How to Remove Common Stains from Granite and Marble

Gently wiping a fresh spill on granite.

The moment an espresso spill or cooking-oil splatter lands on your pristine countertop, panic usually follows. Relax—most stains can be erased without scarring the stone when you act quickly and follow proven methods. In this definitive 2025 guide, the specialists at Olson Marble & Stone Care share everything you need to know, from identifying the stain to deciding when it’s time to call a pro. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep granite and marble looking showroom-new and which tactics are best left to professionals.

Why Granite & Marble Stain in the First Place

Natural stone may feel rock-solid, but it’s surprisingly porous. Tiny capillaries wick liquids beneath the surface, trapping pigments that become visible discolorations. Understanding this porosity is the first step to preventing and eliminating stains.

Porosity, Sealing, and Surface Finish Explained

Granite contains interlocking crystals that leave micro-voids between grains; marble’s calcite structure has larger pores that act like microscopic straws. A penetrating sealer fills those channels with a hydrophobic resin, dramatically reducing absorption. However, even the best sealer wears down under daily traffic, aggressive cleaners, or UV exposure in outdoor kitchens. Surface finish matters too: a high-gloss polish reflects liquid, while honed or leathered finishes expose more open pores.

Quick Prevention Checklist for Busy Homeowners

• Blot—not wipe—spills within 30 seconds.

• Use coasters, cutting boards, and trivets. Heat and acids accelerate penetration.

• Re-seal every 12–18 months or when water no longer beads.

• Clean daily with pH-neutral stone soap; skip vinegar and bleach. They degrade the sealer.

• Check outdoor stone yearly; rain acidity and barbecue grease are double threats.

Expert tip: The General Services Administration warns that even trace acids etch calcium-based stones like marble, accelerating stain formation (GSA guidelines).

How to Remove Common Stains from Granite and Marble; Identifying Your Stain Type for Faster Results

Correct diagnosis saves hours of scrubbing and prevents permanent damage. Stains fall into five broad categories, each with its own treatment plan.

Oil-Based vs Water-Based vs Organic Stains

• Oil-based: Dark, shadow-like spots from grease, lotion, or makeup.

• Water-based/mineral: Cloudy rings or dull spots from hard-water deposits.

• Organic: Brown, pink, or grey hues from coffee, tea, wine, berries, or soil.

• Metallic/rust: Orange or green spots from cookware, cans, or patio furniture.

• Biological: Green or black patches from algae and mildew in damp areas.

The Ice Test: Confirming If a Sealer Is Still Working

Place an ice cube on the surface for five minutes. Darkening around the melt line indicates water absorption and the need for resealing through our natural stone restoration services.

Granite Stain Removal Techniques That Work

Granite tolerates a wider pH range than marble, but gentle methods preserve its mirror-like shine and factory warranty.

DIY Baking Soda Poultice for Oil and Grease

1. Mix 1 cup baking soda with 4–5 tbsp water to a peanut-butter consistency.

2. Apply & Cover: Trowel a ¼-inch layer over the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape edges.

3. Wait: Let the paste draw out oil for 24 hours.

4. Remove & Rinse: Scrape off, wash with stone soap, and pat dry.

5. Repeat once if necessary.

Alkaline powders lift lipid-based pigments without scratching stone (UGA Extension).

Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions for Coffee, Wine, & Fruit Spots

For light-colored granite, combine 3 tbsp 12 % hydrogen peroxide with a drop of dish soap. Lay a saturated cloth on the mark for 10–15 minutes, then rinse. Avoid peroxide on dark granite—it can lighten minerals like biotite.

Removing Ink and Marker Stains Without Ghosting

Ink pigments travel quickly into pores. Dampen a cotton pad with isopropyl alcohol (90 %) and blot—never rub—until color stops transferring. For stubborn permanent-marker shadows, place an acetone-soaked pad over the area for five minutes, then rinse.

Banishing Hard-Water and Mineral Deposits

1. Wipe with warm, soapy water.

2. For stubborn rings, scrub a baking-soda paste with a non-scratch pad.

3. Rinse and dry to prevent new deposits.

Marble Stain Removal Without Etching the Surface

Marble’s calcium matrix etches as easily as it stains, so patience and gentle products are vital.

Safe Poultices for Delicate Marble

Combine 1 cup baking soda with ½ cup distilled water (swap water with 6 % hydrogen peroxide for organic stains). Spread, cover, and wait 24 hours. After removal, buff lightly with microfiber.

Handling Tough Rust & Etch-Plus-Stain Scenarios

Apply a non-acidic chelating gel for marble rust. When etch marks also hold pigment, use a two-step stain-etch kit with calcite polishes. Micro-abrasive powders close pores after extraction, reducing future absorption (Heritage Science study—Nature article).

Biological Stains: Mold, Mildew, and Algae

Mix 1 cup warm water, ¼ cup 3 % hydrogen peroxide, and two drops dish soap. Spray, wait ten minutes, then rinse.

Tools & Products Pros Trust—And When to Use Them

Professional marble floor stain removal in action.

Commercial Poultice Powders and Non-Acidic Rust Removers

When DIY pastes fail, products like DuPont StoneTech Oil Stain Remover pull deep oil from granite and marble. For rust, choose gels with EDTA chelating agents.

Safety Gear, Ventilation, and pH-Neutral Cleaners

Wear nitrile gloves, eye protection, and ensure cross-ventilation. Finish every treatment with pH-neutral cleaner and lukewarm water.

Why Resealing Finishes the Job

Stain extraction opens microscopic pores. Resealing immediately after drying locks out fresh contaminants.

When to Call Olson Marble & Stone Care for Help

Olson Marble & Stone Care technician applying a poultice to stained marble.

Red Flags That Mean It’s Time for Professional Restoration

• Persistent stains after two poultice cycles.

• Discoloration covers a large area or shows rust veins.

• Deep etching that catches a fingernail.

• Outdoor kitchens & patios where grease mixes with UV exposure—our concrete resurfacing and polishing team can tackle those too.

• Pre-sale deadlines where flawless surfaces boost property value.

What to Expect from a Professional Stain Extraction Service

Certified technicians isolate the stain, apply lab-grade poultices, finish with diamond honing, and seal with a fluoropolymer lasting 3–5 years. Learn more in our complete guide to marble and natural stone restoration.

Conclusion

Granite and marble stains can be intimidating, but most yield to the right poultice, patience, and preventive care. By understanding your stone, choosing pH-safe ingredients, and resealing regularly, you’ll protect your investment for decades.

Ready to see crystal-clean counters and floors again? Get in touch today for a complimentary stain assessment from Olson Marble & Stone Care—serving homes and businesses across the South Bay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use vinegar to remove hard-water stains from granite?

Only if the granite is fully sealed; otherwise, the acid can etch. Always test first.

Q2: How often should I reseal marble kitchen countertops?

Every 12–18 months, or sooner if water no longer beads on the surface.

Q3: What’s the fastest way to remove wine stains from marble?

Blot immediately, then apply a hydrogen-peroxide poultice for 24 hours.

Q4: Do commercial granite cleaners replace sealing?

No—cleaners remove dirt; sealers fill pores to block new stains.

Q5: Is it safe to use acetone on engineered-stone (quartz) countertops?

Yes in small amounts, but always check the manufacturer’s care guide.

Q6: What should I do about a rust spot that keeps returning?

Persistent rust often originates from embedded metal. A professional may need to extract and fill the cavity or replace the section.