How to Remove Adhesive from Granite: Dos and Don’ts

Knowing how to remove adhesive from your granite begins with knowing how to perform general maintenance on it. Because granite is a natural stone, it is more sensitive to chemical reactions. If an unfortunate accident has made a mess of your granite, don’t worry! There is probably a solution. With granite, it pays to know what not to do just as much as what to do when it comes to cleaning and caring for this and other natural stone. 

Step 1 – Don’t Leave Anything Sitting

The number one rule with natural stone is that if you’ve accidentally spilled something on it, don’t leave it sitting. Get on that spill, whatever it is, as soon as you can. However, if you’ve got something like epoxy adhesive on your countertop or other surface, perhaps left behind by a careless contractor, it’ll likely have dried. After all, it hardens in about 5 to 10 minutes.

Step 2 – Do Get out that Razor

Very carefully and gently, use a sharp razor blade to remove as much of the adhesive as you can.

Step 3 – Don’t Scrub with Abrasive Materials

Do not use powders meant for scouring, as well as steel wool, nylon scrubbing pads or any other abrasive materials on your granite.

Step 4 – Do Use Acetone

Use a soft clean cloth with a small quantity nail polish remover containing acetone. Scrub the spot, getting rid of any leftover adhesive. You might need to pour a bit more nail polish remover on the cloth: it depends on how much adhesive you’re dealing with. Do not pour the remover directly onto the granite. Use a fresh cloth to wipe the area off so that there is no debris left over.

Step 5 – Don’t use the Wrong Cleaner

Don’t use a generic cleaner unless the label specifically instructs that it is safe for use on natural stone. Refrain from using cream or powder cleansers. Don’t use an acid based cleaner, including vinegar or tile, bathtub, toilet and grout cleaners. Refrain from using mildew/mold remover and disinfectants. Do not use furniture polish on your granite, but use a stone polish to avoid stains or etching.

Step 6 – Do use Poultice

If there is a stain on the granite where the adhesive was, make a thick paste using diatomaceous earth and mineral spirits. Cover the applied paste with plastic wrap. Leave it on overnight.

Step 7 – Don’t use Household Cleaner

Unless you are advised by your stone supplier to use household cleaner, don’t attempt to remove a stain with it. If it is not a deep seated stain, you’ll want to use a cleaner specifically created for stone. If it is a deep seated stain, use a poultice to remove it, as described in step 6.

Step 8 – Do use Rubber or Plastic

In the morning, use a spatula made of rubber or plastic to remove the poultice. Wipe the area with a fresh damp cloth.

Step 9 – Don’t Let Dirt in

Cleanliness is important. Given time, dirt and gritty materials will cause issues with your granite. They might degenerate the finish of the floors, and the beauty of it as well.