Chemical Surface Cleaning

• A grease stain, which is oil based, will present as a darkened spot on your granite. The goal to preventing permanent staining is to attempt to lift the stain as soon as you can. When noticed immediately and cleaned with a mild cleanser such as a stone cleaner or even Windex, fixed stains can usually be avoided. If you have noticed the stain well after the fact, you can try applying a grit free liquid cleanser with bleach or mineral spirits to eat away at or lift the grease. Apply either with a clean towel or rag in a circular motion around and over the stained area, rinsing periodically and assessing if you are making any progress.
  
  

Making and Applying a Poultice

• If chemical surface cleaning does not remove your stain, you should try a poultice. A poultice is a slurry or paste made from a ground absorbent material and a liquid cleaner or chemical. Once blended the poultice is slathered thickly over the grease stain in a 1/4- to 1/2-inch layer and then covered with cling film and sealed with tape for 24 hours to a few days. A granite poultice can be made of varied materials and it may need to be reapplied many times for a large or deeply set grease stain, but they do work or improve the appearance of the stain markedly in most cases. For the dry portion of the poultice you will need kaolin, baking soda, fuller's earth, whiting, diatomaceous earth, powdered chalk, white molding plaster, flour or talcum powder. Mix 1 lb. of the dry absorbent material of choice with enough liquid to make a paste the consistency of almond butter. If using baking soda use only distilled water as your liquid. If using any of the other dry items use mineral spirits as your liquid. Wet the grease stained area with distilled water so no added chemicals and minerals are added. Slather on the poultice at least 1/4-inch thick, completely covering the stain plus at least a 1-inch circumference beyond it. Use cling film to cover the poultice completely and tape it down with masking, duct or heavy duty cellophane tape on all edges so it is air tight. Leave the poultice to dry completely for at least 24 hours and up to 48 hours or longer as it must be allowed to dry completely in order to draw up the grease. When dry, wipe away the poultice from the stain with a towel dampened in distilled water and buff dry with a clean cloth.
  
  

Products and Cleansers to Avoid

• Never use acidic solutions or cleansers on your natural stone or granite. Avoid the temptation to try vinegar, lemon juice, Comet scrubs or any other household cleansers such as tub and tile products because they can mar the sealant and even the finish surface of the granite.