How to remove the most stubborn countertop stains, from coffee rings to red wine spills

Because coffee rings and grease splatters shouldn’t be permanent decor.

My sister-in-law swears her kitchen counters have magical powers that attract stains. I think the problem is more closely related to the habits of the members of her household. Even if you live alone, stains happen.

When cleaned up quickly, most stains aren’t a big deal. Others can be stubborn and require a little patience—and sometimes a more targeted approach. Below are solutions for five tough stains, tailored to the type of countertops in your kitchen. I can’t promise they’ll change your family’s habits, but they can help make stains a distant memory.

What to Know Before Cleaning

It’s important to know what material your countertops are made from before you start cleaning. Most surfaces can’t withstand harsh cleaners like ammonia or abrasive scrubbing tools. Many stone counters—such as granite, marble, and concrete—are especially sensitive to acidic cleaners like vinegar or citric acid, which can pit or dull the surface.

Even if your stone counters are sealed to resist stains, sealants don’t last forever. Everyday use gradually wears down the finish, leaving the surface more susceptible to staining. In most cases, sealants should be reapplied every one to three years.

The same wear-and-tear concerns apply to butcher block and laminate countertops. Butcher block should be treated with a food-grade oil or wax every six months. And once the protective layer on laminate becomes heavily scratched or worn, stains may become permanent.

Quartz and soapstone are non-porous and do not stain easily. Clean the countertops daily with warm water and dish soap, or any non-abrasive household cleaner. Stay away from abrasive, scouring pads that may scratch the surface, and your countertops will look great!

• Marble: Wet four layers of white paper towels with fresh hydrogen peroxide. Place over the stained area and weigh down with a heavy glass or bottle. Let the towels dry completely, then check the stain. Repeat as needed.
• Granite: Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste. Spread about 1/4 inch thick over the stain and cover with plastic wrap. Tape down the edges to secure and leave for 24 hours. Remove the wrap, let the mixture dry completely, and wipe away. Repeat as needed until the stain is gone.
• Concrete: Blot up the wine with a paper towel, then clean with hot water and a few drops of dish soap.
• Laminate: Make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply to the stain, cover with plastic wrap for at least two hours, and gently wipe away—no scrubbing. Repeat if needed.
• Butcher Block: Scrub with hot, soapy water using a microfiber cloth. Rinse and dry thoroughly. If the stain remains, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a damp cloth.

How to Remove Coffee and Tea Stains

• Marble: Wet four layers of white paper towels with fresh hydrogen peroxide. Place over the stain and weigh down with a heavy object. Let dry completely, then check the stain. Repeat as needed.
• Granite: Clean with hot, soapy water. For stains on light-colored granite, soak paper towels with hydrogen peroxide, place over the stain, weigh down, and let dry. Repeat if necessary.
• Concrete: Mix dish soap and hot water. Dip a nylon-bristled brush into the solution and gently scrub the stained area. Rinse with clear water and allow to dry.
• Laminate: Make a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Apply with a sponge and gently scrub.
• Butcher Block: Gently scrub with hot, soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. If the stain remains, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a damp cloth.

How to Remove Grease Stains

• Marble: Spread a paste of baking soda and a few drops of water over the stain. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit overnight or until dry. Rinse and repeat if needed.
• Granite: Clean with hot water and dish soap. If the stain persists, apply a baking soda paste, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 24 hours before wiping away with a damp cloth.
• Concrete: Mix baking soda and acetone (fingernail polish remover) to form a thick paste. Spread 1/4 inch thick over the stain and cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours. Remove the wrap and wipe clean with water. Repeat as needed to draw out the oil. Consider resealing the concrete to help prevent future staining.
• Laminate: Clean with a 50:50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water. Rinse well and buff dry.
• Butcher Block: Sprinkle coarse salt over the stain and scrub with half a lemon. Wipe away with a damp cloth and allow the countertop to dry. Repeat if needed.

How to Remove Turmeric and Mustard Stains

• Marble: Mix baking soda and hydrogen peroxide into a paste. Apply a thick layer and cover with plastic wrap for at least two hours. Wipe away with a damp cloth. Repeat if needed.
• Granite: Spray with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and let sit for 15 minutes before wiping away. If needed, apply a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste, cover with plastic wrap for several hours, then wipe clean.
• Concrete: Soak a folded paper towel with chlorine bleach (wear gloves) and place over the stain. Weigh down with a plate or glass. Check every 15 minutes until the stain lifts. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.
• Laminate: Try a baking soda and water paste first. If the stain remains, dab with a cotton ball dampened with acetone. Use fresh cotton balls as the stain transfers.
• Butcher Block: Sprinkle with coarse salt and scrub with half a lemon, then wipe clean and dry. Alternatively, apply a baking soda paste overnight.

How to Remove Rust Stains

• Marble: Spray with hydrogen peroxide and gently scrub with a soft nylon brush. Let sit for 24 hours, then rinse with water. In many cases, rust stains require professional treatment.
• Granite: Spray with undiluted hydrogen peroxide and scrub gently with a nylon brush. If needed, mix a few drops of commercial liquid rust remover with 1/2 cup flour to form a paste. Apply to the stain, wait 24 hours, then wipe clean.
• Concrete: Apply distilled white vinegar or lemon juice to the stain. Let sit for about 10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Repeat until the stain is gone.
• Laminate: Apply distilled white vinegar or lemon juice, wait 10 minutes, then scrub gently. Bar Keepers Friend also works well on laminate countertops.
• Butcher Block: Make a paste of Bar Keepers Friend and water. Apply to the stain and let sit for about 15 minutes before scrubbing with an old toothbrush. Wipe clean with water and repeat if needed.