Removing oil stains from granite countertops

granite

You can remove stubborn oil stains from granite in a few simple steps. You’ll need bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) or acetone, paper towels and soft cloths. With these tools and a little patience, your granite will look brand new.

To keep your granite worktops in the best condition, you should apply a granite sealant. This helps protect against stains and scratches.

Granite sealant usually needs to be reapplied every one to five years. For daily cleaning, you can use dish soap mixed with water and a soft cloth to keep surfaces looking shiny and new.

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Cleaners that should not be used on granite

Some cleaning products can damage granite by scratching or dulling the stone. You should never use white vinegar or other acid-based cleaners on granite.

Lemon, ammonia and white vinegar are all types of acidic cleaners that can cause etching. 

Etching is a chemical reaction between granite and acidic substances. This reaction can erode the sealant on granite and leave it vulnerable to scratches.

Acidic cleaners can also dull the stone, destroying its attractive shine. Before using a new cleaning product, it’s always best to test on a small area first.

Removing oil stains from granite using bicarbonate of soda paste

Bicarbonate of soda, also known as baking soda, is a brilliant non-toxic cleaner. It’s safe to use on a range of surfaces including granite and should be a staple in any cleaning cupboard.

As a drying agent, bicarbonate of soda works by drawing out the oil from the pores of the granite surface. To remove the stain you’ll need to apply a bicarbonate of soda paste and leave it to dry overnight.

In the morning you should rinse the area down and dry it with a clean tea towel.

You can find bicarbonate of soda in many high-street shops and supermarkets. Or, you can save money by purchasing in bulk on Amazon or eBay.

You’ll need:

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Directions:

  1. Soak up any excess oil with paper towels
  2. Mix together equal amounts of baking powder and water to form a spreadable paste
  3. Spread the paste across the stain but do not rub it into the stone
  4. Cover the paste with plastic wrap
  5. Tape down the plastic wrap with masking tape
  6. Poke several holes in the plastic wrap using a fork to help the paste dry
  7. Leave to sit overnight to allow the paste to draw out the oil from the granite
  8. Remove the plastic wrap
  9. Rinse with water and dry with a microfibre cloth

One of the most important ingredients for removing oil stains is time. So, make sure you leave the bicarbonate of soda paste plenty of time to draw out the oil.

This is easiest if left overnight as you won’t need to disturb the area to prepare food.

Using acetone to remove oil stains from granite

Acetone is a chemical cleaner, often used to remove nail polish. It works by breaking down stains without scratching the granite.

Acetone is a powerful solvent but is also highly flammable and should be used with care.

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To remove oil stains from granite with acetone, you’ll need to make a poultice. This might sound complicated but don’t panic, it’s actually pretty simple.

A poultice is a chemical mixed with a white absorbent material. In our method, we will mix acetone with a paper towel to create an acetone poultice. 

Once made, place the poultice on top of the stain. To keep it flat against the stain you can use plastic wrap and masking tape. For best results, leave overnight to allow the acetone time to dissolve the oil.

You can buy acetone at your local high street chemist or on Amazon. Ensure the acetone is 100% pure with no added ingredients.

You’ll need:

  • 100% pure acetone
  • warm water
  • microfibre or another type of soft cloth
  • paper towels
  • plastic wrap
  • masking tape

Directions:

  1. Soak up any excess oil with paper towels
  2. Make a poultice by folding a paper towel in four and soaking it with acetone
  3. Place the acetone poultice on top of the stain
  4. Cover the poultice with plastic wrap
  5. Use masking tape to hold the plastic wrap down to ensure the acetone poultice remains flat on the stain
  6. Leave overnight to break down the oil
  7. Remove the masking tape and plastic wrap
  8. Leave the poultice to dry and then remove it from the granite
  9. Wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth and the stain should be gone!

There is no need to poke holes in the plastic wrap when using acetone. Whilst we want the bicarbonate of soda to dry quickly, we want the acetone to stay wet and active.

Again, it’s important to give the acetone plenty of time to work, so leave it overnight for best results. Aim to apply the poultice after your evening meal so that you don’t need to disturb the area to prepare food.

You may notice the area has darkened after removing the poultice. Don’t panic, this is normal and should usually disappear after a couple of hours.

How to prevent oil stains on granite

To avoid oil stains on your granite in the future, immediately mop up oil spills with a paper towel. Once you have removed the excess oil, use dish soap and a soft cloth to clean the area.

It takes prolonged contact with granite for oil to soak in, so it’s best to wipe away spills quickly. 

It’s also a good idea to apply a granite sealer, which can help protect against future accidents. You should reapply granite sealant every one to five years.

Or, after removing a stain from the surface as this means the sealant is compromised. If you are unsure whether your granite is already sealed, you can perform a water test (see below).

You can buy granite sealant from high-street hardware stores or on Amazon. For best results, follow the instructions on the product label.

Make sure to test the sealant on a small area of the surface before use.

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Can I use white vinegar on granite?

Never use white vinegar or other acid-based cleaners on granite. Acidic cleaners cause etching, a chemical reaction that erodes the sealant on granite.

Etching leaves surfaces vulnerable to stains and scratches. Acidic cleaners can also cause dullness to the stone, robbing it of its natural shine.

How do I tell if granite needs to be sealed?

To work out if your granite surface needs sealant applied, you can perform a simple water test. Pour a half cup of water onto the granite and then start a stopwatch timer on your phone.

Wait for half an hour or until the water has been completely absorbed by the stone. 

If the water is quickly absorbed and leaves a dark ring, then you should use a granite sealant as soon as possible. If it takes a few minutes to absorb the water, then your granite sealant is working.

You should perform the water test once a year. Usually, you will need to apply sealant every couple of years to protect the stone.

How should I clean granite countertops?

For daily cleaning, you can use dish soap and a soft cloth. Microfibre cloths are a great option. Never use a coarse sponge like a brillo pad as this can scratch the stone. 

Wipe away any excess liquids with a paper towel before rinsing with water. Next, mix warm water with dish soap and use a cloth to gently rub the granite.

After cleaning, use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces down and dry with a clean tea towel.

What are the best commercial cleaners for granite surfaces?

If you would rather buy a ready-made granite cleaner, there are several on the market to choose from.

Method’s eco-friendly Granite & Marble cleaner promises to safely clean, polish and shine stone surfaces. Or, you can try the Clean and Shine spray by Granite Gold, safe to use on all stone surfaces for a streak-free finish.

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Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

Picture of Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb

Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.

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