How can I remove a stubborn stain from new granite caused by an old vending machine toy, and what long-lasting sealer should I use to prevent future issues?
Asked by Benita Borrmann 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 7, 2024
So, I just got this new granite countertop installed and I’ve never had any issues with granite in the past. But now I’ve got this stubborn stain that I think might need to be sealed. Any tips on how to get rid of it? It’s from one of those sticky hands you used to get from vending machines, haha! It somehow ended up under a moving box and sat there for days.
Oh, and I already tried using a mix of baking powder with vinegar and another mix with peroxide, but neither lifted the stain. Any suggestions on a good long-lasting sealer I should use? Thanks in advance!
I’m following this because I also want to know
Are you able to tell if that’s quartzite or granite? Are you sure about the material?
Hey , since it’s granite, have you tried using a baking soda paste with water? You can let it sit covered until the water dries out. When it comes to the sealer, keep in mind that no sealer can completely prevent stains if something is left on your countertops for an extended period.
Spritz some oven cleaner on the affected area and cover it with a paper towel to soak up the stain overnight. Repeat if necessary. Allow it to dry and then seal it with an impregnator
Give a baking soda paste a try
I’m still new to granite, and recently had car cleaner leak and leave a stain on my newly installed countertop. I tried cleaning it multiple times with a granite spray, and after a few hours, the stain completely disappeared. I heard stains can gradually fade away as mentioned, but I’m hesitant to use anything too strong on a brand new surface!
Mix baking soda with water to create a paste. Place it under a ziplock bag taped to the counter for a couple of hours before cleaning it up. If it doesn’t do the trick, repeat the process with baking soda and peroxide.
Thinks this is the best approach
I witnessed someone cleaning a stone countertop with Dawn Powerwash and it was successful. 🤷♀️ Not sure what material her countertops were made of, but it’s worth a shot.
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Whenever I notice a stain on my light gray granite, I usually apply some bleach and let it sit for about 20 minutes before wiping it away. Sometimes I need to repeat the process, but it has always been effective.
You should give a Magic Eraser a try. It worked wonders for removing sharpie marks from my quartz surface
I know this might be a bit controversial, but hear me out. If you’ve tried everything and I mean everything, consider using a pumice stone as a last resort. Just be aware that it may leave some micro scratches or even make things worse. I made the mistake of using it to clean the inside of my oven and it looked amazing at first, but then I realized it was actually damaging the surface. Still, it did look pretty good haha
Give bar keepers friend a shot
I have personally tried using soft scrub and ‘the pink stuff’ with positive results in removing stains.
As a last resort, apply blue toilet bowl gel cleaner, scrub with a magic eraser (melamine pad), and finish off by using a grout steam cleaner to eliminate any residue that may be left in the pores of the stone.
Have you considered using bleach?
I’ve found that Clorox bleach spray cleaner is quite effective on quartz. You should give it a try.
It’s clear that the sealing process wasn’t done properly.
I accidentally got permanent marker on my counter, but I discovered that using an expo dry-erase marker on top of it made it come off instantly. It may sound unbelievable, but it actually worked!
I regularly clean mine with bleach and it always removes any stains. I also seal it every few years and there has been no damage to the stone. Since the stain is a dye, the bleach should be able to remove it without affecting the permanent color of the stone
What do you typically use to seal it?
I had to search for the bottle, got it a couple of years back. It’s labeled Stone Specific, a sealer for polished granite.
Not trying to be rude, but using bleach is damaging the sealer and stone. It should be resealed annually.
I usually grab a heat gun set on low to tackle sticky spots because granite can handle heat well, but I’m no expert so please don’t criticize me. I also make sure to seal my countertops every couple of years, depending on how they’re holding up.
Try mixing Bar Keeper’s Friend with water to create a paste. Allow it some time to work. You might need to apply it a few times.
Okay, it’s all finished. Consider swapping it out.
https://a.co/d/5EoM445
Amazing sealing solution.
I was able to remove pomegranate juice from my white quartz in seconds using this product from dollar tree
I wouldn’t suggest using bleach or vinegar because they might damage the granite surface. I actually tried using Baking Powder and water to create a paste, let it sit, and then rubbed it out. I had a rust stain on my quartz countertop, and using this method helped me remove it.
Wishing you the best of luck. It’s funny how we can grow to dislike things we enjoyed as children. 😬
Create a poultice using baking powder and water. Apply a 1/4” thick layer over the stain. Cover with plastic and let it sit for a day or two. You might have to repeat the process for stubborn stains.
Is on board with using poultice; I tried it myself to remove a red wine stain and it was very effective
You know, bleach is designed to remove stains like that, it’s literally what it’s made for! A quality sealer made specifically for stone should really help.
1. How about trying out The Pink Stuff paste? 2. For good granite sealer, check out Home Depot or Lowe’s. Make sure to thoroughly clean before sealing. Sealing is also beneficial for granite sinks. Remember to seal twice a year.
Alright, so someone brought up using a magic eraser, but I have to say… DO NOT USE a magic eraser! Not many people realize this, but the “magic eraser” is actually just a super fine sanding block! If used on polished surfaces, it will end up sanding away the polish. Your safest options would be the baking soda/water or baking soda/peroxide mix. Vinegars are acidic and could potentially dull the finish.
I know it’s a bit of a stretch, but you could give expo marker a try. If sharpie doesn’t come off, try going over it with expo marker and wiping it away. It’s a little trick I learned from teaching. Who knows, maybe it’ll work on the sticky hand situation. By the way, a student once threw a sticky hand on my classroom ceiling and it stayed there for the whole year! 😫
Give a torch a shot. Just watch out because you might end up burning the stone or causing it to crack from overheating. And don’t forget about pultas for marble – it’s like baking soda but more effective in removing stains.
I tried using acetone, but the stain remains.
I’ve managed to remove turmeric stains successfully using rubbing alcohol.