How to Remove Oil and Grease Stains from Stone Surfaces 

Natural stone, whether marble, granite, sandstone, limestone, or slate, is a highly regarded surface material for many interior and exterior applications because of its strength, beauty, and durability. Yet, natural stone, despite its tough appearance, is not impervious or non-porous. Both oil and grease can stain stone surfaces and, when that happens, it can make your surface not only look bad, but in some cases, it may be hard to remove, especially if it has set in for some time. 

From kitchen countertops and dining room tables and chairs to patios, driveways, recreational areas, and even bathroom surfaces, oil stains are not only unsightly. They can also be very stubborn. In this article, we will discuss why oil and grease stains occur, how they act on oil on stone, and the best methods that professionals use to safely remove the oil and grease, without harming the surface.

Understanding Oil and Grease Stains on Stone

As oil and grease are hydrophobic substances, they inherently dislike water. When they come in contact with a porous surface like stone, the oils and greases are absorbed deeper into the stone surface and will set in over time. Here’s why oil and grease stains have a high probability of occurring: 

• • Food oil-based stains can come from any number of food spills and oils used in the kitchen (such as table and cooking oils, butter, etc.)

• • Technician oils (such as oils from engine grease in the garage or oil from a kitchen) are common stains in automotive spaces.

• • Cosmetic oils, such as body oils, hair oils, lotions or any kind of hair products, in a bathroom could stain the surface as well.

These stains are more than just surface stains; they often move well below the visible area, which is why surface wiping or general cleaning is usually not effective. 

General Method for Removing Oil Stains from Stone

Cleaning oil stains from stone relies on two very basic principles:

1. 1. Absorption: Drawing the oil out of the stone’s pores using an absorbent material

2. 2. Decomposition: Breaking down the oil molecules into a form that can be rinsed or wiped off without leaving residue.

Something to keep in mind is that using the wrong cleaner, especially something acidic or alkaline, may cause more damage to the stone by changing the condition of the stone’s finish or etching its surface. So the best method and best products are specialized for natural stone.

 

Process for removing oil and grease stains from stone

1. Identify the Type of Stone and Finish

Before you do anything, it is important to identify what type of stone you are working with. Polished granite is different from honed limestone. Some stones are much more delicate and may require more gentle handling. 

2. Dry Clean and Surface Preparation

Remove surface debris or dirt using a soft brush or microfiber cloth. At this point, no soap or detergent needs to be used, as it can push the oil deeper into the pores.

3. Use an Appropriate Oil Stain Remover

Utilize a poultice-based degreaser that is stone-safe. These will absorb the oil residue and break it down.

For specific stains, such as oil, an excellent choice that is available is NO OIL, a solvent-based oil remover. It is ready to use, designed for removing oil and grease from natural and engineered stone. NO OIL can be applied directly on the area to treat and left to dwell for a few hours or overnight, depending on the severity of the stain. 

4. Dwell Time

Oil removers can take 12 to 48 hours to dwell, depending on how deep into the stone the stain is or how old the stain is. While the oil remover dries, it will continue to draw any oil up from the stone surface. 

5. Scrape Residue & Rinse

Once the product has dried, scrape off the residue with a plastic spatula or brush. Use a neutral pH cleaner or a damp cloth to clean the area. 

6. Repeat As Required 

If the stain is deep or old, you may have to repeat the process a second time. Each time you do the process, the concentration of oil and grease will reduce.

 

Preventive measures to avoid oil stains on stone

Preventing oil stains is often more effortless than eliminating oil stains. Here are some commonly recommended best practices.

• • Sealing the stone: Regular use of a high-quality sealer for stone, as that does not compromise performance; you could consider giving it a recommendation based on increasing total performance and surface resistance to oil penetration.

• • Act quickly: It is important to wipe up spills of oil or grease as soon as possible so that they do not have a chance to soak in.

• • Use mats: Using mats is a useful practice, especially in the kitchen or outdoor grilling areas.

• • Maintenance: If regularly cleaned by themselves and using products that are “stone-safe,” surfaces do not eventually break down the protective sealer. 

Oil and grease stains are common on stone and can be treated. When done correctly, most oil and grease stains can be eliminated without damaging the surface. For more substantial or older stains, it is recommended to use a product intended to treat the issues, such as NO OIL. It eliminates oil-based contamination without damaging the stone.

Please feel free to contact us for assistance with product application or for reviewing the stain. Our trained stone care specialists are just an email away. You can contact us directly at info@zyax.in, and we can provide direct advice and recommendations.