How to Remove Wine Stains from Stone Countertops

Frederick M. Hueston  StoneForensics.com

Accidents happen, and when a glass of red wine spills on your beautiful stone countertop, it can leave an unsightly stain. Fortunately, there are effective techniques to remove wine stains from stone surfaces without causing damage. The Following is a step-by-step guide on how to remove wine stains from your stone countertop, allowing you to restore its natural beauty.

Materials Needed:

Clean, soft cloth or sponge

Paper towels or clean rags

Mild dish soap or stone cleaner

Baking soda, Flour or talc

Hydrogen peroxide or bleach (optional) 20Volume Peroxide is recommended*

Plastic wrap

Plastic scraper or putty knife

Protective gloves

Safety goggles

Step-by-Step Procedure:

Act Quickly:

As soon as the wine spills, grab a clean cloth or paper towel and gently blot the stain without rubbing. Avoid spreading the stain further.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution:

Mix a small amount of mild dish soap or stone cleaner with warm water in a bucket or sink. Ensure the solution is gentle and pH-neutral to avoid damaging the stone surface.

Clean the Stained Area:

Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution, wring out any excess liquid, and gently blot the wine stain. Start from the outer edges of the stain and work your way toward the center.

Avoid scrubbing forcefully as it can push the stain deeper into the stone or cause scratches.

Rinse and Dry:

Rinse the cleaned area with plain water to remove any soap residue.

Use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot the area dry thoroughly. Moisture can potentially lead to further staining or damage.

Apply a Poultice (for Stubborn Stains):

If the wine stain persists, create a poultice using baking soda or talc.

In a bowl, mix the baking soda, or talc with water to create a paste with a toothpaste-like consistency.

Apply the poultice to the stained area, ensuring it covers the entire stain with a thickness of about ¼ to ½ inch.

Cover the poultice with plastic wrap and allow it to sit undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours. The poultice will draw out the wine stain from the stone.

After the recommended time, remove the plastic wrap and use a plastic scraper or putty knife to gently scrape away the dried poultice.

Rinse and Evaluate:

Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the poultice.

Dry the surface with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Assess the stained area. If traces of the wine stain remain, repeat the poultice application process until the stain is completely removed.

Optional Step: Hydrogen Peroxide or Bleach:

If the stain persists even after using the poultice, you can try using hydrogen peroxide or a mild bleach solution.

Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or diluted bleach directly to the stain.

Let it sit for a few minutes, but avoid leaving it for too long, as it may cause damage to the stone.

Rinse the area thoroughly with water and dry it completely.

If none of the above methods work than you try a poultice with Flour and the 20% Hydrogen Peroxide and following the poultice instructions above.

Preventative Measures:

Consider sealing your stone countertop regularly with a stone sealer to create a protective barrier against future stains.

Clean up spills promptly to minimize the chance of staining.

Wine stains on stone countertops can be frustrating, but with the right techniques and timely action, they can be effectively removed. By following the step-by-step guide outlined in this article, you can tackle wine stains and restore the natural beauty of your stone countertop. Remember to always prioritize the use of gentle cleaning solutions and avoid abrasive tools or harsh chemicals that can damage the stone surface.

• 20 volume peroxide can be found in most beauty supply stores as hair developer