Granite Countertops—Removing Oil, Or Butter Stains
While granite is the hardest material available for countertops, and is easy to maintain, there are some granites that are more porous than others because of their mineral compostion. It is the more porous stones that may be more suseptible to stains, when care is not taken in the clean up process. Again—I want to point out that staining is rare, but should a stain occur, do not panic! Most stains can be removed, as long you know what caused them. (What did you leave sit on your countertop for a period of time?)
For stains caused from olive oil, butter, etc.:
- You will need to purchase a poultice paste, from a granite fabrciator, a local tile shop, Home Depot, Lowes, etc. Most poultice paste is sold in a 1 lb. tub.
- Follow the instructions on the tub, except cover it with Saran Wrap and tape it down, and let it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the Saran Wrap. Allow the poultice to dry completely. This may take 24 hours.
Note: In most cases it is the drying process that pulls the stain out of the stone. - When the poultice paste is completely dry, remove it from the stained area.
- If the stain is still present, you will need to apply the poultice paste again. Note: It may take several applications to remove the stain.
- Upon completion of removing the stain, clean and rinse the stone and buff dry with a clean cloth, or use a blow dryer.
- Seal the stone with a silicone impregnator (sealer), which can also be purchased through a granite fabricator, a local tile shop, Home Depot, Lowes, etc.
Following are some photos of oil stains being removed from a granite table I wanted to share:
Granite table with oil stain
Close up of stain
Poutice paste applied to the stain
Poultice covered with Saran Wrap
Saran wrap taped down covering the poutice paste
Scraping the poulice paste off the granite with a razor blade
Stain removed
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Uncategorized on May 27th, 2010 by Barb | | 8 Comments
on September 6th, 2010 at 1:32 pm
My granite sealer has been my buddy in maintaining my kitchen countertop for years. So far it didn’t let me down.
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Barb Reply:
September 7th, 2010 at 10:56 am
You are right, as staining on granite is rare. I appreciate your comments.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Barb
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on September 9th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
In your experience, how long after the stain (in my case butter was left on counter over night)is made do you have to effectively remove it?
Thanks
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Barb Reply:
September 10th, 2010 at 1:41 pm
I wouldn’t worry about how long it has been there. The main thing is that you know what the stairn is because then the right poultice mix can be applied. Sound like you shouldn’t have any issues.
Thanks for reading my blog.
Barb
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on September 27th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
can you use this on rough granite surfaces? obviously the razor blade could not be used in that case. thanks!
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Barb Reply:
September 28th, 2010 at 10:47 am
Yes this same procedure can be used on rough granite.
Thanks for reading my blog!
Barb
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on October 18th, 2010 at 2:25 pm
Hi – great article. What about stains caused by food coloring? Is there a different poultice I should use?
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Barb Reply:
October 18th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
I would try the same poultice paste to start and go from there.
Thanks!
Barb
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