Getting a marble comes with so much joy. And this is thanks to the beauty it brings. This was the same with me after my first installation.
However, I found that this beauty can sometimes get ruined by stains. So, I looked for how to get stains out of marble. And I found some useful things.
I bet you might be in the same situation. In this article, I’ll tell you how to get stains out of marble.
How to Handle Spills on Your Marble
One thing that you will constantly face with your marble is spills. And it is almost impossible to avoid it regardless of how careful you act.
However, what matters is your reaction when a spill occurs. As such, you need blot up spills immediately they occur. This is because leaving them on your surface would cause more damage.
Precisely, marble is quite porous. And the stains will seep into your marble and become more difficult to remove.
So, get a damp cloth or paper towel. Then, wipe your marble circularly from the spill’s edge to its center. You can then wash the area using a mild detergent.
However, if there is no difference, you can try other methods below to get the stain out.
How to Clean Stains from Your Marble
There are cases where you notice the spills a little too late. And they have already stained your marble. Don’t worry; you can still clean the stains out.
However, to achieve this, you will need to identify the stain type. This is because the type of stain largely determines the procedure to adopt in getting the stains out.
So, here is what you need to know.
Oil-Based Stains
These stains come from cooking oil, peanut butter, grease, milk, creams, hand lotion, and cream. They usually take a yellow or light brown appearance.
Typically, to clean this stain, you will need to remove the oil stains from your marble. And to do this, you need a soft cleanser that you have mixed with drops of acetone or ammonia.
In case you do not get the best result, you can then use a poultice. Don’t worry; we will tell you how to create and apply it later.
Organic Stains
These stains are perhaps the most prominent stain you will find on marble. They come from food items like coffee. And it usually takes a light or dark brown appearance.
Now, to clean organic stains, you can get a mixture of ammonia and hydrogen peroxide to work. Precisely, few drops of the former and 12 percent of the latter. Then, you can apply it to the stained spot for a while before cleaning it.
However, ensure that you exercise caution when you are cleaning a darker marble. This is because the poultice can lighten the marble and ruin its appearance.
Rust Stains
These stains come from items like metal cans, screws, and nails. They occur where you leave these items on marbles. Even more, brass, copper, and bronze items in your marble can cause metal stains. And they usually take a brown or copper-colored appearance.
For you to remove them, it is best to notice the rust early. Then, you can use a mild wire brush to draw out the stains. And, of course, without affecting the surface.
However, where the stains are deep, you will need that poultice I will be discussing later. Alternatively, you can get a rust remover that is non-acidic. Still, ensure you keep in mind that you might need professional help in various cases.
Water Stains
This is another prominent stain that affects marble. It comes from the build-up of hard water around your showers and sinks. Or from leaving water droplets on your marble for a while.
Luckily, you can easily remove these water stains. All you need is a regular marble cleanser. Alternatively, you can use a Grade 0000 steel wool. With it, you will get your marble looking all great again.
Ink Stains
These stains come from items like highlighters, pens, wine, and markers. They are usually alcohol or water-based and remain quite common with marble stains.
However, you can still get them out. All you need is a lacquer thinner. With it, you can get your marble looking all great again.
However, this might be ineffective for bigger stains. So, your best bet is to apply a poultice to the stain. It will help soak up such stains and have your marble looking good within days.
Etch Marks
These stains come from acidic substances such as orange and lemon juice. They etch on to your marble and make the topmost surface of your marble to wear off. Luckily, like most stains, they succumb to the power of a poultice.
Paint Stains
These stains come from paint materials. As such, they take their paint color when staining. Typically, they can be quite difficult to remove. It even gets worse where the stains are large.
So, with the small stains, just like with ink paints, a lacquer thinner will do the trick. Then, with larger stains, you can get a heavy liquid stripper to get the paint off.
However, ensure you follow the instruction to the detail when applying it. As always, rinse the surface using warm water when you are done. You can then dry it with a damp cloth or paper towel.
Using A Marble Poultice
One powerful solution to stains is a poultice. However, you need to know how to make a poultice to benefit from it. So, here’s how to do so.
- There are various materials needed to make a poultice. They include: powdered chalk, whiting, baking soda, talc, flour, kaolin, diatomaceous earth, and fuller earth, among others
- Now, to get your poultice, get a mixture of any of the materials above with baking soda or water. For instance, you can mix acetone, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, or mineral spirits with baking soda or talc
- As soon as you mix in the right proportion (peanut butter’s consistency), you are ready to go
Now, the next step is to apply the poultice. And to do this, you need to follow the following steps:
- Get the stained region wet using clean water
- Apply your poultice to the stained spot, between ¼ to ½ inches thick
- Cover the area using plastic wrap. Then, tape the edges down to keep it secure
- Leave the poultice between one and two days
- Then, as soon as it is dry, clean the area using a warm cloth and soapy water
- Rinse the area with clean water and dry it off
You should have a stain-free marble. However, if you don’t, you can always try the process again.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to start thinking of another marble just because you have got some stains. We have shown you how to get stains off your marble. Remember to take all our tips to heart when next you have got some stains on your marble.
RSK Marble and Granite caters to the Boston area and throughout New England for any marble countertop questions.
Call the Boston Marble Countertop experts here at 978-447-1001 or by contacting us here.
Related Questions
1. How Do You Get Brown Stains Out of Marble?
Use a mixture of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide with some drops of ammonia to clean the brown spot. However, ensure you exercise some caution when cleaning darker stones since the mixture can lighten your marble’s color.
2. How Do I Get My Marble White Again?
Get a mixture of water and baking soda, one quart, and three tablespoons, respectively, and then spread the mixture on your marble using a shammy. Afterward, let the mixture rest on the marble for some hours, then wipe using a damp cloth.
3. How Do You Remove Stains from Marble at Home?
A combination of 12 percent hydrogen peroxide and little ammonia drops should do the trick for regular food stains. You can also use a household liquid cleanse where the stains are oil-based.