Getting water marks off of granite tops

OCdude · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:29

I've recently moved into a new home and i'm a bit hesitant to use anything on my new granite counter tops, in case it wrecks them!

I've bought some "method" stuff, but that looks like it's only really for bringing out a shine (assuming the surface is already clean!)

I've looked at the stuff I use for the bathroom (Viakal etc) and they say you couldn't use it on porous stones... so I guess that rules granite out? (Even though it's polished?!)

Anyway, i'd appreciate any tips before I trash them

Hades · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:31

Yep granite is porous. When we had granite we just made sure we wiped up any spills as we went along. It's also the reason we just installed a quarts worktop in the current house (still porous but less so than granite).

OCdude · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:38

Hmm these water marks have been left for ages now, hope it hasn't caused permanent damage

Also, i left an empty cup of water next to the sink (literally water, nothing acidic like Coke etc) and it's left a ring mark! I'm hoping whatever cleaner I use, will get rid of that as well -.-

Stretch · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:44

If it's only water it should dry over time. Wait for the stain to disappear completly then reseal the worktop.

LOAM · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:53

Natural stone worktops, especially porous granite needs periodically sealing to prevent this happening. Removing marks is other than water could be very difficult.

http://www.wikihow.com/Seal-Granite-Countertops

Dupont do one

http://www2.dupont.com/Stone_Care/en_US/products/prod_pgs/sealer.html

chipperhead · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:54

I use Method on our Granite, it's a great daily cleaner but your right in saying it's not going to bring out water marks.
Definitely don't use anything harsh like Viakal or also anything acidic on granite it could potentially ruin it.
We don't really suffer from water marks as our granite is light, a friend of mine has black granite and uses something like Astonish cream marble cleaner and it brings his up a treat, bought from a local bargain store for a couple of quid.

panyan · 2 Dec 2012 at 20:55

LOAM said:
periodically sealing to prevent this happening.

+1

Granite needs to be sealed to stop this

OCdude · 2 Dec 2012 at 21:08

btw it's a brand new top, so i'm assuming it didn't/doesn't need sealing just yet!

Destination · 2 Dec 2012 at 21:22

Was it sealed in the first place?

LOAM · 2 Dec 2012 at 21:29

If its absorbing water, its not sealed. It it were sealed water would just bead on it. The bigger issue is oils, you can not get oils out.

bitslice · 2 Dec 2012 at 22:17

This is easy,
Get some limescale remover and go over the marks with it.

I've been doing this for years and not seen any ill effects, granite is pretty resilient.

You can mess with special granite cleaners and polishers all you want, I've already tried most of them, they are not noticeabley different from any generic cleaner and simple wax polish.
Sealing the surface is a good idea though.

>:|sh4d0w|:< · 2 Dec 2012 at 22:51

Bar Keepers Friend

chipperhead · 2 Dec 2012 at 22:54

>:|sh4d0w|:< said:
Bar Keepers Friend

Hmmm not sure:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg041756046198.html

>:|sh4d0w|:< · 2 Dec 2012 at 22:59

chipperhead said:
Hmmm not sure:

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg041756046198.html

In that case dont risk it, but Ive been cleaning my granite with this for year.

OCdude · 3 Dec 2012 at 19:44

LOAM said:
If its absorbing water, its not sealed. It it were sealed water would just bead on it. The bigger issue is oils, you can not get oils out.

I don't think it's absorbed the water, it's just limescale marks left from where i've left water on the surface.