honestly, when I had granite, I sealed it religiously. One day some dishsoap leaked out of the container behind the sink and we didn't notice it immediately. It was a stain that we never got out. That's why I didn't get granite in my remodel. Also, despite all of the times I told him otherwise, my husband refused to believe that oil would stain it and constantly left oil and salad dressing bottles on the counter.

Proper Sealing does not prevent stains, it slows there soaking in. I would google a countertop poultice and try that. But be prepared for it to not come out potentially

I have never babied my granite counters. I have granite counters outside, a counter that faces west in So. CA. I get grease/oil splotches next to the grill. I let them sit for months until I decide to clean the outdoor counter. I use Lysol with Bleach and it all comes out after a bit of hard scrubbing.

Previous house had mottled white/gray granite kitchen counters, which I never sealed. Any stains came out with the same Lysol Kitchen cleaner with bleach. More stuborn stains required I leave a soaked paper towel on the spot for 15 minutes or so, but all the stains came out.

I had success removing oil from my new quartzite using a poultice of baking soda and acetone. Here is the link to my stain story: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/4818891/white-macaubas-quartzite-stain-removal-success-story

To determine whether the granite is sealed properly, I would put several small puddles of water on the countertop in different places and leave them over night. Wipe up the puddles in the morning. If the granite has darkened, that means the granite has absorbed the water and needs more sealer. (Don't worry -- the spots from the water will go away within a day or so.) Some portions of your stone may be more porous than others and thus require more sealer. I found an impregnator sealer was most effective for my countertops, but I would ask your fabricator what they used and then try calling a few stone care experts in your area to find out which sealer they recommend. Good luck.

What kind of granite do you have (a picture would be nice) if you dont have a marble or quartzite (too easy to etch the finish) go buy an ordinary can of stain lift for carpets (the one that goes on wet and drys to a white powder). Spray the oil stain until it is saturated, let dry, vacuum it up and repeat. As it drys it pulls out the oil with it. Depending how deep the oil penetrated will determine how many times you will need to spray the spot but be patient it will gradually show less and less. Clean your tops with acetone after and reseal with a quality impregnating sealer.

Granite Guru, quartzite does not etch. If it etches, then it's been mislabeled. You've got a common bit of stone lore there, but it's not true.

the definitive guide to quartzite

The lighter granites like Kashmir White are nearly unsuitable for countertops. I just got a call from a guy with forearm stains on his 2-year-old island from where he used his computer. I should have gotten a picture.

I told him to poultice. I won't poultice for customers because the results are too hit-and-miss to be able to make money doing it. If he gets them out, we'll Stoneguard the tops.

Gotcha, Granite Guru, thanks for clarifying!

The big-box installation department installed a bathroom lavatory faucet set without using any sealant or plumber's putty at all between the Upper Mounting Washer and the brand new tan granite countertop. You guessed it -- over about a month's time, oil from the faucet handle has stained the granite. If the store doesn't make it right, I will try the poultice method, probably using acetone and baking soda. Should I insist on new granite? How do I ensure this doesn't happen again?

Poultice and seal.

@ Janet - You would never use plumbers putty to set a faucet - it is and oily substance and would stain your stone. I have had faucets installed for 10 years in a granite top in my bathroom with just the escutcheon under the mounting base of the faucet - no added silicone or anything ( as per the faucet installation directions ) and nothing has happened. Also - there is no "oil" inside my faucet handle...

Do you have well water? That could simply be a mineral stain from the water..

OP - I have had many customers have success with a baking soda paste covered with plastic wrap for removing stains in their tops... Hope you get it out!

I am having the same issue with my two day old quartzite. Bottle of soap left on for half the day, left a ring. Was now informed nothing containing oil can sit on the counter. So how do you cook in the kitchen, wash dishes, make coffee, wash your hands if oil will penetrate. We are not happy.

Make sure to contact your fabricator and ask for the proper maintenance for your top. Sealers help - some are better than others.

Quartzite, granite marble - they are all natural stone and are not indestructile. Some are more durable than others when it comes to staining. Sometimes you have to be a bit more conscious of what you are doing - keep olive oil on a decorative plate - same with dishsoap ( or wipe off the bottle ).

Many people go years without any problems with their tops - I think it just takes a little getting used to.

Best of luck

@Debbi... sorry it has taken me so long to revisit this discussion. When a plumber finally came out to remove the faucet handle and inspect the problem, he found that the original 'plumber' / installer had smeared some sort of grease that was meant for a different joint in the faucet assembly under each faucet handle and under the faucet. Over time, this grease bled into the granite. I used a talc and acetone poultice with plastic wrap several times and the stain is barely noticeable now. A key instruction was that the poultice should be the consistency of pancake batter or a little looser. Lots of extra effort and stress for me and he ruined my brand new counter -- all because of his ignorance. I had bought some Pinaud talc powder at the beauty supply, but it had a pink color when the acetone was mixed in. I had to order Sutherland talc from England (and picked up more when I was in London) bc American baby powder in the US is no longer made from talc.

-- Ilove My Life / Janet