Granite is an increasingly popular choice for kitchen countertops. Still, it’s also found in floor tiles, in the bathroom (counters and tiles), outside patios and countertops attached to barbecue grills, etc.
Granite is exceptionally classy and can even raise the value and price of a home – even more reason to take care of unsightly oil stains.
Most granite pieces, countertops especially, are sealed either in the factory, by a finisher, or a contractor as it’s installed.
The sealant will protect your granite from most stains; unfortunately, it’s still possible for some substances to penetrate and cause a stain.
Oil is one of those insidious substances.
These are the reasons why it’s so essential for us to learn how to remove oil stains from granite.
The good news is we can do it using only a few everyday household products.
Items You’ll Need
In this section, we’ll list and discuss the items you’ll need to remove oil stains from granite.
We’ll provide any alternatives as options for each item, when applicable.
Water
Hot water, warm water and/or cool water are used to wash away soap and other treatments, moisten pastes and make various remedies.
Soft Sponge, Soft Cloth, Paper Towels, Rag, Dishcloth, Or Microfiber Cloth
A soft sponge, rag, dishcloth, or soft cloth used to apply and rub in the various soaps, solutions, or pastes to the stained area.
Paper towels, soft cloths, or microfiber cloths are used to blot up excess oil from the stain at various stain removal stages.
A microfiber cloth or paper towel is used to blot the granite dry.
I’ve found that these microfiber cleaning cloths work best.
Liquid Dish Soap
Any mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, which has grease-cutting capabilities, is used to clean the stained area.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an absorbent substance used to soak up excess oil and draw oil out of the stain.
Baking soda is used various pastes to get stains out of granite.
If you’ve run out and need to order some, click here.
Acetone
Acetone is used to make a paste with baking soda for stain removal.
If you don’t have any acetone and need to order some, click here.
Plastic Wrap and Tape
A sheet of plastic wrap is used to cover the stained area when it’s got a paste setting on it.
The tape is used to secure the plastic wrap.
Pro Tip: Be careful to use a tape that won’t leave any sticky residue on your granite, which will end up being another tricky cleanup job!
Plastic Scraper
A plastic scraper helps remove the baking soda pastes from the granite after setting on the stain.
Isopropyl Alcohol and Spray Bottle
Isopropyl alcohol mixed with water is used in a spray bottle as a disinfectant/cleaner for granite.
Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Granite
Commercial stain remover specifically made for granite, such as Hopes Granite Perfect Granite & Marble Countertop Cleaner, Stain Remover, which I found on Amazon.
There are many others out there – look at your granite’s care label before selecting the appropriate stain remover.
Step By Step Instructions For How To Remove Oil Stains From Granite
#1 Dish Soap Solution
Fill a bucket or sink with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of liquid dish soap.
Using a dishcloth dampened with the solution, but not dripping, wipe up any oil spills and oily solids from the stained area.
Using a spray bottle filled with a mixture of equal parts isopropyl alcohol and water to disinfect the granite surface, spray the solution onto the granite and let it sit for about 5 minutes (Optional, but recommended).
Use a damp cloth with the dish soap solution to wipe your granite clean.
Use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish your granite surface.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #2 is an option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, step #1.
#2 Baking Soda and Water Paste (Optional, If Necessary)
First, sprinkle baking soda directly onto the stained area and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to absorb the oil from the stain before wiping it off using a wet cloth.
If your oil stain needs extra attention, make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water.
Press the paste onto the oil in the granite, with no air bubbles, and apply a sheet of plastic wrap, taping down the sides to secure the area.
Let the paste sit on the stained area overnight until it’s completely dry, and the next morning use a plastic scraper to get the paste off the granite.
Wipe the area clean with a wet cloth.
Use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish your granite surface.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #3 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1 and 2.
#3 Baking Soda and Acetone Paste (Optional, If Necessary)
If your oil stain needs even more attention, make a paste using equal parts baking soda and acetone.
Apply the paste onto oil in the granite and let it sit until it dries.
Use a plastic scraper to get the paste off the granite and wipe the area clean with a wet cloth.
Use a microfiber cloth to dry and polish your granite surface.
Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.
Step #4 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #1, 2, and 3.
#4 Commercial Stain Remover Specifically Made For Granite (Optional, If Necessary)
If your oil stain is too persistent, you may need a commercial stain remover specifically made for granite; finding one was mentioned in the items list.
Once you’ve selected the appropriate oil stain remover for your granite, follow the package’s instructions and those on your granite’s product care label to remove the oil stain.
If the above steps still leave you with an oil stain on your granite, you may want to seek help from a stone restoration professional to remove the stain.
Commonly Asked Questions
What causes oil to stain granite?
-Granite is a porous material, which means it can easily absorb liquids from its surface, such as oil.
Like water, most liquids evaporate before getting to the deeper levels causing a stain, but oil doesn’t evaporate.
A suitable sealant will protect your granite from most stains, but staining is still possible, particularly when it comes to oil.
What are some good oil stain removers for granite?
There are many out there – they can be found at grocery stores, home improvement stores, and even online.
I found a couple on Amazon getting good results and reviews:
- Granite Gold Daily Cleaner gets 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon – it also comes in convenient wipes.
It’s non-toxic, non-acidic, biodegradable, pH balanced, and contains no phosphates or ammonia.
No streaks left behind and a mild citrus scent.
- TriNova Granite Cleaner & Polish for Daily Use gets 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
Spray the stain on your granite and wipe clean with the included microfiber towel.
Non-toxic and pH neutral, it has a pleasant scent and gives a streak-free finish.
Conclusion
Have you enjoyed learning how to remove oil stains from granite?
It doesn’t take a lot of effort to do it yourself – it just takes knowing what to do and what to use!
All of that is better than having to call in the professionals to clean your granite for you!
Good luck!
