Removing Stains from a Granite Countertop

Q. Help! My little girl splashed grape juice, and it permanently stained a section of my light gray granite countertop. I’ve scrubbed the spots with different cleaners and it’s not coming out. Is there a way to remove the stains without damaging the granite?

A. The best way to remove stains from granite – or other natural stone surfaces - is to use a poultice.

A poultice will work in the opposite manner from when the granite soaked in the stain. It will work to absorb the stain back out of the granite and into the poultice.

In a separate container, make a paste mixture of POWDERED laundry or dish detergent and water to the consistency of peanut butter. Apply a 1/4” thick layer of this paste directly on the stain and overlap the area by about an inch.

Cover this area with an upside down bowl or piece of plastic big enough to cover the entire area. Plastic wrap or a plastic shopping bag will work for this purpose. Seal all edges of the plastic with tape.

This poultice will need roughly 24 hours to dry and pull the stain out. If it is a dark colored stain, you might notice the color transferring from the stone into the paste.

After 24 hours, remove the plastic and clean up the paste with a wet cloth. Dry off the spot, which should now be stain-free, or noticeably lighter. Repeat this process as needed to completely remove the stain.

If this homemade remedy doesn’t work, it means the stain soaked deep into the stone. There are other, more expensive, means of removing it that will require a trained professional.

Preventing stains from ever happening is the key. We offer a natural stone sealing service that will, with a one-time application, protect your granite, marble and travertine, allowing you to clean up all spills with normal household cleaners and keep stains from happening in the first place. Click here to learn more about ProTreat Seal by Mosby.

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