To remove set-in grease stains from your granite backsplash, apply a paste of baking soda or cornstarch mixed with water. Spread this paste over the stain, tape plastic wrap over the top, and allow it to sit overnight to draw out the oil. Alternatively, you can clean the grease stain with Acetone or a commercial grease removing product designed for granite. To complete cleaning, use warm water and gentle dish soap. Avoid using vinegar or citrus-based products. These can damage granite.
Can Oil Stains Be Removed From Granite?
Even stubborn oil stains that resist initial cleaning can be removed from granite without stripping or resealing the stone. Oil that has entered the pores of the granite must be drawn out via a drying agent (such as baking soda) or broken up by a cleaner that works to break down oils. Acetone is a good option for removing stains in granite backsplashes.
- Use naturally absorbent compounds to draw oil out of the granite.
- Acetone is a powerful grease-buster that won’t harm granite.
- Several specialized products exist that help break down grease stains in granite.
- Avoid using harsh cleaners or applying heat to the stain.
Patience is the key when getting rid of a stubborn stain in granite. It may require several applications of a solution before the stain disappears entirely. It’s better to gradually remove the stain than it is to attempt to use harsh cleaners or heat tools. Using harsh methods can permanently damage granite.
5 Best Ways to Remove Grease from Your Granite Backsplash
Whether grease and oil stains have set into your granite or you just need to easily remove sticky grease from your backsplash, there is a simple solution available to you. The techniques below are tailored to help you bust grease stains and return your granite to its pristine look.
Baking Soda
A poultice of baking soda and water is perfect for pulling oil stains out of granite and returning it to a like-new appearance. To create a poultice and adhere it to the vertical wall of the backsplash, follow these steps:
- Pour ½ cup of baking soda into a bowl or cup.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of warm water to your baking soda.
- Mix the baking soda and water together to form a thick paste. Add more water as necessary.
- Spread the baking soda paste over the grease stain.
- Stretch plastic wrap over the area covered by the poultice.
- Use painter’s tape to tape the plastic in place.
- Poke holes in the plastic wrap with a fork.
- Allow the poultice to dry for 6–12 hours before removing the tape and plastic.
Once the poultice has been allowed to work, clean off the baking soda residue using warm water, dish soap, and a soft rag. This solution will pull deep grease stains out of your granite.
Cornstarch
Similar to baking soda, you can use cornstarch to remove deep-set grease stains from your granite backsplash. As it dries, the cornstarch will absorb moisture from the granite, thereby drawing oil out of the stone. To use a cornstarch poultice:
- Mix cornstarch and water as you would when making a baking soda poultice.
- Once you have achieved a thick paste of cornstarch and water, spread it onto a gauze pad or bandage.
- Use painter’s tape to secure the gauze or bandage in place over the grease stain.
- Allow 6–12 hours for the poultice to dry.
- Remove the tape and bandage.
- Clean the area with dish soap and warm water.
By spreading the poultice onto a gauze pad and taping it in place, you make it easy to keep the cornstarch pressed firmly to the stain even as it dries. If a cornstarch paste is left to dry on a backsplash without something to keep it in place, it may flake and fall off.
Acetone
For grease stains that resist baking soda and cornstarch, use Acetone. This powerful solvent breaks down grease on granite but won’t harm your stone. To use it to draw out grease stains:
- Dampen a rag or paper towel with this pure Acetone.
- Fold the rag or paper towel so that it is large enough to cover the stained area as well as the surrounding granite.
- Place the Acetone-soaked rag over the stain and cover with plastic wrap.
- Tape the plastic in place using painter’s tape.
- Allow 6–12 hours for Acetone to work.
Unlike with a baking soda poultice, you do not need to poke holes in the plastic wrap when using acetone to battle grease stains. An air-proof seal will keep the Acetone from drying out. This will keep it hard at work, battling the grease stain.
Oil Stain Remover
When tackling stubborn grease stains on your granite backsplash, there are a few high-quality solutions on the market. Make sure to choose a compound that is specially designed for granite. Commercial degreasers that do not specify that they are safe for granite may stain or damage your backsplash.
- Use this specialized grease stain remover formulated for granite.
- Avoid using commercial degreasers from big box stores—they may damage granite.
- Follow manufacturer instructions for the use of specialized granite degreasers.
Review the product label of the stain remover you choose to verify that it is safe for granite. Follow manufacturer instructions to safely remove grease from your backsplash.
Dish Soap and Warm Water
When cleaning granite that has been speckled with grease, the best solution is a simple one. Combine warm water with a gentle dish soap to break down grease and oil. For better results getting a streak-free clean on granite, opt for a soft rag instead of a sponge when cleaning.
- Use warm water and a standard dish soap to clean granite.
- Instead of a sponge, use a soft rag to wipe grease off of granite.
- Avoid scrubbing granite with a brillo pad or similar abrasive sponge.
The granite in your home has been treated and sealed to protect its color and prevent cracking. When cleaning granite, use gentle methods. Hard scrubbing with abrasive products can remove the sealant, making it easier for your granite to become stained by grease in the future. Instead, stick to the soft cleaning cloth.
Methods to Avoid When Removing Grease From Granite
In addition to using the best methods for removing grease from granite, it’s essential to avoid pitfalls that can damage your kitchen surfaces. Some common household cleaners are hazardous to granite. The products below can strip the protective sealant from your granite, cause your granite to become more porous, and may even lead to cracked granite.
Vinegar
Do not apply vinegar to a granite backsplash or countertop. First, vinegar destroys the protective sealant that has been applied to your granite countertop. Once this sealant is stripped away, your granite will stain much more easily. Even worse, vinegar can cause “etching,” which is when your granite becomes discolored in spots.
Citrus-Based Soaps
Much like vinegar, citrus cleaners are destructive to granite sealant and the stone itself. When choosing a dish soap to clean your granite counters, opt for a product that contains no citrus. Dawn and other standard dish soaps are a safe option for cleaning your granite surfaces.
Abrasive Cleaners
Gritty cleaners are best reserved for cleaning toilets and tubs. A harsh cleaner designed to scrub through gunk and stains will destroy your granite’s protective sealant. To ensure the longevity of your granite, use soap with no scrubbing additives.
What is the Best Homemade Degreaser for Granite?
You can make a simple grease-destroying cleaner for your granite surfaces using just a few ingredients. Just mix the following in a spray bottle:
- ½ cup rubbing alcohol or Acetone.
- 2 teaspoons dish soap
- 2 cups water
This simple solution can be sprayed onto grease-splattered granite. It will break down any recent grease and make cleanup a breeze.
How Do You Get Grease Off a Granite Backsplash
To remove grease from a granite backsplash permanently:
- Apply a paste of baking soda and water to grease stains.
- Use a poultice of water and cornstarch.
- Apply Acetone to grease stains.
- Remove grease stains with an oil stain remover formulated for granite surfaces.
- Clean granite surfaces with a mixture of warm water and dish soap.
By using these tactics and avoiding harsh vinegar-based cleaners that can destroy your granite’s protective seal, you will keep your granite stain-free and sanitary.