How To Remove Oil Stains From Granite Surfaces (Do This!)

Upgraded Home Team
by Upgraded Home Team
Granite is one of the most popular home building materials. It’s especially popular inside the kitchen where it is often the material of choice for creating gorgeous countertops. After making

Granite is one of the most popular home building materials. It’s especially popular inside the kitchen where it is often the material of choice for creating gorgeous countertops.

After making a significant investment in your granite fixtures, the last thing you want is to see them stained and damaged. This is where it gets tricky, as some cleaning items can damage granite. You need to be picky with the products you use and careful with the method you follow.

Start cleaning the oils stains on the granite by sprinkling baking soda directly over them. After giving the baking soda a chance to sit, use a damp rag to wipe it away. Additionally, use a paste made with baking soda and water on the stains, let it dry, and then scrape it away.

Maintaining the beauty of your home’s granite fixtures is a must. You can accomplish that by following the right cleaning methods and using the appropriate products. Learn more about those granite cleaning products and methods by reading on.

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Why You Need to Be Careful while Working on Granite Fixtures

Granite is a remarkably durable material. It can hold up well to scratches, bumps, and even heat. However, you shouldn’t take the aforementioned material’s durability for granted. While the granite itself is sturdy, the seal protecting it is often not quite as tough. The seal is more vulnerable to kitchen hazards.

If you compromise the integrity of that seal, there’s a good chance that you’ll damage the granite underneath. Your granite countertop will be still intact, but it may show unsightly scratches.

Oil and water stains can also be problematic on granite because of what they do to the seal. Again, the granite itself will still remain in one piece, but it may start to look different due to the stains.

How Do You Keep Granite Fixtures from Being Damaged or Stained?

It’s possible to clean your granite fixtures after they’ve been stained and we’ll detail the things you need to do later. Before that, let’s talk about protecting your granite fixtures. Check out the tips included in this section if you want to keep your granite fixtures in great condition.

Seal Your Granite Fixtures

We talked earlier about how the seal over the granite is what often gives way first. Even if that’s the case, you should still maintain a seal over the granite surface.

The seal may not be able to shield the granite from all the scratches and stains, but it still provides protection. Make sure that you keep it over the granite to keep your fixtures as protected as possible.

Avoid Using Anything Acidic on the Granite

Acidic substances are often used as household cleaners because of how effective they are. Their acidity can be used to dissolve stubborn stains and remove them from all kinds of surfaces.

Notably, though, granite is one of the surfaces that does not stand up well to acidity. The seal often used on granite is weak against it. The granite itself may change in appearance after prolonged and continuous exposure to acidic substances.

It’s best to steer clear of acidic substances when you’re working with granite. Keep that in mind when you’re choosing cleaning products.

Do Not Allow Hot Items or Substances to Sit on the Granite

Temperature is another thing you have to worry about when you’re working on granite surfaces. Once again, it’s not the granite itself that could wind up damaged. You’re more concerned about the seal covering the granite here.

As much as possible, you should refrain from placing hot pots and pans directly on the granite. Use trivets, containers, or even just cloths to keep the hot item in question from making direct contact with the granite.

You also need to be vigilant against spills. Wipe up any hot liquids that spill on to the granite right away to preserve the integrity of the seal.

How to Remove Oil Stains That Have Formed on Granite

The tips in the previous section will help you keep your granite fixtures most of the time. However, some stains are still going to show up every now and then. Let’s talk about how to deal with those oil stains in this section.

Step 1: Prepare the Necessary Cleaning Items

The cleaning items you’ll need here are baking soda, water, a bowl, rags, plastic wrap, and a plastic scraper. Stick to using a plastic scraper to avoid scratching the granite.

Step 2: Sprinkle the Baking Soda on to the Oil Stains

Pick up your container of baking soda and use it to cover the oil stains. Just focus on the spots with the oil stains. Once you’ve covered up all the stains, you can let the baking soda sit for a few minutes.

Step 3: Wipe Away the Baking Soda

Soak one of your rags in baking soda and then wring it dry so it becomes damp instead of wet. Use it to clear away the baking soda you applied. Wiping gently should be enough to remove the baking soda.

Step 4: Cover the Oil Stains with a Baking Soda and Water Paste

Some of the oil stains are not going to disappear by just following the steps above. They’ll need more work to be removed. To be more specific, you’ll need a baking soda paste to get rid of them.

Grab your bowl and dump an equal amount of baking soda and water into it. Combine the two thoroughly until they form a paste. Use that baking soda and water paste to cover the oil stains. Plop the paste over the stains and then even it out using the plastic scraper.

Step 5: Allow the Baking Soda and Water Paste to Sit for a While

You should now cover the spots you plopped the baking soda and water paste on to with plastic wrap. Covering those spots will prevent any debris from clinging to the paste. If small particles wind up getting stuck to the paste, you’ll have a tougher cleanup job on your hands.

After covering the spots with plastic wrap, just leave them be for a while. Wait at least a few hours to give the paste ample time to dry. You can even cover them before going to bed and resume working on them the day after.

Step 6: Remove the Baking Soda and Water Paste

All that’s left now is to clean up the paste. Use a damp rag to wipe the paste away. If residue is left behind, use a plastic scraper to remove it before wiping the granite surface clean again.

Can You Use Other Cleaning Products to Remove Oil Stains from Granite?

Baking soda is a popular item to use for cleaning granite fixtures because it’s found in plenty of homes. Do note however that it’s not the only suitable cleaning product for granite surfaces.

Dish soap and flour mixed with water can achieve the same effect as the baking soda and water paste. You can also purchase special granite cleaning products from stores. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully when using those specialty products.

How Do You Maintain Granite Surfaces?

Maintaining granite surfaces is pretty easy. Grab a soft piece of cloth and soak with a bit of mild dish soap. Use that cloth now to wipe the granite surfaces clean. Remember to clean regularly with the cloth and dish soap to keep your granite fixtures looking their best. Wiping them clean on a daily basis is not a bad idea.

You can also use special wipes that are meant to be used on granite surfaces. It’s easier to maintain your granite fixtures using those wipes, but they aren’t essential purchases.

Do You Need Stone and Granite Countertop Repair?

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Related Questions

What Is the Best Type of Granite to Use inside Your Home?

When trying to select the type of granite to use inside your home, you need to focus on a few factors. You want to look at how thick the granite is, how porous it is, and if it’s free from blemishes.Generally speaking, granite slabs that are thicker and less porous are best to use inside the home, especially for kitchen countertops. You also want to pick a slab that’s free from blemishes because it will look better and feature greater durability.It’s also a good idea to talk with your supplier and ask about the grade of the granite to be used. Level Three granite is the best kind so prioritize that when looking through your options.


How Much Does It Cost to Have Granite Countertops Installed?

Adding granite countertops to your home is not cheap. You can easily end up spending nearly $2000 just to acquire the granite. The installation itself could cost another thousand or so.Given the high cost of getting granite countertops professionally installed, you really have to keep a close eye on them. Don’t forget about the cleaning and maintenance tips above because they will help preserve the quality of your granite countertops.


Are Granite Countertops Worth It?

Installing granite countertops is not an absolute must, but they can add real value to your home. Granite fixtures that blend into a home’s décor are highly prized. You’ll also have an easier time attracting buyers if they see that the property you’re selling has modern features.Homeowners have to make a big investment if they want to add granite countertops. Still, it’s an investment that can prove to be more than worth the initial cost in the long run.

Upgraded Home Team
Upgraded Home Team

We are a team of passionate homeowners, home improvement pros, and DIY enthusiasts who enjoy sharing home improvement, housekeeping, decorating, and more with other homeowners! Whether you're looking for a step-by-step guide on fixing an appliance or the cost of installing a fence, we've here to help.

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