Removing Oil Stains from Granite in Your Home

Granite is a popular choice for kitchen countertops for various reasons, one of the most important being that it will hold up when it comes to food preparation, but only to a certain extent. When oil and grease come into contact with granite surfaces, staining can be expected (unless the stone is sealed properly and the oil is cleaned up quickly), and this isn’t limited to kitchen countertops because it can also happen in the bathroom with creams, makeup, and some body lotions, not to mention accidental spills on granite floor tiles. If an oily or greasy substance sits on top of granite long enough, a stain will certainly form, but the following steps can be taken to remove it.

Absorb Remaining Grease and Fluids

Oily stains can be prevented if substances don’t make it past the protective seal and the pores of the granite surface. If a stain starts to form while grease is still resting on top of the slab or tile, it will only get worse unless the substance is removed. Instead of wiping, a blotting action should be used, preferably with paper towels or a soft sponge.

In some cases, this step may take care of the stains, thus leaving the surface ready to clean with a granite cleaner such as Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®. However, a more stubborn oil stain may require the next step.

Make a Baking Soda/Acetone Paste

If wiping and cleaning the countertop didn’t remove the stain, here’s what you should try next. Once the surface is dry, place a paste made of equal amounts of baking soda and acetone right on top of the stain. It should have the consistency of pancake batter, and there should be enough to completely cover the stain. Don’t rub the paste into the stone. The idea is to let it dry for 24 hours. You then need to remove the paste and rinse the area with water. If necessary, repeat the process. Once you’ve lifted the stain, the stone will need to be resealed.

Seal the Granite Surface

Preventing oil stains is easier and more enjoyable than removing them. To this effect, it’s important to finish the job with a granite sealer such as Granite Gold Sealer®. With a fresh seal in place, you won’t have to worry about oil or grease stains on granite floors or counters as long as the spills are cleaned up immediately and the granite is sealed regularly. For an easy way to keep your countertops clean, you can use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner Wipes®, the convenient granite all-surface wipes from Granite Gold®. We carry a wide array of products that are safe to use on all types of natural stone, including marble, granite, travertine, and slate. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). And don’t forget to like our Facebook page to stay updated on the latest tips and developments in quartz and natural-stone care.