How to Care for Vanity Tops and Naturally Remove Stains


Greyfield Freestanding Faucet in Gunmetal on a Feathered White Quartz Vanity Top for quartz countertop care and maintenance Greyfield Freestanding Faucet in Gunmetal on a Feathered White Quartz Vanity Top for quartz countertop care and maintenance

A vanity top can be one of the most important parts of your bathroom. It is used daily for getting ready, personal hygiene, and storage purposes. After selecting the perfect vanity top and installing a new bathroom vanity, you might notice signs of normal wear and tear or stubborn stains after time.

Regular cleaning and countertop maintenance will keep your vanity looking new but things like hair dye, nail polish remover, and makeup can leave tough stains that require extra care.‌


How to Get Stains Out of Countertops

You may be wondering how to remove stains from your vanity top in the safest way possible. If you are looking for an alternative to traditional, harsh countertop stain remover, there are several non-abrasive, natural remedies. These solutions are composed of common household items that will bring your vanity top back to its best condition.‌

The method of vanity top repair will depend upon the material and the type of stain you are treating. The first step is knowing what vanity top material is in your bathroom to help ensure you are cleaning it properly and not causing any further damage to the surface.

We will go through various stain removal recipes and instructions for our most common vanity top materials. Be sure to wear protective gloves throughout the process and be cautious when using different items to clean. ‌

48" Aliso Teak Vanity with Absolute Black Granite Countertop for countertop maintenance

How to Naturally Remove Stains from a Granite or Marble Countertop ‌

Natural stone is beautiful and durable, making it an excellent choice for vanity tops and other applications throughout the home. Because natural stone is porous, vanity tops can absorb stains. The following stain remedies can be used on all types of natural stone vanity tops, including granite, marble, and travertine.‌

Option 1‌: Cornstarch Remedy‌


Time needed: 18-24 hours

Tools & Materials

  • Cornstarch

  • Vacuum

  • Towel or cloth

Countertop maintenance option 1 materials - cornstarch, vacuum, towel or cloth
Countertop Maintenance Option 1 Step 1 - cover the stain in cornstarch and let sit for 18 to 24 hours

Step 1 - Cover the Stain in Cornstarch‌ and Let the Cornstarch Sit for 18 to 24 Hours‌

Generously apply pure cornstarch directly to the stain on your natural stone vanity top‌. During this time, the cornstarch should start to absorb the stain, and draw it out of the vanity top. Make sure to not get the vanity top wet while the cornstarch is applied.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 1 Step 2 - vacuum up the cornstarch and wipe the surface down with a towel or cloth

Step 2 - Vacuum Up the Cornstarch‌

After 18 to 24 hours, vacuum the cornstarch up completely and wipe the surface down with a towel or cloth. If the entire stain has not been lifted, repeat these steps as necessary.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 1 Step 1 - cover the stain in cornstarch and let sit for 18 to 24 hours

Step 1 - Cover the Stain in Cornstarch‌ and Let the Cornstarch Sit for 18 to 24 Hours‌

Generously apply pure cornstarch directly to the stain on your natural stone vanity top‌. During this time, the cornstarch should start to absorb the stain, and draw it out of the vanity top. Make sure to not get the vanity top wet while the cornstarch is applied.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 1 Step 2 - vacuum up the cornstarch and wipe the surface down with a towel or cloth

Step 2 - Vacuum Up the Cornstarch‌

After 18 to 24 hours, vacuum the cornstarch up completely and wipe the surface down with a towel or cloth. If the entire stain has not been lifted, repeat these steps as necessary.‌


Option 2‌ - Use Steam‌


Time needed: 15-20 minutes

Tools & Materials

  • Iron

  • Towel or cloth

Countertop maintenance option 2 materials - iron, towel or cloth
Countertop Maintenance Option 2 Step 1 - Lay a wet towel on the vanity top, over the stain

Step 1‌ - Wet a Towel with Warm Water and Lay It Over the Stain‌

Use a wet towel or cloth and place it on the vanity top, directly over the stain.

Be sure to use warm water instead of cold.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 2 Step 2 - place the iron on full steam on the towel or cloth

Step 2‌ - Steam Towel‌ with Iron‌

Place the iron on full steam on the towel or cloth. This breaks down the stain and lifts it from the natural stone. If the stain is not lifted, use a poultice to draw it out after it has broken down. Be cautious when using an iron on high steam.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 2 Step 1 - Lay a wet towel on the vanity top, over the stain

Step 1‌ - Wet a Towel with Warm Water and Lay It Over the Stain‌

Use a wet towel or cloth and place it on the vanity top, directly over the stain.

Be sure to use warm water instead of cold.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 2 Step 2 - place the iron on full steam on the towel or cloth

Step 2‌ - Steam Towel‌ with Iron‌

Place the iron on full steam on the towel or cloth. This breaks down the stain and lifts it from the natural stone. If the stain is not lifted, use a poultice to draw it out after it has broken down. Be cautious when using an iron on high steam.‌


Option 3‌ - Poultice Remedy‌


Time needed: 24 hours

Tools & Materials

  • Water

  • Flour or baking soda

  • Hydrogen peroxide for light stone

  • Dishwashing detergent for dark-colored stone

  • Plastic wrap

  • Wooden spoon or wooden utensil

  • Towel or cloth

  • Clean bowl or container

Countertop maintenance option 3 materials - water, flour or baking soda, hydrogren peroxide, dishwashing detergent, plastic wrap
Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 1 - blot the stain with a cloth to lift as much as possible

Step 1‌ - Blot the Stain with a Cloth to Lift as Much as Possible ‌

Use a clean cloth or towel to blot as much of the stain as possible before proceeding. ‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 2 - combine water, baking soda or flour, and hydrogen peroxide or dishwashing detergent

Step 2‌ - Combine the Ingredients to Form a Paste‌

Combine equal parts water, baking soda or flour, and hydrogen peroxide or dishwashing detergent in a clean bowl or container to form a paste. Mix with a wooden spoon or utensil to achieve the right consistency.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 3 - wet the stain with water and cover with a thick layer of paste

Step 3‌ - Wet the Stain with Water and Cover it With a Thick Layer of the Paste‌

Use some water to wet the entire stain and then cover it with a thick layer of the mixture. Extend the mixture out 1-inch around the stain on all sides to ensure it is fully covered.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 4 - cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let sit for at least 24 hours

Step 4‌ - Cover the Mixture‌ and Let It Sit‌

Cover the mixture on the vanity top with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out too quickly, and let it sit for at least 24 hours

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 5 - remove the paste by scraping it off with a wooden utensil to avoid damaging the stone

Step 5‌ - Remove the Paste

Remove the paste by scraping it off with a wooden spoon or utensil to avoid scratching or damaging the stone.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 6 - use mild soap and water to rinse the vanity top

Step 6‌ - Wash with Soap‌ and Water‌

Use a mild soap and water to rinse the vanity top and repeat as necessary until the stain is fully removed.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 1 - blot the stain with a cloth to lift as much as possible

Step 1‌ - Blot the Stain with a Cloth to Lift as Much as Possible ‌

Use a clean cloth or towel to blot as much of the stain as possible before proceeding. ‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 2 - combine water, baking soda or flour, and hydrogen peroxide or dishwashing detergent

Step 2‌ - Combine the Ingredients to Form a Paste‌

Combine equal parts water, baking soda or flour, and hydrogen peroxide or dishwashing detergent in a clean bowl or container to form a paste. Mix with a wooden spoon or utensil to achieve the right consistency.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 3 - wet the stain with water and cover with a thick layer of paste

Step 3‌ - Wet the Stain with Water and Cover it With a Thick Layer of the Paste‌

Use some water to wet the entire stain and then cover it with a thick layer of the mixture. Extend the mixture out 1-inch around the stain on all sides to ensure it is fully covered.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 4 - cover the mixture with plastic wrap and let sit for at least 24 hours

Step 4‌ - Cover the Mixture‌ and Let It Sit‌

Cover the mixture on the vanity top with plastic wrap to keep it from drying out too quickly, and let it sit for at least 24 hours

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 5 - remove the paste by scraping it off with a wooden utensil to avoid damaging the stone

Step 5‌ - Remove the Paste

Remove the paste by scraping it off with a wooden spoon or utensil to avoid scratching or damaging the stone.‌

Countertop Maintenance Option 3 Step 6 - use mild soap and water to rinse the vanity top

Step 6‌ - Wash with Soap‌ and Water‌

Use a mild soap and water to rinse the vanity top and repeat as necessary until the stain is fully removed.‌


Quartz Countertop Care and Maintenance

Quartz countertops are revered for their durability and everyday resistance. One of the most low-maintenance vanity top materials, quartz countertop care boils down to simple cleaners and supplies.

Their non-porous disposition naturally repels potential bacteria, allowing you to use warm water and a cleaning cloth to keep them looking new. This character trait also makes quartz less likely to absorb stains, reducing the need for toxic chemicals or physically demanding cleaning processes.

Routine Maintenance and Sealing Your Vanity Top‌


Routine care and sealing of your vanity top will allow the material to last longer and sustain less damage over time. For routine cleaning of any vanity top material, wipe down the surface with a cloth or paper towel, along with the correct cleaner. It is also best to quickly wipe up any spilled liquids to prevent spotting and glass rings on your countertop.‌

Bathroom vanity tops also need to be properly sealed regularly depending on the material. For granite countertop maintenance, due to its high porosity, this material may need to be sealed annually or as needed, depending on its use.

Berwyn Widespread Bathroom Faucet in Matte Black  on Carrara Marble Vanity Top

However, on the other hand, quartz countertops do not call for any extra protection. To err on the side of caution, always consult with a professional or research the product being used before moving forward with sealing your bathroom countertops. ‌

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