How can I remove grease from grout without damaging my marble backsplash?

Q. I have a marble backsplash and there is grease from cooking in the grout. How do I get the grease out of the grout without ruining the marble?

A. Marble is very sensitive to acids and abrasives, so the goal is to clean the grout without harming the marble itself. Start by protecting the marble edges with painter’s tape or a plastic sheet or damp cloth. Use a gentle alkaline cleaner, such as a few drops of mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner mixed with warm water. Apply the solution directly to the grout using a small brush, such as a soft toothbrush, working carefully to avoid getting cleaner on the marble.

Avoid bleach, ammonia, or acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as these can etch the marble. Light scrubbing is usually enough for surface grease, but for deeper stains, a paste of baking soda and water can be applied to the grout only, left for 5–10 minutes, and then gently scrubbed.

After cleaning, rinse thoroughly with a damp cloth, keeping the marble as dry as possible, and wipe away any residue. Dry completely with a soft towel.

If the stains persist, here’s a step-by-step marble-safe poultice method for removing grease from grout on a kitchen backsplash while protecting the marble. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App.

Start by protecting the marble around the grout with painter’s tape or a damp cloth to prevent any cleaner from touching the stone. Your chemical ingredient for your poultice will be a gentle, grease-cutting cleaner like mild dish soap. When you apply the poultice paste avoid the marble and put it only on the stained grout lines. If the stain remains, repeat the process until the grease marks are gone. Clean the marble and grout with a pH-neutral, stone safe cleaner.

If the stains remain, contact a stone and tile restoration professional. They have specialized equipment and solutions that can achieve results not possible with DIY methods. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.

Once the grout is fully dry and no stains are apparent, apply a grout sealer to help prevent future grease buildup. Alternatively, your PRO can perform this service for you.