How can I remove a stubborn stain on my new granite countertop that the installers were unable to fix?
Asked by Rik Bruines 
2 months ago
Last Updated: October 15, 2024
Do you have any suggestions on how to get rid of a stain on my new granite countertop? I noticed a darker color along the seam a few days after it was installed. I tried washing it with dish soap, but it didn’t work. The fabricator and installers have tried to fix it, but the stain is still there. Any ideas on how I can tackle this problem on my own?
Yes, the company can definitely reinstall a new countertop. It’s their mistake after all!
If Bar Keepers Friend can’t remove it, then it’s likely not going anywhere.
Just a heads up, be cautious about what you use because the granite company might try to shift blame for using something you shouldn’t have
Clean the countertop thoroughly using acetone
Kevin s If you suggest using acetone, it could potentially harm the cabinet finish and even the flooring if the precautions aren’t mentioned.
Alright, just make sure to clean the whole countertop with acetone, but watch out for the cabinets
Kevin s sounds good👍
Make sure to wear safety goggles, gloves, and a clean pair of underwear, just in case you end up at the hospital and they need to check your clothes.
Haha, that’s so much better now. Thanks for clarifying! 😅😅😅😅
You should consult with the granite installers about this.
That granite is only a level 1 and they sell it regularly without properly polishing and sealing. They should consider replacing it.
Could this granite piece be from a leftover or sold at a discount? There are various possibilities, but one explanation might be that the entire surface wasn’t properly treated with a special clear coat used by manufacturers to improve and safeguard it, and this is definitely not something you can do on your own. Another reason could be that it wasn’t adequately sealed after being polished, which is common with discounted or leftover pieces. If the staining is only at the seam, it’s likely due to the adhesive used in the seam seeping through the surface. You might want to request replacement pieces.
Seriously, why bother figuring out how to repair it? It’s still new.
They really should be the ones to fix it, that’s for sure. Stand your ground against them.
I experienced a similar problem in 2005 – they vanished and I never found a solution to remove it.
It’s not really a stain per se, when they join the seam they actually apply an adhesive to smooth out the crack and polish the area around it. Some people think that maybe the rest of the granite wasn’t prepped properly, which is why you’re noticing more polishing in that area.
Replace the stone under the sealer. You won’t be able to remove it without stripping the sealer from the entire slab and using oil or a similar tint.
Is it possible that the stone is damp? I have a similar granite in my basement. One time, my kids’ friend accidentally spilled a sprite on the counter and forgot to clean it up, leaving the sprite there overnight. When I discovered it the next day and wiped it off, it left a stain. I researched how to resolve it and one suggestion was to place a moist towel on it overnight. The following day, the ‘stain’ expanded to the size of the wet towel! I cleaned it again and carried on with my day. After checking it a few days later, maybe a week later, the ‘stain’ had dried and there was no visible mark anymore. My thought is, perhaps it just needs to dry out from whatever was applied to it when they joined the seam.
I’ve faced a similar issue with the countertop in my bathroom when soap spills on it. It takes a few days but it usually returns to the correct color.
I feel the same way but the stain always remains.
That would bother me. Usually after I clean it up and let it dry, it’s fine. There’s a spot around the soap container that I’ve just learned to live with because it’s used too often to dry out, but the rest of the top does well once cleaned.
I switched the soap dispenser to the other side, now we have dark spots on both sides. I think the granite is cheap since it came preinstalled on a $595 cabinet I bought from somewhere?
We got this cabinet & counter with the house, but I remember seeing it at a discount store. I just use clorox wipes on it, making sure to thoroughly clean it. It usually clears up in a few days/week. Thought I ruined it at first! 🤦♀️
I’ll give this a shot since we plan to replace it eventually – dealing with an injury from remodeling 😕
Our whole yard is brand new now. We had a vinyl fence put in, a hard side pool installed, a small retaining wall built, and a fire pit area set up, so believe me when I tell you I get it 😅
Preach Soul Sister 😘
Insist on them reinstalling as it is an enduring flaw. Keep a record of all exchanges.
It appears to be a deeper vein within the stone, not a mere stain.
If you have the possibility of holding them responsible, it’s best not to take matters into your own hands. By attempting numerous online remedies, you risk being held liable for negating any warranties they may have provided.
I know it’s frustrating, but my white quartz countertops also have visible seams. Yours doesn’t look as bad as mine. Just trying to remember that this is a small issue in the grand scheme of things and learn to live with it.
Have you tried using a safety razor to carefully remove the discolored silicon product along the edge of the seam? It might help improve the appearance.
Hey, you should ask the company to install new ones and let them know you’re not satisfied with the current installation.
Sprinkle baking soda on the seam and surrounding area for about a day… then cover it with plastic to help absorb moisture or oils from the stone instead of the air. You could also try applying it underneath the counter.
I agree with what said! Once the moisture is removed, you should contact the granite company to reseal it. It seems like they may have “honed” the top near the seam while installing it, which could have removed the sealer and exposed more of the stone, leading to excess moisture retention.
Consider leaving a negative review, as they might be more prompt in assisting you.
I would search for a thrift shop selling a rectangular fruit place that would fit well there.
Do over
A friend accidentally spilled olive oil on the granite counter in my new house before it was sealed, and the stain is still there after 30 years. I’ve never seen this kind of discoloration in other new kitchens.
Since it’s a new installation, I wouldn’t touch anything. The more you try to fix it, the more likely they are to blame you and not properly address the issue. Granite countertops are expensive, so they need to take responsibility and make it right. Keep pushing them to resolve it or replace it, and don’t risk being blamed and losing your power in the situation.
Give the entire surface a good polish with an electric polisher and varying levels of grit ranging from 300 to 3000.
After we had granite countertops installed, we freaked out when ‘stains’ seemed to appear everywhere the counters were glued down 😱 BUT miraculously, a week later they vanished. Hopefully that’s the same issue you’re facing and it will also disappear soon!
Some fabricators might have used a low-quality filler/adhesive that seeped into your stone. A few of them try to take shortcuts by using cheap materials. I was actually cautioned about this when I was looking for fabricators and specifically inquired about it. The reputable ones will admit that it could occur if the incorrect products are utilized.
Powdered Tide mixed with water
I’d continue reaching out to the company and make sure they address it. Even if it requires a full replacement. It might dry up in the coming weeks, but I’d persistently contact them every day until they take action.