In eastern North Carolina, BBQ season never really ends, which means kitchen and outdoor countertops can get messy. Grease is especially tough to clean from stone surfaces because it is oil-based and can seep into unsealed or lightly sealed pores. The good news is that both granite and quartz countertops can be cleaned effectively with the right methods. At C & C Stoneworks, we want to help you know what works and what to avoid when tackling grease on these surfaces.
Why Does Grease Behave Differently?
Water-based spills like wine or coffee usually stay on the surface or soak in slowly. Cooking grease, especially when it is hot and comes from grilling or high-heat cooking, can get into stone right away. Once grease cools and hardens in granite’s pores, it sticks to the minerals. On quartz, the surface is non-porous, so grease cannot soak in, but it can still stick and get harder to clean the longer it stays.
For both granite and quartz, clean up grease as soon as you notice it. Fresh spills are easy to handle, but stains that have set in will take more time to remove.
Removing Grease from Granite
Granite is porous, so how you remove grease depends on how long the stain has been there and whether the sealer is still working well.
For fresh spills, blot the area right away with a paper towel. Next, wash the spot with warm water and a little mild dish soap using a soft cloth. Gently rub in circles, rinse well with warm water, and dry the surface completely.
For set-in stains, use an absorbent paste called a poultice to draw out the oil. Mix baking soda with a little dish soap and water to make a thick paste. Spread it on the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it for 12 to 24 hours. As it dries, the paste pulls the oil out of the stone. Remove the paste, rinse the area, and repeat if necessary.
After cleaning a grease stain on granite, check the sealer in that spot. Strong cleaning can wear down the sealer. If water no longer beads up on the surface, it is time to reseal.
Removing Grease from Quartz
Quartz is non-porous, so grease cannot soak in. However, grease can still build up on the surface and stick to residues over time, especially near cooktops and outside.
If you notice fresh grease, clean it right away. Mix warm water with a few drops of grease-cutting dish soap. Wipe the area with a soft microfiber cloth in gentle circles, rinse with clean water, and dry.
For baked-on or built-up grease, use a plastic scraper to gently lift hardened spots without scratching the surface. Then use dish soap and a non-abrasive cloth to clean the area. If stubborn residue remains, put a little isopropyl alcohol on a cloth, apply it to the spot, let it sit for 30 seconds, then wipe and rinse.
Do not use abrasive pads, steel wool, or scrubbing powders on quartz. These can dull the surface or cause tiny scratches, which make cleaning harder in the future.
What NOT to Use on Granite or Quartz
- Bleach or bleach-based cleaners strip sealers on granite and can degrade the resin bonds in quartz.
- Citrus-based degreasers attack the sealer on granite and can dull quartz resin over time.
- Vinegar or other acidic cleaners are harmful to both surfaces.
- Abrasive scouring pads or powders will scratch quartz and can damage polished granite surfaces.
- Oven cleaner is too caustic for countertop stone.
Preventing Grease Buildup Before It Starts
Preventing grease is easier than cleaning it up later. A few simple habits can really help:
- Wipe down the countertop after cooking.
- Use a splatter guard when frying or grilling at high heat.
- For outdoor granite, reseal the surface before each BBQ season. A fresh sealer makes it much easier to remove grease.
- Keep a pH-neutral stone cleaner within reach for immediate response to spills.
Stone Care Questions? C & C Stoneworks Can Help!
Whether you are dealing with a stubborn grease stain or planning a new kitchen countertop project in eastern North Carolina, our team is here to help.