Stone countertops—whether marble, granite, quartzite, or soapstone—add a level of elegance and durability to kitchens and bathrooms. But even the most beautiful natural surfaces aren’t immune to staining. Whether it’s an oily splash from cooking, a red wine accident, or a stubborn water ring from a plant pot, stains on stone can be frustrating and hard to ignore.
So, can you remove a stain from your stone countertop? The answer depends on the type of stain, the stone itself, and how long the stain has been sitting. In this post, we’ll walk through what causes these stains, what you can (and shouldn’t) do about them, and when it’s time to call in the professionals—like the experts at The Grout Medic.
Why Stone Countertops Stain
Despite being durable, most natural stones are porous—meaning they absorb liquids over time. If your countertop wasn’t sealed properly (or hasn’t been resealed in a while), oils, dyes, water, and acids can seep below the surface and cause discoloration that a simple wipe won’t fix.
Common causes of staining include:
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Oils and grease (from food prep)
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Acidic liquids like wine, vinegar, and citrus juice
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Water rings and mineral deposits
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Ink, dye, or makeup
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Rust from metal objects left on the surface
The type of stone matters too. Marble and limestone are more prone to etching and staining. Granite is a bit more resistant, but not immune. Knowing what you’re dealing with is step one.
Can You Remove the Stain Yourself?
For light or recent stains, DIY methods can sometimes help—but they must be approached cautiously.
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Oil-based stains may respond to a paste made with baking soda and water, left on for 24 hours.
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Organic stains (like coffee or juice) may lift slightly with a hydrogen peroxide-based solution.
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Water stains can sometimes be reduced by polishing or using a poultice.
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Rust or ink stains often require specialty products—and even then, success can be limited.
However, if the wrong product is used, or if you scrub too aggressively, you risk etching the stone, discoloring it further, or damaging the finish. Acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice can do more harm than good, especially on marble or limestone.
Even if you manage to reduce a stain, there’s often a faint residue left behind. That’s where professional help makes the difference.
Why Professional Stone Restoration Is Often the Better Choice
At The Grout Medic, we don’t just treat the surface—we restore it. Our trained technicians use stone-safe cleaning agents, precision poultices, and commercial-grade tools to draw out stains without compromising the integrity or finish of your stone.
If the stain is deeply set, our team may use honing techniques to gently resurface the stone, removing not only the stain but scratches, dullness, and etched areas as well. Once restored, we re-seal the countertop with a premium-grade sealer to prevent future staining and make maintenance easier.
Trying to tackle deep stains with home remedies can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. With professional restoration, you get long-term protection and a beautifully rejuvenated countertop.
Preventing Future Stains on Stone Countertops
Once your countertop has been restored, it’s important to protect your investment going forward. Here are some simple, effective tips to keep stains at bay:
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Wipe spills immediately. Don’t let liquids sit—especially oils, wine, or citrus.
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Use cutting boards and coasters. Prevent food acids and moisture from making direct contact.
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Clean regularly with pH-neutral cleaners. Avoid harsh or abrasive products.
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Seal your countertops regularly. Most stones need sealing every 12–24 months.
Even the best care routines can’t guarantee perfection, but regular maintenance paired with occasional professional servicing will keep your countertops looking pristine.
Let The Grout Medic Restore Your Stone’s Natural Beauty
If you’re staring at a stubborn stain on your beautiful stone countertop, don’t panic—and definitely don’t scrub with harsh chemicals. Instead, call The Grout Medic. Our professional stone restoration services are safe, effective, and tailored to the unique needs of your stone.
We’ll assess the stain, treat it with care, and leave your surface smooth, clean, and protected. Whether you’re dealing with a single stain or a countertop that’s lost its shine over time, we’re here to help you bring it back to life.
Ready to Restore Your Countertop?
Contact The Grout Medic today to schedule your consultation or request a free quote. Let us take the stress out of stone care—with results that speak for themselves.
