How to Get Stains Out of Granite Countertops with Baking Soda

Granite countertops are a staple in modern kitchens, prized for their durability, elegance, and natural beauty. However, despite their resilience, granite surfaces can sometimes develop stains from everyday kitchen activities. 

From rust caused by cast iron pans to food or beverage spills, these stains can be frustrating to remove. Fortunately, there’s a simple, safe, and effective solution most homeowners already have in their pantry: baking soda.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to remove stains from granite using baking soda, including tips from real-life experiences and step-by-step instructions that are safe for natural stone.

Why Granite Gets Stained

Granite is a porous natural stone, which means it can absorb liquids and oils that come into contact with its surface. While sealed granite resists many stains, spills left untreated can penetrate the stone, leaving discoloration. Common sources of stains include:

• Rust from cookware, such as cast iron pans
  
• Coffee, tea, or wine spills
  
• Oil or greasy food residue
  
• Ink or dyes
  

Understanding that granite is porous helps explain why even small spills, like water interacting with rust from a cast iron skillet, can leave noticeable marks. Acting quickly and using gentle, non-abrasive cleaning agents is essential to avoid permanent damage.

Why Baking Soda Works on Granite Stains

Baking soda is a versatile household product that has multiple benefits for granite stain removal:

1. Mild Abrasive: It can gently lift stains without scratching the granite surface.
   
2. Absorbent Properties: Baking soda draws liquids and oils out of the stone, helping to lift deep-set stains.
   
3. Safe and Non-Toxic: Unlike acidic cleaners such as vinegar or lemon juice, baking soda won’t etch or dull granite surfaces.
   

Because of these properties, baking soda is an ideal solution for stains that resist regular cleaning with soap and water.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing Stains from Granite with Baking Soda

Here’s a proven method to get your granite countertops looking pristine again. This technique is based on real-world experience where rust stains from cast iron cookware were successfully removed.

Materials You’ll Need

• Baking soda
  
• Water
  
• A soft cloth or sponge
  
• Plastic wrap (optional for overnight treatment)
  
• Small bowl for mixing
  

Step 1: Clean the Surface First

Before applying any stain removal method, clean the granite surface:

1. Wipe down the countertop with a soft cloth and mild dish soap mixed with warm water.
   
2. Remove any loose debris, grease, or food residue.
   
3. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean cloth.
   

Tip: This ensures that the baking soda paste can work directly on the stain without interference from surface grime.

Step 2: Make a Baking Soda Paste

1. In a small bowl, mix 2 parts baking soda with 1 part water to create a thick paste.
   
2. The paste should be spreadable but not runny. Adjust water as needed.
   

This paste will act as a poultice, drawing the stain out of the granite over time.

Step 3: Apply the Paste to the Stain

1. Spread a generous layer of the baking soda paste directly over the stained area.
   
2. Ensure the paste fully covers the discoloration, slightly extending beyond the edges of the stain.
   

Optional: Cover the area with plastic wrap to keep the paste moist overnight. This is especially helpful for deeper or older stains.

Step 4: Let the Paste Sit

• Allow the baking soda paste to sit for at least 8–12 hours, ideally overnight.
  
• For stubborn stains, you can leave it up to 24 hours, occasionally misting with a few drops of water to prevent the paste from drying completely.
  

This slow process gives the baking soda time to absorb and lift the stain from the granite pores.

Step 5: Remove the Paste and Rinse

1. After the waiting period, gently remove the baking soda paste using a soft cloth or sponge.
   
2. Rinse the area with clean water to remove any residue.
   
3. Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
   

You should notice that the stain is dramatically reduced or completely gone. In cases where the stain is deep, repeating the process once or twice may be necessary.

Real-Life Success Story: Rust on Granite from Cast Iron

A real-life example demonstrates the effectiveness of baking soda on granite stains. One homeowner accidentally placed a cast iron skillet with some residual moisture on her granite countertop, causing a small rust ring.

Here’s what she did:

• Tried mild dish soap first, which helped slightly but did not remove the stain entirely.
  
• Applied a baking soda paste to the affected area and left it overnight.
  
• Occasionally added a bit of water to keep the paste moist.
  

By the next day, the stain was completely gone, leaving the granite “clean as a whistle.” This example illustrates how patience and a simple baking soda poultice can work wonders on granite, even for rust stains.

Additional Tips for Granite Stain Removal

1. Always use non-abrasive tools: Steel wool or harsh scrubbers can scratch granite surfaces. Stick to soft cloths or sponges.
   
2. Avoid acidic cleaners: Vinegar, lemon juice, and ammonia can etch granite and damage the seal.
   
3. Act quickly on spills: Fresh stains are much easier to remove than old ones.
   
4. Seal your granite regularly: A well-sealed countertop resists stains more effectively. Most granite should be sealed once a year.
   
5. Test a small area first: If you’re unsure how your granite will react, apply the baking soda paste to a hidden area before tackling the full stain.
   

Common Stains Baking Soda Can Help With

Baking soda is not just effective for rust; it works on several types of stains on granite countertops:

• Coffee and tea spills
  
• Oil or grease spots
  
• Food coloring or sauces
  
• Light water rings or discoloration
  

For especially stubborn stains, the baking soda paste method can be combined with gentle manual scrubbing or repeated applications until the stain is fully absorbed.

Preventing Future Granite Stains

Prevention is often the easiest way to maintain your granite countertops:

1. Wipe spills immediately: Don’t let liquids sit for long.
   
2. Use coasters and trivets: Protect the granite from hot cookware or mugs.
   
3. Seal your granite regularly: This minimizes absorption of liquids and oils.
   
4. Avoid direct contact with rust-prone metals: Cast iron or steel cookware should be dry before touching granite.
   

By implementing these preventive measures, you can keep your granite countertops stain-free and beautiful for years.

Conclusion

Baking soda is a simple, effective, and safe solution for removing stains from granite countertops. Whether dealing with rust from a cast iron pan, coffee spills, or food discoloration, a baking soda paste applied overnight can lift even stubborn stains without damaging the stone. Combined with regular maintenance, careful cleaning habits, and proper sealing, baking soda can help keep your granite countertops looking clean, polished, and vibrant.

So next time you face a stubborn stain on your granite, don’t panic—reach for the trusty baking soda. It’s not just for baking anymore!

FAQs

1. Does hydrogen peroxide remove stains from granite?

Answer: Yes. Hydrogen peroxide acts as a mild oxidizer that can lift organic stains like coffee, tea, or food from granite’s porous surface. It is often used in a poultice combined with an absorbent powder like baking soda or diatomaceous earth to draw deep-set stains out safely. Always use food-grade hydrogen peroxide and avoid strong concentrations that could damage the stone.

2. How do you remove hard stains from granite?

Use a poultice. Hard or deep-set stains on granite, such as rust, ink, or oil, can be removed by applying a poultice paste made of an absorbent powder (baking soda, diatomaceous earth, or flour) mixed with a liquid solvent (water or hydrogen peroxide). Cover the paste with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24–48 hours. The paste absorbs the stain from the granite without scratching or etching it.

3. How long to leave baking soda paste on granite?

8–24 hours. Baking soda paste works by drawing stains out of granite’s pores. For fresh or light stains, leaving it 8–12 hours is sufficient. For stubborn or old stains, leave it overnight or up to 24 hours, occasionally adding a few drops of water to prevent the paste from drying out completely.

4. Can I use a magic eraser on granite?

Answer: No. Magic erasers are mildly abrasive and can scratch or dull granite countertops over time. Granite should be cleaned with soft cloths, sponges, and pH-neutral cleaners to avoid damaging the polished surface. For stains, safer alternatives include baking soda paste, mild dish soap, or specialized granite cleaners.

5. What does baking soda do to granite countertops?

Removes stains safely. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and absorbent that lifts stains from granite’s porous surface without etching or scratching it. When mixed into a paste with water, it can pull out rust, food, or beverage stains effectively. It is safe, non-toxic, and ideal for DIY granite stain removal.

Read Also:

• How to Remove Tea Stains from Granite Countertops – Easy & Effective Methods
• How to Remove Rust Stains from Granite Countertops: Step-by-Step Guide