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Annette asked: How do I remove white mineral deposits from granite countertops? The countertop behind the faucet has this ashy, white, chalky surface as a result of water settling there where the surface is apparently lower.
White 
mineral deposits on granite countertops are a typical result of hard water. If the countertop has been properly maintained and resealed on schedule (typically every 6-12 months) the mineral deposits will be topical and relatively easy to remove. If the countertop seal has been compromised, you may need to call in a professional. Here’s what you should do.
You Will Need:
- Clean razor blade
- Soft cloth
- Granite Countertop Cleaner
Steps to Remove the Stain:
- To quickly test the seal on your counter top, sprinkle a couple of drops of water on the surface. If the water soaks in, your protective seal is inadequate and it’s time to call a pro. If the water beads, your seal is still good. Wipe the water away quickly to avoid further stains.
- Using the clean razor blade and a steady hand, gently scrape away the mineral scale. Use caution not to gouge the countertop. Rather than trying to get it all at once, make several passes with the razor blade until the residue has been removed. Never use abrasive scrubbers. They will damage the seal, the countertop or both.
- Once you’ve scraped the scale away, use the soft cloth to apply the countertop cleaner. Be sure to follow label directions. A good granite countertop cleaner will help protect the surface against future damage.
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Additional Tips and Advice
- Vinegar is a common product used to remove hard water deposits, but you should avoid using acidic cleansers such as vinegar unless the product is specifically recommended by the manufacturer. Acid can cause pitting and damage to the sealant. The end result may be worse than what you started with and will likely require a professional fix.
- Most commercial lime removers, such as Lime Away or CLR, should not be used as they can damage the stone.
- If the suspect spot recurs near a faucet or sink, make a habit of wiping the area frequently. If water isn’t left to stand on the countertop, it’s not likely to cause a stain.
- Adhere to recommended maintenance schedules and use only products designated for granite countertops to keep your counters looking their best.
- Hard water sufferers may benefit from installing a water softener. If mineral scaling is a constant problem, often marked by cloudy dishes and limescale in sinks and showers, it may be time to consult a professional about treating your home’s water.
I recently moved to a place with beautiful granite counters except around the sink areas it was all dull and looked like huge areas of lime deposits. Thanks to this site and the recommendation to use a razor blade, I successfully restored the counter without a professional! I seriously wish I could post the video of all the lime scale residue I gently scraped from the counter. In the end, I joked about how it all looked like lines of cocaine. OMG, that’s how much scale deposits there was!!! I used a granite polish to seal and protect the area after, but to my surprise, the counter seal was very much intact and the natural shine returned with the removal of the limescale.
My granite top in the kitchen is about 8 years old. The only place that needs help us is next to the sink. The surface has become rough. It used to be smooth and shiny. I’m assuming the water is causing this roughness. What to do?
Try a straight edge razor blade first before calling a professional; it really worked for me! Keep it at about a 45 degree angle as you gently scrape the residue off.
Angela,
The roughness you are describing sounds like etching, which is damage. Unfortunately, the only solution for etching is to have the stone refinished.
Source: CountertopSpecialty – Granite Countertop Dull Around Sink
I used the edge of a nail file to remove a narrow hard water deposit from granite around the base of a faucet. It seemed to work OK.
What if our hard black granite kitchen counterparts were never sealed?
Here in Italy they resist sealing.
Brian,
Mineral deposits can be removed from unsealed granite using the same method. However, since your stone is not sealed, you could try using a little white vinegar to clean off the mineral deposits if needed, but you should test it in a small hidden area first to be surei it is safe. Over time, the acid in the vinegar can damage the stone, but for one quick cleaning it should be fine.
Source: How to Remove Vinegar Stains from Granite Countertops
Coffee spilled on my multi-colored granite top, and now that area has a dull look. How do I get it back to its lively appearance?
Jules,
Since the area is dull rather than brown, that sounds more like acid damage than a coffee stain. You can try using a granite polish, but usually the only way to repair acid damage is by having the area refinished.
Source: Angel’s Cup – Coffee Acidity – Flavor, pH, Acid Reflux and Low Acid Coffee: Part 1
Source: HowToCleanStuff.net – How to Restore Stainless Steel and Granite Damaged by Cillit Bang
Source: Countertop Specialty – Restore Chemical Damage Dull Granite Countertops
Could anyone tell me how to remove a brown staining on my light-colored Caesarstone bench around the wash basin in my bathroom. The back of the basin sits very close to the splashback Caesarstone wall and is constantly getting wet.
Vanessa,
If the brown stain is coming out from under the wash basin, it is probably from plumber’s putty (used to seal the faucet). You can hopefully remove the stain, but you will need to have the putty replaced, otherwise it will just continue to return. Use the info in the How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops article. Plumber’s putty is often oil-based, so you will want the acetone poultice.
Source: About.com – Avoid Plumber’s Putty Stains On Granite
A customer placed a fountain drink cup on a black granite countertop. How do I remove the cup ring left on the granite?
James,
That is probably a water mark left by the condensation on the cup. There is a section on water stains in the article How to Remove Stains from Granite Countertops.
Just had my granite entryway cleaned and polished. Entryway is black granite. After workmen left, I noticed marks that looked like something had been spilled onto the granite. A company spokesman told me it was markings that were embedded in granite and came to surface with cleaning. He says there is nothing they can do to fix it. I had never seen these imperfections be for, and I do notice things. Is he right, or can this be fixed?