How to remove oil stains from granite

Modern kitchen countertops often use granite because it is durable and earth-friendly. Granite is an investment that can outlast any other materials in your home. However, it is still prone to stains, especially from oil. You can always prevent oil stains on your granite countertops, but sometimes you might not notice the oil sitting on top of it. To help preserve the good and clean-looking condition of your granite countertop, make sure you act quickly to remove oil stains from granite.

You can remove oil stains from granite surfaces using a baking soda paste or acetone. Both methods take some time but are highly effective. Just make sure you don’t try to use white vinegar, as it can damage the granite countertop.

Removing oil stains from granite using baking soda

A granite countertop could get stained if oil sits on top of it over a while. Usually, you wipe off any substance or liquid on your countertop right away and there are no issues. While it seems convenient, wiping off oil on granite countertops increases the risk of a larger stain formation. So, it’s best to use tissue paper, soft cloth, or cotton when blotting. Only then can oil be absorbed and be stopped from causing damage to the aesthetics of granite.

If part of your granite countertop is soaking in oil, just grab some baking soda and follow these steps:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the oil stain and give it time to absorb it, preferably at a minimum of 20 minutes.
2. Get a sponge or cloth and wet it with water. Don’t forget to wring the sponge or cloth out to remove excess water. After that, remove the baking soda that you applied to oil stains.
3. In a bowl, create a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste. An equal part of each ingredient is required.
4. Apply a thin layer over the remaining oil stains using the baking soda paste.
5. Get your extra plastic wrap and cover the areas where you applied the paste. Leave it as is until it dries.
6. When you can see it’s dry, remove the plastic wrap. Using a plastic scraper, also remove the dried paste.
7. Get a dry cloth and moisten it with water. Wipe the cloth to remove the paste residue off the countertop.
8. Once the dried baking soda paste is gone, get another cloth, and pour a small amount of natural stone cleaner on it.
9. Use this to clean the area stained with oil.
10. Let the granite air dry.

Acetone is also effective on oil stains

Using acetone to remove oil stains is another effective approach and is a relatively simple process. Follow the procedure below for optimal results.

1. Blot the excess oil off your granite using a paper towel. Be extra careful to not allow the excess oil to contact other areas of your granite.
2. Once the surface is cleared of oil, grab another paper towel and fold it a couple of times until it is the same size as the stain.
3. Place the folded paper towel on top of the stain and pour the acetone on it until it is soaking wet.
4. Cover the area using plastic wrap. Make sure to seal the edges of the plastic wrap for a tight fit to prevent the acetone from drying quickly.
5. Leave it overnight.
6. In the morning, remove the tape, the plastic wrap and the paper towel. Dispose of them carefully without letting them touch the granite.

After you remove the patch, you will notice a dark spot on the patched area. Do not panic because it will disappear after about three hours and your granite will be back to its original appearance. Make sure you do this process in the evening after dinner is over, so the countertop will no longer be used. This requires an overnight process to be completed.

Common questions about oil stains on granite

Does oil stain granite?

Yes, oil has a notorious reputation in staining granite countertops. However, oil and other liquids need prolonged contact with granite for it to stain. Immediate action is essential when dealing with granite stains, so make sure you have access to natural stone cleaners or stain removers.

Most contemporary homes are equipped with granite countertops or even granite floors, so this is a common problem. The good thing is, it’s pretty straight-forward to remove any oil stains.

Can you get stains out of granite?

Yes, you can remove dirty-looking stains from granite. Though granite is prone to stains, there are many ways to counteract these stains. Natural stone cleaners are available to accelerate the process of stain removal. You can also use baking soda or acetone to remove the pesky stains.

You do not have to worry if your granite acquired stains. Familiarize yourself with the methods of removing stains from granite because there are common home remedies that can remove the stains with products you probably already have in your home.

Just be careful, because all at-home remedies or products will not help. Some things can even damage the granite more. One example of this is the commonly used distilled white vinegar. Same with citrus, the acidic property of vinegar does not do any good with granite stains. Instead of removing the stain, your granite might be at risk with the damage that vinegar can do to its surface.

How do you get grease out of stone?

Grease stains can be removed from stone surfaces and countertops with something you probably already have in your kitchen – cornstarch. Make a paste with water and cornstarch and use it to safely and effectively remove your oil stain.

Below are the steps for removing grease out of stone surfaces.

1. Remove any excess oil that has accumulated on the surface of the stone.
2. Do the blotting technique using a clean, dry cloth instead of wiping it off.
3. Make a paste by gradually adding a teaspoon of water into a bowl with ¼ cup cornstarch.
4. Mix it thoroughly for a balanced distribution and set this aside.
5. Grab your sponge. Aim at the center of the stained spot then press the sponge to it.
6. Apply the cornstarch paste on the greased area and then cover it with plastic wrap.
7. Let the paste sit on the stained area, allowing it to dry.
8. Make small holes on the plastic wrap for fast drying.
9. Once dried, remove the plastic wrap and the cornstarch paste.
10. Clean the stained area with a soap that has a neutral pH.

Take care of your counters

Always be cautious when dealing with any substance that might stain your granite. Your granite countertop should last for a very long time, so make sure you take good care of it and remove any stains right away. Preventing the onset of stain in the first place can save you from the hassle of cleaning your granite and stone countertops.