How To Remove Oil Stains From Marble

Marble is one of the most highly valued and widely preferred surfaces for accent pieces, kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and much more inside our homes.

It’s unmatched in its unique patterns and veining, softness, and durability, adding style and elegance to our surroundings.

However, marble is a porous material, which means it’s susceptible to unsightly stains, even when it’s already been professionally polished and sealed. 

Typically, oil-based stains, like those from cooking oil, butter, salad dressing, hand lotion, creams, cosmetics, etc., are particularly problematic on surfaces like marble.

The key is getting to the spill or stain quickly and removing it as fast and effectively as possible.

To do that, you need to know how to remove oil stains from marble yourself, using only a few common household products.  

Items You’ll Need

In this section, we’ll list and discuss the items you’ll need to remove oil stains from marble. 

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 poultices for various remedies.

Paper Towels, Microfiber Cloth, And Sponge  

A sponge or soft cloth is used to apply and rub in the various soaps, solutions, or pastes and poultices to the stained area.

A paper towel or dry cloth is used to blot up excess oil from the stain at various stages of the stain removal process.

A microfiber cleaning cloth is used to blot the marble dry.

Liquid Dish Soap

Any mild liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, which has grease-cutting capabilities, is used to clean the stained area.

If you have run out of Dawn 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 or poultice setting on it.

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 marble, which will just end up being another tricky cleanup job!

Plastic Scraper. Spatula, Dry Brush, Small Broom, And Dustpan

A plastic or wooden scraper or spatula is used to spread on and then help remove the various pastes and poultices from the marble after setting on the stain.

A dry brush, small broom, and dustpan are used to help in disposing if excess powders and absorbent materials are used in the paste and poultice process.

Liquid Cleanser Or Chemical

Several different liquid cleansers or chemicals are used to remove oil stains from marble, such as water, mineral spirits, hydrogen peroxide, acetone, and ammonia.

They are used either alone or mixed with a white absorbent material to male a paste or poultice to remove the stains.

White Absorbent Material

Several different white absorbent materials are used to make pastes or poultices to remove oil stains from marble – most of them are common household items or can easily be found in local stores or online.

Some examples are kaolin, Fuller’s Earth, diatomaceous earth, powdered chalk, white molding plaster, powdered whiting, talc, baking soda, cornstarch, Stone Tech 3 oz. Oil Stain Remover (which I found on Amazon), cotton balls, white paper towels, or gauze pads.

Step By Step Instructions For How To Remove Oil Stains From Marble

#1 Remove Any Excess Oil

Any oil spill or stain on marble must be managed as soon as possible to prevent damage and make the overall cleanup process easier.

Use a paper towel or your microfiber cleaning cloth to blot at the spill and stain, soaking up as much excess oil as possible.

#2 Dish Soap Solution

Add several drops of liquid dish soap, such as Dawn, to one gallon of warm water.

Use a damp cloth or sponge with the dish soap solution to wipe your marble clean, then rinse thoroughly.

Use a microfiber or chamois cloth to dry your marble.

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, step #2.

#3 Cornstarch (Optional, If Necessary)

Pour a small amount of cornstarch over the oil stain, spreading it evenly and thinly across all oil.

Allow the cornstarch to sit undisturbed on the stain for a minimum of 30 minutes before brushing it away and disposing of it using a small broom or dry brush and a dustpan.

Repeat the process, if necessary, allowing the cornstarch to set on the stains overnight.

When the oil stains are gone, clean marble using instructions in Step #2.

Step #4 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #2 and 3.

#4 Acetone (Optional, If Necessary)

A more extreme measure is to take a cloth and soak it in acetone before placing the acetone-soaked cloth over any oil stains on your marble.

Leave the acetone on the stain for only a few minutes before removing the cloth and washing the marble with clean, cold water.

Use a microfiber or chamois cloth to dry your marble.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Pro Tip:

Keep the area well-ventilated and wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling potent chemicals.

Step #5 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following or in place of steps #2, 3, and 4.

#5 Ammonia (Optional, If Necessary)

Another extreme measure is to put some ammonia on a cloth and use it to blot at the oil stains on your marble.

After gently wiping with ammonia, rinse the area with cold water.

Use a microfiber or chamois cloth to dry your marble.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Pro Tip:

Keep the area well-ventilated and wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling potent chemicals.

Step #6 is another option if more aggressive measures are needed following, or in place of, steps #2, 3, 4, and 5.

#6 Various Poultices And Pastes (Optional, If Necessary)

There are many different recommendations for various poultices and pastes to make out of one liquid cleanser or chemical from the items list mixed with one white absorbent material from the items list.

Some poultice examples are:

When making your poultice, start with your powdered white absorbent material and add enough of the liquid cleanser or chemical to create a paste, generally the consistency of peanut butter.

You’ll need to create enough poultice to cover any oil stained areas with about a ½” thick layer, using a plastic or wooden spatula to spread the poultice in the proper areas.

Cover the poultice with a sheet of plastic wrap and secure the ends with tape, being careful to choose a tape that won’t leave a sticky residue on the marble.

Let the poultice sit for about 24 to 48 hours or longer, until fully dry, before using a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to wipe the poultice away and, if necessary, gently scraping it off, using a plastic or wooden scraper or spatula, and disposing of it.

Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and use a microfiber or chamois cloth to dry your marble.

Repeat the process as many times as needed until the oil stain is gone.

Commonly Asked Questions

How do you remove stains from marble?

-A quick, easy way to remove stains from marble is as follows:

  • Make a poultice by tearing white paper towels into small pieces and placing them into a bowl (enough pieces to fully cover the stained area).  
  • Add a few drops of ammonia to the bowl and just enough hydrogen peroxide to fully saturate the pieces of paper towel.
  • Place the fully saturated pieces on the oil-stained area – they should easily stick to the marble.
  • Cover the area with a sheet of plastic wrap, leaving the ends open for air to flow through.
  • Let sit until fully dry, 24 to 48 hours, then remove paper bits and wash the marble with warm water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • Be sure to ventilate the area and wear protective eyewear and gloves when handling potent chemicals.

What are some good oil stain removers for marble?

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:

Pulls out deep, set-in oil stains makes a poultice.  

Gets 3.8 out of 5 stars on Amazon.

Spray the stain on your marble 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 marble? 

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 marble for you!

Good Luck!