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Removing lime/calcium from granite countertop?

36K views 14 replies 11 participants last post by  briana26  
#1 ·
Hi,

Can you recommend a good product to remove mineral deposits from our granite countertop?

Is it safe to use CLR or Lime-Away? It's not immediately clear from the information on the bottle whether this would damage the stone.

Thanks,
Dave
 
#6 ·
Ive never tried but ive read from serveral sources:

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a bowl, using enough to clean the surface that has the calcium issue. The vinegar alone is acidic, but by diluting it with the water mixture you now make the mixture safe for use on the granite while still keeping it strong enough to remove the calcium buildup.

Dip the edge of a cleaning rag into the mixture and wipe it over your granite surface. Repeat as needed until you remove all calcium residue.

Rinse the cloth with water, wring out and wipe it over the granite again to remove any remaining vinegar mixture.

Dry the surface with a clean rag, and also dry the granite each time you use or notice water spot development on the granite surface.
 
#7 ·
My fabricator told me that if my Granite Counter gets easily stained by water, it is an indication of weakening sealer. I would recommend you ask your fabricator to check it out and seal it if necessary. For an alternative, here's what I do with limescale stains: I place a paper towel with vinegar on the limescale and let it set for 15 minutes. Then using a single-bladed razor, gently scrape the lime deposits and scrub it with a fine steel wool. Finally, I mix two parts baking soda to one part water to form into paste. Rub the mixture on the lime deposits then rinse thouroughly with water. But I still suggest that you hire a trained professional or call your fabricator.
 
#10 ·
If commercial stone and granite cleaners or hard water and mineral removers are not removing the stains, purchase muriatic acid. This is a weak form of hydrochloric acid and can be applied to the stain. Since muriatic acid is toxic, be sure to wear protective gloves and a protective mask so that you do not inhale the fumes. Wash your granite countertop thoroughly before you apply the muriatic acid, as it may react erratically if it comes into contact with other household cleaners.

Blot the acid onto the stain with a rag. Leave it for 20 seconds and quickly remove it, using plenty of water to flush any traces away. All traces of the hard water stains should have been flushed away as well.