Many homeowners have granite countertops in their kitchens. As a cleaning business owner it is your responsibility to educate yourself and train your employees on proper cleaning methods and precautions to take when cleaning granite surfaces. However in the real world, we know that accidents do happen.

If a stain on your clients' granite is left by you or one of your employees, don't panic. There are steps you can take to assure proper removal of the stain.

First, take whatever made the stain to the granite dealer and ask for professional advice. Do not continue to remove the stain until you've spoken with the dealer. You could do more damage.

Here is a basic remedy for removing a stain from a granite countertop:

1. Mix up a poultice material to remove the stain. One of the best poultice materials to use is diatomaceous earth for both hard surfaces and carpet.

2. Spray the stained area with distilled water.

3. Prepare the poultice. Pre-mix the powder and the recommended chemical into a thick paste, the consistency of peanut butter.

4. Apply the poultice to the stain, about 1/4" thick, overlapping the stain.

5. Cover the poultice with plastic (food wrap works great) and tape the edges down.

6. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly. The drying of the poultice will pull the stain from the surface into the poultice material. It might take 24 to 48 hours to dry, and possibly longer.

7. Remove the poultice from stain. Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth. If not removed apply poultice again. It may take up to 5 applications to remove difficult stains.

8. Note: some chemicals may etch the surface. If this happens apply polishing powder and buff to restore the shine.

Copyright © MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. All Rights Reserved

Thoughts or comments? Please consider posting them to the discussion forum

Would you like to reprint this article in your newsletter, on your web site, or on your blog? You sure can! As long as the article is complete and unaltered (including the author information below). Send a copy of the reprint to us by filling out the contact form, including the URL of the published article. (Make sure all links are live if placed in an e-zine, on a web site or blog.)

You must include the following information at the end of each article you reprint:

Copyright © MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. All Rights Reserved.
Steve Hanson has been a building service contractor for more than 20 years and now uses his knowledge to help owners of residential cleaning companies build a more profitable and successful cleaning business at MyHouseCleaningBiz.com. Read inspirational cleaning success stories at http://www.cleaning-success.com, and sign up for House Cleaning Profit Tips at http://www.MyHouseCleaningBiz.com.