People food shopping this week told 'do not unpack groceries in kitchen'

As autumn approaches and rainy days become more frequent, homeowners bringing their supermarket food shopping in are being warned that a seemingly harmless item could cause kitchen worktop damage. When thinking of items that stain surfaces, red wine, coffee, and beetroot usually spring to mind.

However, research from kitchen specialists at Prestige Granite has revealed that the humble reusable plastic bag is emerging as a surprising culprit. According to their research, when a bag for life gets wet, its dye can transfer onto worktops, seeping into the surface and causing lasting marks.

In other words, a 30p shopping bag has the potential to cause thousands of pounds in damage in just a matter of minutes. To avoid putting your kitchen counter tops at risk, homeowners are urged to unpack their groceries in a different room, or to make sure they take items out of any bags before putting them down on a susceptible surface.

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It also doesn't help that the weather is set to stay very wet and windy over the coming days, putting soggy reusable bags at greater risk of dye transfer when bringing them into the house. According to the Met Office, today (September 4), there will be outbreaks of rain, some heavy and thundery, with a yellow weather warning in place.

On Friday, patchy rain will be developing in the northwest, along with brisk winds. It adds: "Saturday looks mostly dry with some sunshine and a warmer, though freshening southerly wind. Gradually turning wet and windy overnight into Sunday. Blustery showers following on Monday. Coastal gales possible."

Explaining why leaving a wet reusable bag on a kitchen counter can be risky, Liv Reed from Prestige Granite said: "What many don’t realise is that reusable plastic bags often use strong dyes in their design, which can easily transfer when the material becomes damp. On contact with a kitchen surface, especially porous stones such as granite, quartz or marble, the dye particles seep into tiny natural fissures and pores in the material.

"Once absorbed, these pigments bond beneath the surface. If the ink seems impossible to remove, the recommended course of action would be to first try a multi-surface spray. If that doesn't work, a cream cleaner such as CIF or The Pink Stuff can be used, followed by Acetone if necessary.

"If this doesn’t work, the result is a deep-set mark that doesn’t just sit on top of the counter but becomes part of it, often leaving homeowners with no option other than costly professional treatment or replacement. It’s a silent risk that most households overlook, but simply leaving a wet bag for life on the worktop for a short time could trigger permanent staining, making it one of the most surprising and damaging culprits in the kitchen."

How to tackle plastic bag stains on your worktop:

Act quickly: As soon as you notice dye transfer, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much of the colour as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the pigment deeper into the surface.

Use warm soapy water: Mix mild washing-up liquid with warm water and gently clean the stained patch using a soft sponge or cloth. This is safe for most worktops and can sometimes lift the dye if caught early.

Apply a baking soda paste: For stubborn stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Spread it over the mark, leave for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub in circular motions before rinsing away.

Try a specialist cleaner: If the stain persists, use a non-abrasive stone or surface cleaner designed for granite, quartz, or marble. Always test on a small, hidden area first to avoid further damage.

Seek professional help if needed: Deep-set stains may require professional polishing or treatment. In some cases, only a surface specialist can fully restore the worktop’s appearance.

Plastic bags aren’t the only item people need to watch for:

• Red wine and dark drinks (like coffee or tea): rich in tannins and pigments that soak quickly into porous surfaces.
• Turmeric and curry: powerful natural colourants that leave lingering yellow stains even on stone or laminate.
• Berries and beetroot: packed with strong natural pigments (anthocyanins and deep reds) that cling stubbornly to surfaces.
• Dark condiments (soy sauce, balsamic vinegar): both dark and acidic, making marks difficult to remove.
• Oils and grease: seep into stone, wood, or unsealed surfaces, leaving dark patches that are hard to lift.

How to protect your kitchen tops from stains:

• Wipe up spills straight away: the longer liquids or foods sit on a surface, the deeper they can seep in.
• Use chopping boards and mats: protect your worktop from direct contact with colourful foods like beetroot and turmeric.
• Avoid leaving damp items on the counter: whether it’s a wet plastic bag, a dishcloth, or even a fruit punnet, excess moisture can trigger staining and damage.
• Clean with the right products: stick to mild soap and water or cleaners designed for stone. Harsh chemicals and abrasives can strip the surface, making it more vulnerable to stains.
• Seal natural stone regularly: granite and marble often benefit from a professional sealant to block stains before they set in.