasive cleaner.
Be sure to be careful not to crack the surface of the laminate. The ideal technique to prevent laminate scorches is by placing a cutting board over the countertop and going about business in the kitchen.
How to do Stain Removers Work ?
If ever one is in a position where they need to remove stains no matter the type of surface or countertop, it is helpful to know what works best. Understand that there is no single full-proof method of stain removal as different types of stains and countertop materials react differently with various stain removers.
Stain removers are mostly comprised of solvents, surfactants and enzymes. They can react in any of the following methods ;
[A] Dissolving Stains :
Most stain removers are comprised of solvents. This refers to any type of chemical which is capable of dissolving another chemical. A good example of this is water which is a universal solvent and can very easily dissolve salty and sugar. Then again water is not that effective in dissolving butter or oil which are heavier than water.
This is why stain removers are often formulated with alcohol which is greatly effective in dissolving oil and water-based stains. Hydrocarbon solvents such as gasoline can dissolve stains of a harsher nature. The principle behind dissolving stains is that 'like dissolves like'. This means stains can be removed using a solvent with similar properties. For example; water-based stains can be removed using a water-based solvent.
[B] Emulsifying Stains :
Stain removers like dishwashing detergents contain emulsifiers or surfactants. Emulsifiers are chemical components that have a coating effect on the stains, lifting them from the surface. On the other hand, surfactants increase the wettability of the stains. This makes them easier to remove. Typical examples of household surfactants include soaps and sulfonates. The dual nature of these chemicals enables them to remove both water-based and oil-based stains.
The surfactant molecule features a polar head that mixes with the water while the hydrocarbon tail dissolves the grease. A combination of surfactant molecules works in unison to encompass the stain, making it easier to be rinsed away.
[C] Digesting Stains :
Many specialized stain removers are formulated with enzymes or proteins that are known to break down organic stain molecules. These enzymes work by digesting the proteins and fat present in the stains similar to how we digest our food on ingestion. Enzyme-based stain removers are most effective against stains like blood or chocolate.
Such stains are broken down by breaking apart the chemical bonds between the stain molecules. Oxidizers can either break apart long-colored stains or at least render them colorless. A few examples of oxidizers include peroxide, chlorine bleach and borax.
[D] Hide the Stain :
A stain is only a nuisance when it is visible. This brings us to those chemicals which may not necessarily administer a cleansing effect over the stains but rather render them invisible, neutralizing their effect. Chemical whiteners such as bleach can be used to oxidize colored molecules, making them appear less prominent.
Other types of whiteners can reflect light making the stain unnoticeable. Various other types of home remedies can be concocted such as dabbing diluted chlorine bleach over the stain molecules can remove the color from the affected area. Typical soap water is also effective in dissolving or coating oil or watery stains.
Conclusion :-
Stains can make any type of artisan feature in the kitchen look unbearable to view. Before conducting any type of cleaning, repair or renovation such as Terrazzo Grout Repair in Hawthorne, one must first have the stains removed from the surface before or afterwards. A kitchen with stains all over its countertop can be a distracting visual and should be dealt with as instantaneously as possible .
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