subject: Removing Stains from Granite counters in Virginia [print this page] Removing Stains from Granite counters in Virginia
Removing stains requires the use of a poultice. A poultice consists of two materials: 1) an absorbent material such as Bounty or Viva paper towels, talcum powder or diatomaceous earth and 2) a chemical to remove the stain. There are five different categories of stains and each has its own designated chemical for the poultice.
Chemical: Rubbing Alcohol for ink; Hydrogen Peroxide (30%-40% by volume) for all others
3. Stains: Oil (any type of cooking oil, some mineral oils, butter, margarine, etc.)
Chemical: Pure Acetone (avoid using nail polish remover as different brands have different ingredients)
4. Stains: Biological (mold, mildew, etc.)
Chemical: Bleach or MB-9
5. Stains: Metal (rust, copper, etc.)
Chemical: Iron-out (a white powder available at hardware stores)
The Removal Process:
Due to the nature of this removal process, you may want to test a small, inconspicuous area of the stone to ensure there are no adverse effects.
1. Begin by mixing the poultice (ex: talc powder and hydrogen peroxide). You will want to create a thick paste. It should have the consistency of putty.
2. Apply the mix to the stained area, keeping it only on the stain. The layer of paste should be about one fourth of an inch thick and overlap the stain about a half an inch.
3. Cover the area with plastic wrap and tape the edges down. Allow it to set for 24 hours.
4. Remove the tape and plastic wrap only, leaving the poultice in place.
5. Allow this to remain on the stain until it is completely dry. This can take anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days.
6. When the paste is completely dry, use a plastic scraper to scrape away the paste.
7. Wipe remaining paste away with a clean cloth.
8. Clean the area as normal and dry with another clean cloth.
9. If the stain remains, you may need to repeat steps 2-6 several times, especially for oily stains, each time removing more of the stain.
