Red Wine on a Marble Countertop: What to Do

A glass tipped over and now there is red wine on your marble. Speed matters more than anything you can buy, so start with the first step right now and read the rest after.

Right Now: Blot, Do Not Wipe

The Natural Stone Institute, the trade group for the natural stone industry, says: “Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Don’t wipe the area, it will spread the spill.”

Then “Flush the area with plain water and mild soap and rinse several times.” Dry it with a soft cloth.

That is often the end of it. A stone restorer told Use Natural Stone, the Institute’s website for homeowners: “If somebody spills red wine on the countertop and you wipe it up immediately, 99 percent of the time it won’t stain, but the acids in the wine may cause the stone to etch.”

Why Wine Is Hard on Marble

Red wine can leave two kinds of marks on marble.

A stain. The color soaks in. MSI, the stone supplier, says even “the most thoroughly sealed marble countertops are prone to staining by tomato-based foods, red wine, cosmetics, ink, and many other items.” The same restorer put it simply: “If it’s left, it will stain.”

An etch. Wine is acidic, and acid dulls marble. MSI says marble “can also be etched by acidic foods such as Citrus juice or vinegar.” An etch is a dull or rough spot, not a colored one.

The Institute says “Some materials will etch the finish but not leave a stain. Others will both etch and stain.” So look at the spot in the light before you treat it.

If It Is Pink or Brown: Treat the Stain

The Institute groups wine with coffee, tea and fruit as organic stains. It says they “May cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed.”

For a stain that stays, the Institute says to clean indoors with “12% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.” Wear gloves, open a window, and rinse well with plain water afterward.

The sources disagree on this step. MSI says never to use ammonia on marble, while the Institute lists a few drops for this stain. If you would rather not use it, call us first.

If that does not lift it, make a poultice, a paste that pulls the stain out as it dries. For organic stains, the Institute says to “Poultice with one of the powdered poultice materials and 12% hydrogen peroxide solution (hair bleaching strength) OR use acetone instead of the hydrogen peroxide.” Powdered poultice materials include whiting, kaolin and talc.

The Institute’s poultice steps, short version:

Mix it “to a thick paste the consistency of peanut butter.”
“Wet the stained area with distilled water.”
Spread it 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, and “extend the poultice beyond the stained area by about one inch.”
“Cover the poultice with plastic and tape the edges to seal it.”
“Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly, usually about 24 to 48 hours.”
Remove it, then “Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth.”

The Institute says “It may take up to five applications for difficult stains.” Our oil stain guide goes through each step in more detail.

If It Is Dull: That Is an Etch

A stain remover will not help a dull spot, because nothing soaked in. A strong chemical can even etch the stone more. The Institute’s poultice section says “If the surface is etched by the chemical, apply polishing powder and buff with burlap or felt buffing pad to restore the surface.”

Our etching guide covers polishing powder and when to bring in a stone restorer.

What Not to Do

Do not scrub with vinegar or a kitchen spray. MSI says “NEVER use vinegar, commercial cleaners, bleach, ammonia, or scrubbing pads as they can etch the surface of the marble.”
Do not mix products. MSI says to never “Mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.”
Do not leave it for the morning. The longer wine sits, the more likely it stains.

Next Time

Set glasses on coasters or a tray, and keep a towel handy when you pour. MSI recommends “protecting your countertop with coasters, trays, and mats.” We seal every natural stone slab before we install it, which slows stains down. It does not stop wine from etching.