Remove Stain from Granite Countertop: Step-by-Step

Granite is porous, so oils, wine, coffee, and even water can soak in and leave a dark mark if left too long. The good news: most stains are on the surface and can be lifted with a simple homemade poultice. You likely have the ingredients already. The key is to identify the stain type first (oil-based vs. water-based) and to avoid acidic cleaners that etch the stone.

What You’ll Need

Baking soda (for oil or water stains)
Hydrogen peroxide (3%, for light-colored granite only)
Acetone (for stubborn oil stains, optional)
Plastic wrap or a small plastic bag
Masking tape
Soft cloths or paper towels
Dish soap (mild, like Dawn)
Granite sealer (if you need to reseal after)

Step-by-Step

Blot, don’t wipe. If the spill is fresh, use a soft cloth or paper towel to blot up as much liquid as possible. Do not wipe or rub—that spreads the stain deeper into the pores.
Identify the stain type. Oil-based stains (cooking oil, grease, butter) look dark and greasy. Water-based stains (coffee, tea, juice, wine) usually have a dark ring. This determines your poultice mix.
Make the poultice. For oil stains: mix baking soda with just enough water to form a thick paste (like peanut butter). For water stains: mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide (only if your granite is light-colored—peroxide can lighten dark stone). For stubborn oil: use acetone instead of water.
Apply the poultice. Spread the paste over the stain in a layer about 1/4 inch thick. Make sure it completely covers the stain and extends about 1/2 inch beyond the edges.
Cover and let it sit. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the poultice and tape the edges down to keep it from drying out too fast. Let it sit for 24–48 hours. The longer it sits, the more stain it draws out.
Remove and rinse. After the wait, take off the plastic and let the poultice dry completely (a few more hours). Then gently scrape it off with a plastic spatula or your fingernail. Wipe the area with a damp cloth and mild dish soap, then rinse with clean water and dry.
Reseal if needed. If the stain was deep or the granite looks dull, apply a granite sealer according to the product instructions. Test a small hidden area first.

Common Mistakes

Using vinegar or lemon juice. These acids etch the granite, leaving a dull, rough spot that is worse than the stain.
Scrubbing with abrasive pads. Steel wool or scouring pads scratch the polish and make the surface more porous.
Letting the poultice dry too fast. If it dries out in a couple of hours, it won’t pull the stain out. Always cover with plastic.
Using peroxide on dark granite. It can bleach the stone, creating a light spot.

Tips

Test any poultice on an inconspicuous area first, like under the counter edge.
For oil stains, you can also try a paste of cornstarch and milk—let it dry and brush off.
If the stain is old, you may need to repeat the poultice process 2–3 times.
Always use a cutting board and trivets—prevention is easier than removal.
Clean up spills immediately, especially oil, wine, and coffee.

Troubleshooting

Stain still visible after first poultice? Repeat the process. Some deep stains need multiple treatments. Let the second poultice sit for 48 hours.

Granite looks dull or etched after cleaning? This may be from acid exposure. You can buff the area with a granite polishing powder (available at hardware stores) following the instructions. If the etch is deep, you may need a professional to re-polish.

Poultice dried and won’t come off? Dampen a cloth with warm water and lay it over the dried paste for 15 minutes to soften it, then gently scrape.

Stain reappears after sealing? The sealant may have worn off. Strip the old sealer with a granite-safe stripper, then reapply a quality sealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bleach on granite stains?

No. Bleach can discolor the stone and weaken the sealant. Stick to the baking soda poultice.

How long should I leave the poultice on?

At least 24 hours. For stubborn stains, 48 hours is better. The longer it sits, the more it draws out.

Will the poultice damage my sealant?

Baking soda is gentle and won’t harm most sealants. However, if your sealant is old or worn, the poultice might pull out some of it. That’s why resealing after is a good idea.

Can I use a commercial granite cleaner instead?

Yes, but check that it’s pH-neutral and specifically for granite. Avoid products with acids or ammonia.

What if the stain is from rust or ink?

Rust stains need a special rust remover for stone. Ink stains may require a poultice with a solvent like acetone. Test in a hidden area first.

How do I know if my granite is sealed?

Drop a few drops of water on the surface. If they bead up, the seal is good. If they soak in within a few minutes, it’s time to reseal.

Sources: Marble Institute of America. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.