59p Baking Soda Hack Fails to Remove Oil Stain from Granite Chopping Board
A lifestyle writer has shared her disappointing experience with a budget-friendly cleaning hack aimed at removing an oil stain from a granite chopping board. The attempt, which cost just 59p, involved using baking soda but fell short of expectations, leaving the board with a persistent mark.
The Stain Incident
After receiving a grey granite chopping board as a Christmas gift to replace older plastic ones, the writer was excited about its practical benefits. However, within a month, disaster struck when grease from a homemade pie leaked onto the board, creating a stubborn circular stain. Despite vigorous scrubbing with washing-up liquid, the mark remained, causing embarrassment, especially when noticed by a visiting parent.
The Cleaning Attempt
Turning to online solutions, the writer discovered a popular method involving baking soda, washing-up liquid, and water to create a paste. This mixture was applied to the stain, covered with cling film, and left overnight, with the goal of drawing out the oil. The writer avoided adding harsher chemicals like acetone or hydrogen peroxide due to time constraints and concerns about damaging the stone surface.
Disappointing Results
After 24 hours, the paste had dried, but the stain only lightened slightly, remaining clearly visible. The writer noted that the liquid from the paste had expanded, creating an additional dark mark, which added to the frustration. Ultimately, the baking soda hack failed to deliver the promised results, leading to questions about the effectiveness of such natural cleaning tricks.
Lessons Learned
This experience highlights the challenges of removing oil stains from granite surfaces with simple home remedies. The writer advises caution when placing items like pies on granite or marble worktops to prevent similar issues. While the board remains hygienic, the stain serves as a reminder that some cleaning hacks may not live up to their hype, and more potent chemical solutions might be necessary for tough stains.
