Oil, wine or coffee stains on stone
First identify the stain. An oily one (oil, milk, cosmetics) darkens the stone and has to be dissolved. An organic one (coffee, tea, wine, fruit) leaves a brownish mark, which on light stone is removed with hydrogen peroxide. Deep stains are drawn out with a poultice, a paste that dries and pulls the stain out of the pores.
Right after the spill
Blot the liquid with a paper towel. Do not wipe, or you will spread the stain. Rinse the area with water and a mild detergent a few times, then dry it.1
What kind of stain is it
Identifying the stain is the key to removing it.1
- Oily: oil, butter, milk, cosmetics. It darkens the stone. It has to be dissolved with a mild detergent, and for a deeper stain with a solvent such as acetone.1
- Organic: coffee, tea, wine, fruit. It leaves a pinkish brown mark. On light stone, 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia helps.1
The poultice, or paste
When a stain sits deep, you make a poultice: a paste of absorbent powder and a chemical chosen for the stain. It is spread thickly over the stain, covered with plastic film and left to dry. As it dries, the paste draws the stain out of the pores of the stone.1 Sometimes it needs repeating.
What not to do
- Do not scrub with cream cleaner or a scouring pad.
- Do not use vinegar or acidic products, especially on marble.
- Do not mix ammonia with bleach.
Stain or etching
On marble and limestone, acidic liquids such as wine leave a dull mark. This is not a stain, it is a changed surface. It is removed by polishing, not with a stain remover.
Prevention
Wipe spills quickly and, on absorbent stones, seal. A water test will show whether your stone needs it.
(Sources)
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Natural Stone Institute, Remove Stains from Stone Applications
(Questions)
Can I use bleach?
On light stones with organic stains, sometimes yes, but not on dark granites and not on rust. Better to ask first.
Will a wine stain leave a mark on marble?
Wine is acidic, so on marble it can also leave a dull etch mark, which no stain remover will take away.
