How To Remove Stains From Granite Countertops

You've invested quite a bit in your beautiful granite countertops, loving their color, shine, and durability. Imagine the moment a greasy Moo Shu Pork box leaks, and by the time you notice and clean it up, a stubborn stain has appeared. Regular sealing helps prevent food and liquid stains, but because granite is porous—though not as much as marble—stains can still occur, especially with different granite hues. No worries at all! Many homeowners have faced the same issue and have crafted poultices that effectively draw out stains from granite. Tipnut offers some simple, homemade stain removal tips to help keep your countertops looking their best.

This scenario is more common than you might think. While granite is incredibly strong and less porous than marble, it isn’t completely immune to spills. Oils, wine, coffee, and even certain acidic foods can seep into the surface—especially if the countertop surface hasn’t been sealed recently or if you’re working with lighter granite hues that tend to show stains more easily. Regular sealing creates a protective barrier, but like any natural stone, granite still requires a little extra care to stay looking its best.

The good news? Stains on granite counters don’t have to be permanent. Here are tips for proper care

Make your own poultice

Everest Granite

Making your own poultice is actually quite easy! A poultice is a soft, moist mix—think of ingredients like flour or baking soda—that you apply to a surface and keep in place with a cloth. Back in the early 1900s, mothers would gently use a poultice to help their feverish children feel better. Nowadays, we use a similar idea to help remove stains from granite counters. 

Baking soda poultice

Lennon Granite

One of the most effective ways to lift stains from granite countertops is by using a simple DIY poultice. A poultice works by pulling the stain out of the stone, and the best part is that you can make one at home with just a few common items.

Materials needed:

• Baking soda
• Water
• Plastic wrap

Application

1. Blot up as much of the offending substance as possible.
2. Spray the stain with water.
3. Mix a paste of baking soda and water that has the consistency of sour cream.
4. Slather the paste on the stain.
5. Cover the paste with plastic wrap.
6. Let set for 24 hours, then remove the poultice, and clean the area.
7. If the stain persists, repeat the process until your granite counters are stain-free.

Corn starch grease sucker-upper

Virginia Mist Granite 

Corn starch is like a vacuum for greasy granite stains and other natural stone counters. When sprinkled directly onto the affected area, it works to absorb the oil right out of the stone’s pores, much like it would soak up a spill on fabric. This makes it especially helpful for fresh grease stains, where blotting alone won’t do the trick.

Materials needed:

• Corn starch
• Distilled water
• Plastic wrap

Application: 

1. Wipe area.
2. If you’ve got a wine or some other acid-based stain, mist the spot with distilled water, and sprinkle on the corn starch until it forms a thick layer.
3. Cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours.
4. Clean the area. If the stain persists, repeat.
5. If the stain is a grease stain, just sprinkle on the corn starch, let sit for 15 minutes, then clean it with soapy water.

An ounce of prevention

Of course, it’s always better to prevent stains from happening in the first place rather than dealing with them afterward. Granite is a remarkably durable and easy-to-maintain surface—but it does require consistent care to keep its natural beauty shining through for years to come. Think of it as protecting your investment: a little attention on the front end can save you the hassle of tough stain removal later.

Here are some basic rules to follow to help your granite countertops stay spotless, glossy, and protected from everyday wear and tear:

• Seal your gorgeous granite slabs annually. Stick a reminder on your smart phone calendar, so you won’t forget. 
• Don’t let spills sit on your countertop. Wipe spills as soon as you spot them.
• Don’t use any homemade granite cleaning remedy until you test it in an inconspicuous spot. That way, you’ll know which remedy is right for your particular counters.
• Don’t continue to use a treatment if it’s not working. That may seem obvious, but the “rinse and repeat” part of these treatments can be misleading. Each time you wipe off the remedy, check to make sure the spot is getting lighter. If it is, repeat. If the spot remains the same, try another remedy.
• Prevent scorch marks by using heat pads under any hot items before placing them on the counter

Now that we've covered the bases on how to properly take care of a granite countertop and remove stains, take a look at MSI's wide variety of granite countertop colors for your next home improvement project! And remember to chat with us online, visit one of our showrooms, or contact an MSI authorized dealer for personalized assistance.

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