Is It Safe to Use Acetone on Granite?
In certain settings, the chemical compound known as acetone is used as a cleaner. Also known as propanone, acetone is a solvent used in many industrial laboratories for general cleaning, but it’s also used to formulate paint thinner and nail polish remover, two substances that should never be used to clean most natural-stone surfaces. In certain situations, acetone can be used on granite. It’s always best to use a stone-safe granite cleaner. However, there are some situations when the careful application of acetone can help you remove stubborn stains. If you do clean your stone with acetone, it’s important to immediately reseal it after. Here are a few other considerations when it comes to using acetone on granite and other types of natural stone.
Surface Stains Versus Etching
The stain-resistant properties of granite make it a popular option for kitchen and bathroom countertops. As long as you keep granite slabs and tiles clean and sealed, the only stains you’ll see will be on the surface, which means they can be removed even if they stubbornly remain after wiping them down. If these stains are stubborn you can use acetone or acetone with baking soda to remove the stains. If the stain still doesn’t come out it’s best to contact a professional stone restoration specialist who has the proper tools and training. For basic daily cleaning of granite countertops, use Granite Gold Daily Cleaner®.
Oil and Grease Stains
From olive oil and butter in the kitchen to baby oil and makeup foundation in the bathroom, some greasy stains refuse to go away even after wiping and scrubbing. When this happens, a paste made with baking soda and acetone will likely do the trick. Start off by drying the surface and gathering enough baking soda to completely cover the stain. Add a few drops of acetone to the baking soda and stir the paste until it resembles the consistency of pancake batter. Pour and spread the paste on the stain and leave it for 24 hours, then rinse it with water. You’ll also need to reseal the stone after the stain is removed. If some staining remains, you can repeat the process. Again, make sure to immediately reseal the surface.
Lipstick
Ultra-glossy lipstick contains oil and wax along with cosmetic pigments that will likely stain light-colored granite. If you take immediate action, the stain will come off with wiping, but make sure to not apply pressure. Should the stain remain, try the acetone and baking soda paste described above —and don’t forget to immediately reseal after removing the stain.
Magic Marker Stains and Soap Rings
All magic markers will stain granite surfaces, but not necessarily on a permanent basis. If you polish granite countertops regularly, you should be able to wipe off magic marker stains if they’re caught right away. Dish soap rings, particularly those that form a crust, may be a combination of detergent residue and hard water. To remove them, spray some Granite Gold Daily Cleaner® and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing or scraping away with a soft brush or stone-safe granite cleaning pad.
To learn more about caring for granite and other types of natural stone such as marble, limestone, and travertine, reach out to the Stone Care Experts at Granite Gold® at 1-800-475-STONE (7866). To find a store near you that carries our cleaning, sealing, and polishing products, use our handy Store Locator.