3 Ways to Remove Hard Water Stains on Laminate Countertops
When designing a kitchen, most homeowners select countertops based on functionality, beauty, and cost-friendliness.
12/02/2020
When it comes to kitchen décor, the material you choose for your countertops will play significantly affect the functionality and beauty of the room. For most homeowners, their primary objective when it comes to selecting countertops is functionality, beauty, and cost-friendliness.
In this
regard, laminate countertops rank high. This is
why laminate countertops have the largest market
share in the countertops industry. They're also
versatile, come in a wide range of colors, easy
to maintain, and somewhat stain-resistant.
However, laminate is not stain proof. This is
why you should be quick to react to any agents
that may stain your laminate countertops. Hard
water stains on countertops, especially, can be
a nuisance.
Have you ever found yourself wondering how to remove hard water stains from granite countertop or laminate countertops? Then you know all too well how stains can reduce the beauty of a countertop.
Read on to find out how you can deal with hard water stains on laminate counter countertops. This article will also feature additional tips you can use to remove hard water stains from quartz countertops, as well as granite surfaces.
Tips on How to Remove Hard Water Stains on Laminate Countertops
The best way to get rid of stains is to wipe spills immediately. However, for households with kids, you're likely to spot some stains a bit late.
This is especially true in cities like Phoenix, Arizona, where water is known to be particularly hard in addition to containing many other contaminants (read more about the latter here). As such, hard water stains commonly go unnoticed.
1. Baking Soda
Countertops play an essential role in food preparation. As such, it's advisable to use chemical-based cleaners sparingly. This is why many homeowners elect to use natural homemade cleaners to remove hard water stains on countertops. This ensures that no toxic elements are left on the countertop.
Fortunately, making a homemade cleaner is easy, and you probably have the main ingredient, baking soda, somewhere in your kitchen.
Though baking soda is popularly known for its role in making pastries, it is a versatile product with numerous applications such as stain removal. To remove hard water stains on laminate countertops, you can use a baking soda paste.
To make the paste, mix baking soda with a little water. Apply the paste on the stained area and let it sit for a couple of hours. It is important to know that baking soda is abrasive and can scratch your countertop if scrubbed off.
Therefore, you should only use a smooth cloth or sponge to wipe off the paste. This method is also suitable for other liquid stains such as juice.
2. Vinegar and Baking Soda Solution
To make the solution, combine ½ cup of dish soap, ½ a cup of water, 1 2/3 cups of baking soda, and three tablespoons of vinegar in a bowl. Stir the mixture well to ensure there are no lumps.
With this solution, gently clean the hard water stains on laminate countertops. After a few wipes, you will notice your countertop restored to its original state.
Vinegar is also useful in removing grease stains. To do so, mix equal parts of vinegar and water and clean the greased surface.
3. Nail Polish Remover
For stubborn stains such as ink, you should use a harsh solvent such as nail polish removers. Before you begin cleaning with a solvent, apply a small amount on a cloth and test it on a small portion that’s unnoticeable. Doing so will let you know whether the solvent will discolor or harm your laminate counter.
Use small amounts on a cloth to clean the stain.
How to Get Hard Water Stains off Granite Countertop
Granite is also a popular countertop material that’s durable and easy to maintain. The following tips will guide you on how to remove hard water stains from granite countertop and also how to deal with other types of stains.
1. Detergent
With granite, you only require a gentle detergent, water, and a soft-bristled brush to remove hard water stains on a granite countertop. Scrub the stain lightly with the brush, rinse the spot with water and then dry it.
2. Baking Soda and Water
For stubborn stains, you can scrub gently with a soft brush then cover the area with baking soda paste then rinse thoroughly after a few minutes. You might have to repeat the process a few times to remove hard water stains from granite countertop if it had stayed for a while.
3. Poultice or Extractor
In addition to knowing how to get hard water stains off granite countertop, you should also be prepared for really stubborn stains. If the above steps do not work on a stain, extractor or poultice might help.
You can also use flour and hydrogen peroxide to make your own paste. Make a thick paste and apply it to the stained area. Use a plastic sheet to cover the counter and use painters tape to hold it in place at the edges.
You can scrape the paste after 24 hours and then use water to rinse the countertop. With this method, you do not need to worry about how to get hard water stains off granite countertop or any other stubborn stains that you may encounter.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Quartz Countertops
If you’re wondering how to remove hard water
stains from quartz countertops, you can use the
above methods that are used to remove hard water
stains from granite countertop. Alternatively,
you can also use steel wool to get rid of hard
water stains.
Gently rub the stain with steel
wool using slow circular motions. Remove the
loosened particles with a dry cloth.
Stain Prevention
The process of dealing with hard water stains on countertops begins long before a spill. Rather than worry about how to remove hard water stains off granite countertop, you can take a proactive approach to prevent stains. This can be achieved by applying a coat of countertop polish and dealing with any spills immediately.
If you want your laminate countertop to remain shiny, make a habit of cleaning it with a two parts water and 1 part vinegar solution. Spray the solution on the counter and let it sit for two minutes, then wipe it with a smooth cloth.