How to Remove Rust from Granite Countertop – 4 Methods to Do It

You can remove rust from granite countertops using granite cleanser, hydrogen peroxide, or poultice. When you’re using cleanser all you have to do is to scrub it on the rusty area and rinse it away. When it’s hydrogen peroxide, spray it and let it on the spot for a day, and then rinse with water. However, if the rust is stubborn and out of your hand, then call the professionals.

The above is just a glimpse of this article. To completely get involved in cleaning, you’ll have to learn about the ways in detail. Don’t worry, I’ve explained everything in this article. So, let’s move forward.

Why Does My Granite Countertop Get Rusty?

Before I get into the solution, I’m going to explain the reason you found your countertop rusty.

The formation of rust comes from water that has mixed up with iron and oxide and created a brown/red color. Most of the time, we see rust around a faucet. A very common reason can be a leaky faucet.

Again sometimes we don’t clean the countertop even after it gets into contact with water. The water sits on the surface, and time by time, it forms rust, and your granite countertop shows a rusty color.

4 Methods to remove rust from your granite countertop

This is the main segment, and by reading this segment, you’ll understand how to get a rust stain out of a granite countertop. There are generally 5 ways to do it. Before getting into the main methods, a quick overview of the methods is given below.

Method 1: Using Granite Cleanser

The first method I would suggest is by using a granite cleanser. A granite cleanser is highly effective in removing rust and stain from different kinds of stone countertops, such as granite, quartz, soapstone, and Silestone. Besides, the cleanser removes the rust without stripping off the sealer.

You can also try to clean stains from quartz countertops. However, you can read this article to clean stains from a quartz countertop properly.

Back to our topic, now let’s see how to use granite cleanser to remove rust from a granite countertop.

1. First, get the cleanser and apply it to the rusty areas following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2. Now, get a nylon brush or a scrubbing pad and scrub the cleanser using a circular motion.
3. Next, rinse away the granite paste and inspect whether the rust has gone or reduced. If it’s getting lighter, then repeat the same process.
4. Finally, when the rust is gone, seal the granite perfectly.

Method 2: Trying Hydrogen Peroxide

The next method is also quite easy and effective though there are downsides. I’ll talk about this later because first, I’ll discuss how to use it.

1. Get a spray bottle and pour 4% hydrogen peroxide into it.
2. Now spray it on the rusty location.
3. Next, just like the previous method, use a nylon brush and scrub the area. Let the hydrogen peroxide sit on the rusty area for 24 hours
4. Finally, rinse away the hydrogen peroxide, and hopefully, there will be no more rust.
5. When the granite is clean, apply the sealing, and it’s done.

Method 3: Using a Poultice

If you aren’t interested in commercial products, then here’s the homemade solution for you – using baking soda to remove rust from granite. Well, in good words, it’s using a poultice.

A poultice is a cleaner that comes in a paste form that absorbs rust and stain when it dries. Below let’s see how to prepare it.

• First, get a bowl and pour some water and baking soda into it.
• Mix them together and make a paste.
• To understand if the paste is ready to use. compare it with the consistency of peanut butter.

Now let’s see how to apply the paste to the rusty granite countertop.

1. Detect the rusty areas and apply the poultice to the areas. Make sure the paste covers the rust entirely.
2. Now, if you think the applied paste has covered the area with a thicker layer, then make the layer thinner. Most people think a thicker layer of paste works better, but they are wrong. The thinner layer of paste is more effective.
3. After that, wrap the poultice with a plastic paper and tape the sides.
4. Now allow it to dry for 24-36 hours. After 24 hours, check it. If it’s not completely dry, then check it after 12 more hours.
5. When it’s completely dry, remove the paste and rinse the granite.
6. Now let it dry, and when it’s clean and dry, apply the sealing.

Method 4: Call The Professional

If you fail after trying all of the above methods, then it’s time for you to call the professionals. It’s not actually any method. It’s a way to remove rust from granite by getting help from professionals.

Things to Keep in Mind While Removing Rust from a Granite Countertop?

This time here are some warnings for you before you get into the cleaning task. Let’s get them below.

1. Very often, we hear acidic things are helpful in removing stains and rust. It’s true, but not for natural stones like granite. It can damage the countertop to quite an extent. So, steer clear of acidic solutions such as vinegar, lemon juice, etc.
2. At the time of scrubbing, never use any metal or steel brushes. It can be disastrous for the natural stone. Its true granite countertops are highly durable and last for a long time, still, they can create scratches.
3. When you’re using hydrogen peroxide, make sure you maintain the % of the solution. Using more than ideal (3-4%) can highly damage the stones.

What If You Don’t Take Care Of the Rust?

So, if you think you’re not taking care of the rust on your granite countertop and there will be no big harm, then you are wrong. It will be a foolish decision to stay idle even after noticing rust. Below I’ll clear the aftermath of not taking care of the rust on a granite countertop.

The very first thing is untreated rust on granite gets worse over time, and it damages the precious stones to a significant extent. Moreover, rust will interact with the color and decolorize the granite.

How to Prevent Rust Formation on Granite Countertops?

Once you have removed the rust from the countertop, you might not get them back again. For that, this segment is for you.

• To prevent rust on the countertop, always keep the countertop clean. After every cooking session, make sure to clean it.
• Whenever there is any water, try to wipe it as soon as possible.
• If your kitchen sink or faucet has any leakage, never be late to repair it.
• Sealing your countertop is another great way to remove rust formation on the granite countertops. In the same way, resealing is also necessary.

Last Words

I am at the end of the article, and hopefully, you are now clear – how to remove rust from granite countertop.

I’ve explained 4 methods; among them, the easiest one is using the granite cleanser. However, it’s not a guarantee the 3 DIY methods will be enough to clean the rust. If the case is the worst, don’t delay calling a professional.

And finally, I request you follow the prevention tips. To inspire you a little more, I am sharing information. If you can properly take care of your granite countertop, it can last up to 30 years or more.