How to Remove Coffee, Wine, and Oil Stains from Granite Countertops

Even well-sealed granite can stain if a spill sits long enough. The good news: most granite stains aren’t permanent. The key is identifying what kind of stain you’re dealing with, because different stains need different treatments.

Step 1: Identify the Stain

Organic stains (coffee, tea, wine, fruit, food): These are usually brownish and come from plant or animal matter. They’re the most common and the easiest to remove.

Oil-based stains (cooking oil, butter, grease, cosmetics): These darken the stone and often look like a wet spot that never dries. They’re stubborn but treatable.

Rust stains (metal cans, rusty objects left on the counter): Orange or brownish, usually from metal in contact with the stone. These need a different approach — skip the DIY and call a stone professional, as the wrong chemical can make rust worse.

Water spots and rings: Usually mineral deposits sitting on the surface rather than true stains. Often removable with gentle buffing.

Step 2: The Poultice Method

A poultice draws the stain out of the stone’s pores. It works for both organic and oil-based stains — you just change the paste.

For organic stains (coffee, wine, food):

1. Mix baking soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide (3% solution from any drugstore) into a thick paste — about the consistency of peanut butter.
2. Spread the paste over the stain about 1/4 inch thick, extending slightly beyond its edges.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and tape the edges down. Poke a few small holes for airflow.
4. Leave it for 24 hours.
5. Remove the wrap, wipe away the dried paste, and rinse with water.

For oil-based stains (grease, cooking oil):

1. Mix baking soda with water into a thick paste.
2. Apply, cover, and wait 24 hours the same way.
3. You may need to repeat 2–3 times for old or deep oil stains. Patience beats aggression here.

What NOT to Do

• Don’t scrub with abrasive pads — you’ll scratch the surface and make future staining worse.
• Don’t pour bleach on the stain — it can discolor granite.
• Don’t use vinegar — its acidity damages the sealer protecting your stone.
• Don’t assume one treatment failed after a few hours. Poultices work slowly; give it the full 24 hours before judging.

When to Call a Professional

If a stain persists after two or three poultice treatments, or if you’re dealing with rust, etching, or a large affected area, a professional stone restoration can help. At Royal Granite Creations, we’ve fabricated and installed granite, quartz, quartzite, and marble countertops across Metro Atlanta since 2015 — and we know stone. Call (678) 653-7101 for a free estimate.