How to Remove Grease Stains from Granite

Granite is mined from the earth, and then prepared for use on home surfaces.

Granite is a type of sturdy, strong natural stone surface often used for flooring and countertops in homes. The porous nature of granite can cause it to absorb stains and become discolored if the stains are not tended to correctly. You can remove grease stains, gently and effectively, from your granite surfaces. Correct stain removal procedures will ensure that your granite remains clean without being damaged by the wrong cleaners or cleaning processes.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Hand broom
• Dust pan
• Paper towels
• Mineral spirits
• Plastic wrap
• Natural stone cleaner

Instructions

1. Pour baking soda on the grease stain on your granite surface immediately. Allow the baking soda to absorb the grease and oil as you prepare a paste for stain removal. If the baking soda absorbs all the grease quickly, remove it with a hand broom and dust pan and apply more baking soda.

2. Wet a paper towel that's been folded to fit over the grease stain on your granite surface. Pour a thick layer of baking soda onto the folded, wet paper towel. Sprinkle mineral spirits over the baking soda to create a thick wet paste.

3. Sweep away any baking soda on your granite surface. Apply the paste to your granite by placing it on the granite surface with the baking soda and mineral spirits side facing down. Using a paste on granite removes the stain by wicking the stain up into the paste materials.

4. Cover the paste with a layer of plastic wrap to prevent it from drying too quickly. Allow it to remain on the grease stain on your granite surface for up to 48 hours. You can lift the corner of the paste to begin checking to see if the stain is gone after three hours.

5. Lift the paste off your granite surface. Dampen a paper towel with plain water and wipe up any baking soda residue. Dry with a paper towel.

6. Clean the site of the grease stain on your granite surface using a natural stone cleaner. Follow the directions on the cleaner.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute talcum powder or cornstarch for the baking soda, if needed.

• Avoid abrasive cleaners on a natural stone surface such as granite. The tiny scratches these cleaners cause can become dirt-collecting areas on your granite.

References

• Marble Institute of America: Natural Stone Care and Cleaning