Granite is a very durable surface. In fact, it is the hardest of the polished stones commercially available. However, granite is porous which makes it susceptible to stains. Granite must be sealed so that it can repel liquids and retain its beauty for years to come. Once sealed, granite is relatively stain resistant!
Oil stains tend to be one of the toughest stains to remove from granite. If the granite is sealed, oil can usually be cleaned up easily. If the oil is left standing long enough to penetrate through the seal, it will most likely have to be removed with a chemical poultice.
Stain Removal:
- The only way to remove stains from granite is to literally pull the stain out of the stone with material and cleaner that will absorb the stain.
- Start by blotting the substance/stain with a paper towel or clean rag, do not wipe as this will spread the stain over a larger surface!
- Use only cold water and a neutral cleaner.
If the stain is still there:
- Add granite poultice stain remover to the wet surface (found at any local big-box store). Apply the paste (peanut butter consistency) to the area, overlapping the stain by about ¼ inch. Do not make the application too thick or it will take a long time to dry.
- Cover the paste with plastic wrap and tape down with a low-contact tape.
- Remove the plastic cover once the solution is dry and remove the paste by scraping and then rinsing the area.
- If the stain still remains but has diminished, re-poultice until it is gone.
Note: Deep stains may require professional attention.
Sealing:
- Clean the surface thoroughly and remove any stains.
- Apply sealer with a soaked sponge, flooding the surface.
- Do not allow sealer to pool.
- If the sealer is absorbed by the granite in less than five minutes, apply more. After ten minutes, blot the remaining sealer and buff the stone dry with a terry cloth and allow to dry for 12 hours.
- Try not to get the sealer on any other surface, mask and protect the area carefully (especially grout and wood).
To keep your sealed granite looking new, remember these simple tips.
Do:
- Oil is especially hard on granite. Anytime you fry foods on your stove, put down kitchen towels on the surrounding granite to protect it from splattered oil.
- Annual cleaning and resealing is recommended to avoid costly restoration.
- Wipe down your countertops after use. Dust and grit act as sandpaper and wear down the finish.
- Use concentrated natural stone cleaner to keep your granite surfaces shiny and clean.
Do Not:
- Pound on the surface. This will cause cracking and chipping.
- Allow stains to stand for any length of time. The more time a stain is left unattended, the harder it will be to remove.
- Use strong chemicals or abrasives. This can result in etching or dulling the granite surface. Do not use chemicals that are not specifically for granite or natural stone surfaces as this can bring about unpredictable changes to the mineral’s surface. It is important to use a product that is specifically formulated for granite to clean your countertops.
