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

A clean granite kitchen countertop.
  • 1 hours
  • Beginner
  • 40-60
What You'll Need
Sharp razor blade
Soft, clean white cloth
Nail polish remover with acetone
Diatomaceous earth
Mineral spirits
Plastic wrap
Plastic or rubber spatula
What You'll Need
Sharp razor blade
Soft, clean white cloth
Nail polish remover with acetone
Diatomaceous earth
Mineral spirits
Plastic wrap
Plastic or rubber spatula

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 sensitive to chemical reactions. However, 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.

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. Wipe away that spill, whatever it is, as soon as you can. However, if you’ve got something like epoxy adhesive on your countertop or other surfaces, perhaps left behind by a careless contractor, it has most likely dried. After all, it hardens in about five to 10 minutes.

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.

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.

4. Do Use Acetone

Use a soft, clean cloth with a small quantity of acetone nail polish remover on it to scrub the spot, getting rid of any leftover adhesive. You might need to pour a bit more on the cloth depending on how much adhesive you’re dealing with. However, 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 afterward.

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 and don’t use an acid based cleaner, including vinegar or tile, bathtub, toilet, and grout cleaners. Avoid using mildew/mold remover and disinfectants as well. You can use a stone polish on granite to prevent stains or etching, but do not ever use furniture polish as a substitute.

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 stain with this paste and then place plastic wrap over it overnight.

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 can use a cleaner specifically created for stone, but if it is, use a poultice to remove it as described previously.

8. Do Use Rubber or Plastic

In the morning, use a spatula made of rubber or plastic to remove the poultice; metal can scratch the granite surface no matter how careful you are. Afterward, wipe the area with a fresh damp cloth.