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How to Remove Stains From Countertops

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Category: Home Improvement, Stains Be Gone

Everyone likes a sparkling, stain-free countertop yet most people ignore the first rule of stain removal. Do you know what it is?

Step 1: Clean It Up
Everyone likes a sparkling, stain-free countertop yet most people ignore the first rule of stain removal. Wipe up your spills as they happen.

Step 2: Like Oil and Water
Blot oil stains with a paper towel, then wipe the area with a cloth soaked in ammonia, dip a wad of paper towels in acetone, and wipe the stain clean.

Step 3: Hard Scrub
Or sprinkle the oil stain with cornstarch, let it set overnight, then scrub the area with detergent and a hard brush, and wipe it clean with paper towels and ammonia.

Step 4: Coffee or Tea?
Treat coffee and soft drink stains with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.

Step 5: Feeling Rusty
For rust, use a commercial rust removal solution.

Items You'll Need for this GMC Trade Secret

  • ammonia
  • paper towels
  • acetone
  • cornstarch
  • detergent
  • hard brush
  • hydrogen peroxide
  • rust stain removal solution

More Trade Secrets

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35 Comments

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rita

To Critdale, Thanks for the Comet info. And ,yes , Comet is under my sink (smile).

April 14 2012 at 9:27 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vpandak

what about stainless steel ? Cheap fake wood?

November 13 2011 at 1:43 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
grandmothe

Baking soda does the same thing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

November 13 2011 at 10:58 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
shelleyaz

What is the best way to keep stainless steal clean and looking new? Same with granite counter tops.

October 02 2011 at 7:24 PM Report abuse -1 rate up rate down Reply
phyllisdavg3

How do you clean hair color dye off a counter?

October 01 2011 at 12:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to phyllisdavg3's comment
James

I take a old spray bottle wash it out. I then fill the bottle 1/4 of the way with laundry bleach.
Then fill it the rest of the way with filtered water. Works great in the kicthen and bathroom.
Just remember, it is bleach. Do not get it on fabric, hardwood floors and such.
I clean my cutting board and counter tops. This should work on removing hair dye as well.
Always do a small sample test before spraying your whole counter.

November 13 2011 at 10:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
respking1

WORKS VERY GOOD.THANK YOU.

September 04 2011 at 7:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
janetjlk

How do you clean butcher block stains?

September 04 2011 at 5:16 PM Report abuse +3 rate up rate down Reply
lolaliz01

Wat is Eric's recipe for removing mold? I do not have sound (!) and must read what he is saying. I would love to know what he uses. Thank you so much!

August 15 2011 at 1:33 AM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
Mari

i typically use a bleach based spray and leave it sit for two minutes and wipe away but i also have countertops that are old and outdated and i dont care if it leaves a bleach spot......but it never has.

July 17 2011 at 4:46 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
critdale

Comet is so much easier, and most everyone has it under their sink already. Put a little puddle of water on the stain, sprinkle on some Comet. Lightly spread Comet around so stain is completely covered and let it set for half hour or so. Go back wipe stain off, scrubbing is not necessary. Takes off berry stains as well as hair dye stains...but you have to leave it set overnight for hair dye.

March 17 2011 at 1:23 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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