How to Remove Water Stains from Granite?

Granite countertops are one of those upgrades that instantly make a kitchen or bathroom feel more high-end. But if you’ve had granite for a while, you’ve probably noticed something not-so-glamorous: cloudy water rings around the faucet, dull spots by the soap dispenser, or faint white marks where cups sit.

The good news? Water stains on granite stone are usually fixable at home with simple, stone-safe methods. You don’t need harsh chemicals, and you definitely don’t need to panic and call a contractor at the first ring.

In this guide, we’ll walk through:

Why water stains happen on granite
The basic characteristics of granite that affect stains
Step-by-step methods to remove water stains (from light rings to stubborn hard water buildup)
How to keep your clean granite countertops shining long-term
Where granite fits in a natural stone countertop comparison (vs quartz, marble, soapstone, and concrete)
How brands like the Aardwolf granite countertop collection fit into the picture

Table of Contents

Why Does Granite Get Water Stains in the First Place?

A quick look at granite geology and composition

Granite is a natural igneous rock formed when molten magma cools slowly deep under the Earth’s surface. That slow cooling creates visible crystals of:

Quartz – hard, glassy mineral that adds scratch resistance
Feldspar – usually white, cream, pink, or gray, forming much of the “background” color
Mica & other minerals – dark or shiny flecks that add sparkle and pattern

Because it’s a mix of several minerals (not a single, uniform substance), granite stone is naturally:

Hard and durable
Heat resistant
Slightly porous – which is where water stains come in

Even polished granite can absorb a bit of water or let mineral deposits cling to the surface, especially if the sealer is wearing off.

Types of “water stains” you might see

On real-life kitchen and bathroom counters, “water stains” usually fall into three categories:

Simple water rings or spots
- Light, cloudy rings where a glass or bottle sat.
- Often just dried minerals or soap residue sitting on top.
Hard water / mineral buildup
- Chalky white crust or haze around faucets, soap dispensers, or sink edges.
- Caused by calcium, magnesium, and other minerals left behind when hard water evaporates.
Darkened moisture spots
- Areas that look darker because water soaked slightly into the stone or old sealer.
- Common right next to sinks or dish-drying areas.

Each type needs a slightly different approach, but all are usually manageable at home.

What You’ll Need to Remove Water Stains from Granite

Before you start, gather a few basics:

Soft microfiber cloths
Mild dish soap (no added acids like lemon)
Warm water
Baking soda
Plastic wrap and tape (for poultices)
A granite-safe cleaner or hard water stain remover specifically labeled for natural stone
Optional (for heavy buildup): plastic scraper or razor blade used very carefully on polished granite

Important: Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, and abrasive powders. Acids and harsh cleaners can damage the sealer and slowly etch natural stone.

Step-by-Step: How to Remove Light Water Stains from Granite

If you’re dealing with faint rings or dull spots (especially near the sink), start with the gentlest method.

Step 1 – Wash and wipe

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into warm water.
Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and wring it out well.
Gently wipe the stained area in small circles.
Rinse the cloth in clean water and wipe again to remove soap residue.
Dry thoroughly with a clean, dry microfiber cloth.

Often, what looks like a “stain” is just dried soap, cleaner residue, or light mineral deposits that will disappear with basic cleaning.

How to Remove Hard Water Stains and Mineral Buildup on Granite

If you still see a white haze or crust around the faucet, you’re probably dealing with true hard water deposits.

Method 1 – Baking soda paste (for cloudy spots and minor buildup)

Make the paste
- Mix baking soda with a little water until it forms a thick paste.
Apply to the stain
- Spread the paste over the stained area in a thin, even layer.
Let it sit
- For mild stains, let it sit 1–2 hours.
- For stubborn spots, cover with plastic wrap, tape down the edges, and leave it overnight.
Wipe and rinse
- Remove the dried paste with a damp cloth.
- Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly.

Baking soda is gently abrasive and, when used carefully, is a go-to DIY option for removing stains from granite without scratching the surface.

Method 2 – Stone-safe hard water cleaner

For more stubborn buildup:

Choose a granite-safe hard water remover or limescale cleaner (check the label; it must say safe for natural stone).
Apply it to the stained area according to the instructions.
Let it sit for the recommended time.
Gently scrub with a soft cloth or soft-bristle brush.
Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Method 3 – Carefully scraping heavy deposits

If there’s thick crust right at the faucet base:

Use a plastic scraper or, on polished granite only, a sharp razor blade held almost flat.
Keep the area slightly wet.
Gently slide the blade under the mineral deposits and lift them away.
Wipe, rinse, and dry.

Be careful: Scraping too aggressively can scratch granite or damage the sealer, especially on honed or leathered finishes. If you’re nervous, stick with chemical methods or call a stone pro.

How to Handle Dark Water Marks on Granite

Dark spots that linger after the counter dries are usually moisture that soaked into the stone or sealer. These often respond well to a simple poultice.

Step 1 – Mix a poultice

Combine baking soda with water (or a granite-safe cleaner) to create a thick paste.

Step 2 – Apply and cover

Spread the paste over the darkened area about 3–5 mm thick.
Cover with plastic wrap and tape down the edges.
Let it sit 12–24 hours to draw moisture and impurities out of the stone.

Step 3 – Remove and dry

Peel off the plastic and wipe away dried paste.
Rinse with clean water and dry with a clean cloth.
Let the granite air-dry completely before deciding if you need a second application.

Persistent dark spots may require professional stone care, but most minor moisture marks respond well to 1–2 poultice treatments.

When It’s Not Just Water: Oil & Rust on Granite

Sometimes a “water spot” turns out to be something else:

A dark, greasy halo near the stove or prep area is usually oil, not water.
An orange-brown mark near a metal container or around the sink might be rust.

For those, you’ll want targeted guides:

Oil-based stains:
- https://allslabs.net/how-to-get-oil-out-of-granite/
- https://allslabs.net/how-to-get-oil-out-of-granite-2/
Rust stains:
- How to Remove Rust from Granite?

Correctly identifying the type of stain is half the battle when you’re removing stains from granite safely.

How to Prevent Water Stains on Granite Long-Term

Once your clean granite countertops are back to normal, a few simple habits will keep them that way.

1. Seal your granite regularly

Because of granite geology and composition, most stones benefit from sealing granite every 1–2 years (or as your installer recommends):

Do a simple test: put a few drops of water on the surface.
- If it beads up for several minutes, your sealer is fine.
- If it darkens quickly, it’s time to reseal.

A good penetrating sealer reduces absorption and makes both water and oil stains far less likely.

2. Wipe up water quickly

Keep a microfiber cloth near the sink.
After washing dishes or hands, wipe around the faucet and soap dispenser.
Avoid letting puddles sit in high-use areas.

3. Use trays, coasters, and soap dishes

Use a tray for dish soap and hand soap.
Put coasters under glasses and bottles on white granite countertop or black granite countertops to prevent rings.

4. Avoid harsh cleaners

Stick to:

pH-neutral stone cleaners
Mild dish soap and warm water

This protects your sealer and finish, reducing the need for aggressive polishing granite surfaces later.

Granite vs Other Countertop Materials: How Does It Compare?

If water stains are making you question your choice of surface, it helps to put granite in context.

Granite vs quartz countertops

Granite (natural vs engineered granite):
- Natural stone; each slab is unique.
- Needs sealing, but handles heat very well.
- Water stains usually easy to address with basic care.
Quartz (engineered):
- Made from stone + resin; very consistent in pattern.
- Generally non-porous, so water stains are less common.
- Less tolerant of high heat due to resins.

Granite vs marble: pros and cons

Granite
- Harder and more resistant to etching from acids.
- Better for busy kitchens, kids, and everyday cooking.
Marble
- Softer, more porous; shows etches and water marks more easily.
- Chosen mainly for its classic, elegant veining.

Granite vs soapstone durability

Granite: very durable, resists chips and scratches, ideal for high-traffic counters.
Soapstone: softer, can scratch more easily, but naturally non-porous and often oiled for a soft matte look.

Granite better than concrete countertops?

Concrete can be stunning and highly customizable, but:

It often needs frequent resealing.
Hairline cracks are common over time.
It can stain if not maintained perfectly.

For many homeowners, granite ends up being better than concrete countertops in terms of a long-term balance of durability, maintenance, and cost.

Granite Buying & Design: Cost, Suppliers, and Aardwolf Options

If you’re planning new counters—or expanding your existing ones—water stain care ties into a bigger picture: granite countertop cost, sourcing, and design.

Granite countertop cost & affordability

Pricing depends on:

Rarity and color of the stone
Slab thickness and size
Edge profiles and number of cutouts
Local fabrication and installation labor

For affordable granite countertop options, look at:

More common, widely available colors
Standard edges (e.g., eased or bullnose)
Buying through reputable wholesale granite suppliers via your fabricator

An Aardwolf granite pricing guide from your local dealer can help you compare starter, mid-range, and premium stones within the Aardwolf granite countertop collection.

Where to buy granite countertops

Typical places where to buy granite countertops include:

Local stone yards and showrooms
Kitchen and bath design studios
Fabricators who supply and install Aardwolf premium granite slabs and offer complete Aardwolf granite installation services

These pros can also help you choose the best Aardwolf granite colors for:

White granite countertop designs in bright, airy kitchens
Black granite countertops for dramatic contrast
Coordinated granite backsplash designs and cabinet color pairings

Final Thoughts: Keep Granite Beautiful with Simple, Stone-Safe Care

To recap:

Granite is a durable, beautiful natural stone, but its slight porosity and mineral makeup mean water can leave rings, haze, or dark spots if it sits too long.
Most water stains on granite—light rings, hard water buildup, and minor dark marks—can be removed with mild soap, baking soda pastes, granite-safe cleaners, and occasional poultices.
Regular sealing granite, wiping up water quickly, and using gentle cleaners will keep your clean granite countertops looking new for years.

Countertop Care & Maintenance, GRANITE