How to Clean Oil Stains From Granite

Keep your granite free of oil stains with a homemade paste.

Stone countertops---such as marble and granite---are a popular choice for kitchens. If cared for properly, granite countertops can provide you with a lifetime of use. Granite is porous, which means the countertop can stain easily. It is not uncommon for food to spill on the countertop. Unfortunately, some items spilled on the countertop can stain. Cooking oil can leave behind a stain on granite that cannot be removed with your normal countertop cleaners. Create a paste to pull the stain out of the granite's pores.

Things You'll Need

• Distilled water
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Flour
• Water
• Plastic wrap
• Masking tape
• Cloth
• Towel

Instructions

1. Wet the cooking stain with distilled water.

2. Combine 2 tbsp. of hydrogen peroxide and 1 cup of flour. Add enough water to the mixture to create a thick paste. Alternatively, replace the hydrogen peroxide with ammonia.

3. Apply the paste to the oil stain.

4. Cover the stain and paste with plastic wrap. Tape the edges down with masking tape. Allow the paste to sit on the stain for 12 to 24 hours. The paste must dry to pull the stain out of the granite.

5. Remove the plastic from the stain and discard.

6. Wipe the paste from the granite with a cloth saturated in distilled water. Buff the granite dry with a soft towel.

7. Reapply the paste and repeat the process if the stain is still present.

References

• Stone Info: Stain Removal Basics
• Housekeeping Channel: Removing Stains From Stone, Tile and Concrete
• Kitchen Countertops: Care and Cleaning for Granite Countertops