Replies

1. 
   Dam_inspector | Dec 06, 2008 04:01pm | #1

   Try some soap scum remover, like tilex.

2. 
   Ted W. | Dec 06, 2008 04:44pm | #2

   I use CLR or LimeAway to clean my shower, works way better than so-called soap scum removers. Try it, can't hurt. =)

   See my work at TedsCarpentry.com
   Buy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

   If you haven't already done so, please update your profile. Since many issues are dependant on the region in which you work, we often look at your profile to see where you are writing from.

1. 
   rlrefalo | Dec 09, 2008 04:06am | #8

   Ted, it can hurt too. CLR is very acidic and can take the gloss off of stone, same with toilet cleaners.

   Rich, not saying how I know

1. 
   Ted W. | Dec 09, 2008 07:32am | #12

   Thanks for cluing me in. I wasn't aware of that, as I use it to clean the vitreous tile and glass shower door.See my work at TedsCarpentry.comBuy Cheap Tools! BuildersTools.net

   If you haven't already done so, please update your profile. Since many issues are dependant on the region in which you work, we often look at your profile to see where you are writing from.

3. 
   JohnCujie | Dec 06, 2008 05:45pm | #3

   Try http://www.abatron.com

   John

4. 
   docschmo | Dec 06, 2008 06:49pm | #4

   Any Granite counter top whether sealed or not is porous and will absorb anything that is spilled and not immediately wiped up. Soaps contain chemicals oils, and fat based by products and once the water in them drys these things are left behind.

   I use a home remedy made of plaster of paris and water mixed to the consistancy of toothpaste. If you don't have plaster of paris, powdered drywall compound will work.

   Put the paste generously over the stained area and let it dry. It acts like a poultice and draws the stain out. It may take several applications to get it all out so be patient. If you want to leave it over night put a piece of cling wrap over the paste so it doesn't dry out too quickly.

   Scrape the paste off with a wooden or plastic spatula, rinse with clean water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth. Any hard to remove paste bits will come off with a gentle rub with medium steel wool.

   If the stain has color in it like a wine stain substitute hydrogen peroxide for the water.

   Once the stain is gone, seal the counter with a good water based sealer you can buy at any building supply store. Seal it again every year - it's like wax on a car - it wears off with time.

   And if course be careful. Wipe any spills up right away. And put the cleaners under the sink.

   Then rethink your position on futurre granite - it is really a great material.

   Yes I am in the granite business.

    

1. 
   Rebeccah | Dec 06, 2008 07:15pm | #6

   Thank you, docschmo, you've hit the nail on the head as to the nature of the problem. I'll give the plaster of paris paste a try.Rebeccah

1. 
   westmich | Dec 09, 2008 03:25am | #7

   How about removing soap stains from soapstone?! Ironic problem to have, but hand soap was set on the vanity top for a few months ans now it is stained.

1. 
   kate | Dec 09, 2008 04:51am | #9

   You might try the plaster-of-paris poultice, and/or rubbing down the countertop with mineral oil& 0000 steel wool -Andybuildz, for one, has soapstone counters - give him a shout.

2. 
   MikeHennessy | Dec 09, 2008 03:23pm | #14

   Soapstone is among the least porous of stones used for tops. What you're likely seeing is an oil stain from the soap. It should disappear on its own in a few months. Or, you can oil the whole top with mineral oil to even it out. It looks nice for a few months, then it gets a bit blotchy as the oil drys out. You can then either re-oil periodically (the need to do so declines with time as the stone develops its patina), or just leave it even out itself.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

3. 
   smslaw | Dec 09, 2008 03:55pm | #15

   As Mike Hennesey points out, you should be able to fix the problem by oiling the stone.  Our sopastone countertops occasionally get stained with one thing or another, but the stains always disappear when we put mineral oil on.  So far (three years of messy cooks) we haven't seen any stain that doesn't disappear with the oil treatment.

   You may already know this, but you can remove scratches in soapstone with a random orbital sander.

   Edited 12/9/2008 7:55 am ET by smslaw

2. 
   skipj | Dec 09, 2008 10:37am | #13

   All stone is pourous, rarely sealed, and (almost) never properly. Try ten coats of the most expensive, flammable (Oil based, penetrating) sealer you can find, at least $100 per gallon, and you will have begun a multi-year process which will protect your stone. Think your builder did that?

   Fix? Too late! Try the above suggestions and hope for the best. Maybe you get a fade. I've used original Crest (no peroxide) with medium results.

    

    

5. 
   docschmo | Dec 06, 2008 07:06pm | #5

   Just one last thought to add - don't use CLR or any other chemical cleaners on a granite counter. These actually do more harm to granite than good. Mild soap and water will do the trick but again always rinse with clean water after and dry with a cloth. And I can't stress how important it is to clean up a spill immediately.

6. 
   Jeff_Clarke | Dec 09, 2008 05:12am | #10

   Did you try acetone?

   After that I'd use Gel Gloss

   View Image

    

    

   Jeff
1. 
   edwardh1 | Dec 09, 2008 06:47am | #11

   MAkes you wonder who started the granite craze

7. 
   farrahowens88 | Mar 03, 2013 11:23am | #16

   Removing soap stains

   There are several ways on how you can remove soap stain from your Granite countertop, one of which is by using either non-alkali cleaner or washing soda. Mix a small amount with water and scrub it on the surface using a soft bristled brush. If you noticed that your counter gets stained easily, it is a sign that the sealer is weak. You should look for a trained professional to help you seal your granite.