Kitchen backsplashes made of natural stone like granite, marble, and travertine can add beauty and elegance to your cooking space. However, they require some special care, especially when it comes to cleaning off grease and oil splatters from cooking. Don’t worry – with the right techniques and products, you can safely remove grease from your stone backsplash without damaging the surface.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
When tackling a greasy stone backsplash, start by avoiding the use of acidic or abrasive cleaners, which can etch or dull the surface over time. Products to avoid include:
- Vinegar – too acidic for natural stone.
- Bleach – can discolor or stain the stone.
- Ammonia – can eat away the polish.
- Abrasive cleansers – can scratch the surface.
- Alkaline cleaners – can negatively react with the stone.
Stick to gentle cleaners made specifically for natural stone for the best results.
Mix a Mild Stone Cleaner
One of the safest grease-fighting solutions for stone is a mild mix of dish soap and warm water.
- Add a few drops of clear, unscented dish detergent to a bucket of warm water. Too much soap can leave a film.
- For heavier grease, use a squirt of degreasing dish soap like Dawn.
- Avoid dishes soaps with added moisturizers or scents, as these can leave a residue.
The mild detergent helps emulsify and dissolve sticky grease and oils on contact.
Gently Scrub with a Soft Cloth or Sponge
Armed with your mild cleaner, gently wipe and scrub the stone using a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.
- Rub carefully in circles to lift the grease from the stone’s texture.
- Take care not to press too hard or use anything abrasive that could scratch the surface.
- For stubborn spots, let the cleaner sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing. This helps dissolve the grease so it wipes away easier.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft towel.
Repeat as needed for heavy grease splatters until all traces are gone.
Remove Excess Oil with Baking Soda
For extra scrubbing power against baked-on or excess oily grime, make a paste of baking soda and water.
- Put 3-4 tbsp baking soda in a bowl and add just enough water to form a spreadable paste.
- Use a soft cloth to gently rub the paste onto greasy areas.
- Let it set for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing in a circular motion.
The fine baking soda particles will help lift soaked in grease without damaging the stone. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Schedule Deep Cleanings
Prevention is also key when dealing with a stone backsplash above an active stove. Schedule deep cleanings every 1-2 months to prevent oil buildup.
- Clean more frequently above extra greasy cooking areas.
- Use a degreaser like Simple Green diluted with water for occasional deep cleaning. Rinse thoroughly.
- Polish monthly with a stone-safe sealant to help repel grease.
Staying on top of regular cleaning will keep your stone splashes looking like new for years to come. Avoid abrasives and use soft cloths with mild cleaners for the best results. With some gentle elbow grease, you can safely remove grease and keep your stone backsplash shining.
FAQ About Removing Grease from Stone Backsplashes
How do I remove baked-on grease from my stone backsplash?
For baked-on grease on stone, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply the paste and let sit for 5-10 minutes before gently scrubbing in circles with a soft cloth. The baking soda will help dissolve and lift the grease. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
What kind of soap is safe for cleaning a stone backsplash?
Use a mild dish soap like Dawn diluted in warm water. Avoid dish soaps with added moisturizers or scents which can leave a film. A little goes a long way – just a few drops of dish soap per bucket of water.
Can I use vinegar to clean grease from stone?
No, vinegar is too acidic for natural stone surfaces like granite, marble or travertine. It can etch and damage the stone over time. Stick to mild, stone-safe cleaners.
How often should I deep clean my stone backsplash?
Schedule a deep cleaning every 1-2 months using a degreasing cleaner formulated for natural stone. Clean more frequently above extra greasy cooking areas prone to splatters. Frequent cleaning will prevent lasting oil damage.
How can I make my stone backsplash more stain resistant?
Apply a stone-safe sealant every 1-2 months to add a protective repellent layer. Marble and travertine are more porous than granite, so take care to seal regularly. This will make grease removal much easier.
Conclusion
Greasy splatters from cooking are inevitable with a stone backsplash, but they don’t have to become permanent stains. With the proper gentle cleaning techniques and stone-safe products, you can effectively eliminate grease and keep your backsplash looking beautiful. Take care to avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners and always scrub gently with soft cloths. Schedule regular deep cleaning sessions to prevent lasting oil damage. Keep your stunning stone backsplash glowing by taking steps to safely remove kitchen grease. With a little diligent care, your backsplash will maintain its elegance and luster for many years.