How to Remove Fruit Stain on Granite

Q. We have a stain on our granite top caused by a bag of peaches. The bag leaked and caused a stain in the granite. What do we use to make a mix to remove the stain?

 A. The discoloration on your granite may be a stain, or it may be an etch. The methods used to remove etching are different than the methods used to remove a stain.

Etching is damage that occurs on the surface of natural stone when an acidic substance, such as your bag of peaches, wine, vinegar, or cleaning products, comes into contact with calcite or other minerals in the stone that are sensitive to acid. An etch is often mistaken for a stain or watermark because of the dull whitish mark that is left behind, but etching is actually a chemical reaction that roughens the surface of your stone.

Very mild etching can sometimes be removed with a polishing compound. Deep etch removal, however, should only be accomplished by a professionally trained stone restoration contractor. To find a Certified SurpHaces PRO Partner near you, contact us.

With all natural stone, including granite, certain substances can cause staining. Stains on granite and other natural stone can be removed by using a poultice. In this case, mix flour and hydrogen peroxide to create a paste. The mixture will draw out the stain from the granite into the poultice. Spread the mixture over stained area and cover it with plastic wrap so it does not dry out. Let it stand overnight, then remove. If it needs scraping, carefully use the flat side of a straight razor. Do not use a metal utensil as it will scratch the surface of the stone.