How to Get Food Coloring Off Counters
Are you a homeowner who’s been there before — you’ve tried your hand at a colorful and creative recipe that required food coloring, only to have the countertops covered in permanent stains? If so, don’t worry! We understand how frustrating it can be when one small ingredient causes such a mess.
Thankfully, Merry Maids® is here to share easy-to-follow tips for getting all kinds of food dyes off almost any kitchen counter surface — cement, marble, and laminate — you name it! So, don’t let those colorful accidents get you down. With our help, you’ll have difficulty remembering where that stain used to be!
The Benefits of Natural Cleaners for Food Coloring Removal
Porous countertops can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen, but they also require extra care when it comes to cleaning. Most traditional commercial cleaners are too harsh for porous surfaces and may actually cause damage over time. That’s why natural cleaning products are the best choice for taking care of your countertop.
Natural products are effective at cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals. This means they won’t damage or discolor your countertop, and they won’t leave behind a residue that could trap bacteria. Natural countertop cleaners are also great at removing grease and food stains, so you can keep your countertop looking its best with minimal effort.
Ways to Safely Remove Food Coloring from Various Countertop Surfaces
Removing Food Coloring from Cement
Removing food coloring from cement countertops can be a tricky process, but it doesn’t have to be. The natural cleaning supplies you’ll need include baking soda, water, distilled white vinegar, and lemon juice.
Here are a few simple steps to remove food coloring from cement:
- Create a paste made from one part baking soda and two parts water.
- Spread this paste over the area with the food coloring stains.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes before lightly scrubbing it with a soft cloth or sponge, and let it sit again for another 10 minutes.
- Rinse off the baking soda mixture.
If any stubborn stains remain after this step, mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1/4 cup lemon juice in a spray bottle and apply it to the stained area. Scrub using a soft cloth or sponge again, then rinse with warm water.
Make sure to test any cleaner you use in an inconspicuous area of your countertop first to verify it won’t damage the surface. With some elbow grease and some natural cleaning supplies, you should be able to remove even the most stubborn food coloring stains from your cement countertop.
Removing Food Coloring from Marble
The good news is, removing food coloring from marble countertops isn’t too difficult – if you act fast and are gentle with the surface. The key to cleaning marble successfully is to use all-natural supplies that won’t damage the stone’s delicate finish, including baking soda, distilled vinegar, water, and mild dish soap.
Here are a few simple steps to remove food coloring from marble:
- Start by cleaning the area with a soft, damp cloth and warm water. Don’t use any harsh cleansers. Warm water is your best bet for cleaning marble countertops.
- Make a paste out of baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Spread the paste over the stained area and leave it for about 15 minutes.
- Once the paste has had time to work, wipe away any excess with a soft damp cloth.
- Rinse the marble countertop with water and dry it with a soft, clean cloth.
For more stubborn stains, try adding a teaspoon of mild dish soap or non-abrasive cleaner to some warm water and use it to gently scrub the area. Just be sure to rinse the area thoroughly afterward and dry it with a soft cloth.
Remember, marble is a delicate material and requires a gentle touch when cleaning. Natural cleaning supplies are the safest way to remove food coloring without damaging your countertops.
Removing Food Coloring from Laminate
Removing food coloring from laminate countertops can be difficult, especially if they’ve been left unaddressed for days or weeks. Fortunately, with the right products and techniques, you can easily get rid of spills and stains without damaging your countertop.
Here are a few simple steps to remove food coloring from laminate:
- Soak up excess liquid using a clean cloth or paper towel as soon as possible.
- If the stain is dried or caked on, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub it away.
- Wet a cloth with warm water and soap and gently rub it over the stained area in circular motions.
- Use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner to suck up any remaining moisture from the countertop.
- Rinse the area with clean, warm water and dry it completely with a soft cloth.
With the right cleaning products and techniques, you can keep your countertops in top condition so that they remain functional and clean.
Removing Food Coloring from Soapstone
Soapstone countertops are a beautiful and durable addition to any home, but they can become stained over time. Food colors, in particular, can be hard to remove from this porous material. Luckily, there are several steps you can take to preserve your soapstone countertops.
Here are a few simple steps to remove food coloring from soapstone:
- Ensure any food coloring is completely wiped off the countertop. If there is any remaining residue, use a mixture of vinegar and water to remove it.
- If the stain persists, create a paste from baking soda and water.
- Apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Once it’s had time to work, wipe away any remaining paste with a soft cloth and rinse with warm water.
If you still can’t remove the stain, use mineral oil on a soft cloth. Gently rub the area until the food coloring starts to come off. Then, rinse with water and dry thoroughly.
It’s important to remember that soapstone countertops don’t react well to harsh chemicals or scrubbing pads. To keep them looking their best, use natural cleaning supplies like vinegar and baking soda whenever possible. With proper care, your soapstone countertops should stay beautiful.
Trust Merry Maids to Safely and Effectively Clean Your Countertops
Regardless of the type of countertops you have, removing tough stains like food coloring can be a hassle. Still, our team at Merry Maids is ready to take on this tedious task so you have more time for yourself. Trust us to use environmentally safe cleaning products and proven techniques to help revitalize your counters and remove stains.
Call (888) 490-4227 or request a free cleaning estimate today!