Knowing how to remove toilet bowl cleaner stains from countertops can be very tricky, especially considering the different types of countertops that are available today.
In all cases, the general procedure is to blot any excess solution using paper towels and then spot clean any stain left behind with a cleaning solution that is suitable for the specific type of countertop.
In this article, we will explore the different methods for removing toilet bowl cleaner stains from countertops depending on the type of countertop that you have, as well as some tips for preventing more permanent damage – let’s get straight into it.
Different Types Of Sealers And Toilet Bowl Cleaners
There are endless types of sealers and toilet bowl cleaners on the market today, each using slightly different ingredients from the next.
This makes it very difficult to advise a specific cleaning method for each type of countertop. We have done our best to research the most common types of sealants and toilet bowl cleaners, but you should always spot test the cleaning solution before you start cleaning the stain.
Removing Toilet Bowl Cleaner Stains From Different Types Of Countertops
While we can’t cover every type of countertop that is available on the market, we are going to focus on a handful of the most common types of countertops in this article.
First Step – Blot The Excess
No matter what type of countertop you have, you need to first blot any excess solution using paper towels or a dry cloth.
This will help you to see the extent of the stain, and hopefully, whether the seal of your countertop is damaged or not (if your countertop has one). Once you’ve blotted, find your type of countertop from the list below to see which cleaning agent you need to spot test with.
Second Step – Spot Test
Once you’ve blotted the excess don’t forget to spot test the cleaning agent first.
To do this, find your type of countertop from the options below and see which cleaning agent is recommended. After this, spot test it on a small area of the countertop by leaving it on the surface for 5 to 10 minutes and then wiping it away.
If you notice any discoloration then do not continue.
Marble
Marble countertops are usually sealed with an impregnable sealer designed specifically for marble.
A lot of these sealers have built-in acid resistance, which means you can use bleach to remove the stain without worrying about damaging your countertop.
To do this, mix together equal parts bleach and water in a container – making sure to wear necessary safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mask. You can either apply the bleach using an old dishcloth and scrub the stain, or by laying paper towels over the stain and soaking them in the bleach solution and leaving it for 5 minutes.
Rinse the area afterwards with a fresh dishcloth and water and the stain should be removed entirely.
Granite
Granite is very similar to marble in that it is usually sealed, but it can actually be cleaned (carefully) if it doesn’t have a seal applied.
There are two methods here that you can use:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and spread this over the stain. Cover the area with cling film and leave for 24 hours. Once the time is up remove the paste and rinse the area with warm water and soap.
- The next option is to soak some paper towels in a 50-50 solution of bleach and water and place this over the stain for 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse the area afterwards with warm water and soap.
Quartz
Quartz is quite interesting as a countertop material because it doesn’t need to be sealed due to its lack of porosity.
The resin that binds the quartz together is vulnerable to harsh cleaning agents, however, so using bleach is not a good option. For toilet bowl cleaner stains on quartz, we recommend using Barkeeper’s friend.
Barkeeper’s friend uses a non-bleach formula that is gentle and can be used on quartz without worrying about damaging it.
Formica
Formica, or laminate, countertops are quite easy to clean on a regular basis – but what about tough stains from toilet bleach?
According to their website, one of the best methods to try is to use either acetone, rubbing alcohol or ethanol. Apply one of these cleansers and then scrub the area with a rotating motion.
Rinse through with water and dry the surface, making sure that all of the cleanser has been removed.
Concrete
Concrete countertops should always be sealed due to the porosity of the material.
Luckily, in most cases, you should be fine using bleach on concrete. There is no need to dilute in this case, and simply soak some paper towels in bleach and place them directly onto the stain.
Check every 5 minutes to see whether the stain has been removed, rinse through with water afterwards and leave the area to dry.
How To Tell When You Need Professional Assistance
Depending on the type of seal that your countertop has, it may interact with the toilet bowl cleaner and become damaged.
This means that the seal will no longer be effective and that the material below is vulnerable to the solution. If you notice a discolored patch after you have cleaned the stain, then it is a good indication that the seal has been removed in that area.
In this situation, it makes sense to contact a professional, who can check for damage to the countertop material below as well as reapply the necessary sealant.
Final Thoughts
We hope you have a good idea of how to remove toilet bowl cleaner stains from countertops after reading this article.
Don’t forget to spot test each cleaning method before you tackle the stain itself, and don’t be afraid to contact a professional if you need more guidance in regard to permanent damage or marks.