How To Remove Stains From Marble
Table of Contents
Removing Stains From Marble
Different parts and accessories assist in adding to the beauty of a house. When it comes to sophistication and beauty, only a few can come close to what marble is able to achieve.
For a long time now, this natural stone has been seen as a symbol of elegance and is widely used in the creation of various things, from marble benchtops to some of the well-known statues in different parts of the world.
There are many good things about this amazing stone. However, there are a few letdowns that arise because the stone is porous. Liquid and stains can find their way into the inner depth of the top surface.
This article will provide you with adequate information on the types of marble stains and how to get rid of them without damaging your surfaces.
Dealing With Spills On Marble
Hard as the marble appears to be, it is also quite porous. With this in mind, be prepared to deal with spills on the stone immediately after they occur.
If you leave spills on your marble for a long time, they may never come off. You can avoid the damage if you wipe spills immediately with a soft wet cloth.
Ways To Get Stains Off Marble
Mopping the surface of the marble may not be enough to remove stubborn stains. You need to be proactive in addressing and preventing damage as a result of these stains, but in situations like this, before you can begin removing stains from marble surfaces, find out what type of stain it is you are dealing with.
Stain Types That Can Affect Marble
Several types of stains can affect marble surfaces, but we are going to concentrate on the most common ones. Most of the marble stains experienced may be removed by making use of a homemade solution such as poultice. There are different stain removing techniques that you may use to get a clean marble surface.
A marble poultice is a thickened paste that has chemical properties that can draw stains out of stained marble. The poultice works by making its way deep into the marble to the point where the stain is found. After a while, it will bring out the stain from the stone.
The use of a poultice is the best approach to getting stains removed from marble surfaces. The following are the stains that come under this category:
Organic Stains
Most of the common stains we find on marble surfaces arise from organic stains. That is because virtually everyone is guilty of causing this stain one way or the other. Examples of such stains include rings that are left behind from coffee or tea cups, as well as other household stuff.
Organic stains can be removed easily with the proper use of a poultice. It is, however, necessary to include six percent hydrogen peroxide in the poultice. Do be careful when attempting to remove stains from marble this way because darker coloured marble can be easily affected by hydrogen peroxide, causing them to look lighter in colour.
Water Stains
Water stains that come from water spillage on marble surfaces are also common. These stains often occur when water glasses are placed on marble countertops for a lengthy period. They can also happen because of the build-up of hard water around showers and sinks.
Water stains on marble are the easiest to take care of. You can make use of a regular marble cleaner, or you can remove the stain by making use of Grade 0000 steel wool.
Oil-Based Stains
These stains result when there is contact between the standard items you use at home and marble. Such items include milk, cooking oil, hand lotion, butter, grease, etc. Oil-based stains that come from these items will usually appear yellow or light brown.
You can treat most oil-based marble stains adequately with a poultice. The type of poultice that you would make will come from a combination of different items, including mineral spirits.
Rust Stains
Some of the items that cause this type of stain include nails, metal cans, and screws. Most homes make use of these items and if you do too, make sure to find a good toolbox where you can keep them. Rust stains that are seen in this case are usually brown or copper-coloured.
You can either use poultice or non-acidic rust remover. Sadly, you may discover that these are the most challenging marble stains to handle. If you do not get the right results after trying these methods, you should contact a professional to tackle the problem.
Ink Stains
Marble tabletops can suffer stains from accidental ink spillages, especially in homes with kids. Familiar sources include pens, markers, highlighters, and wine. Moreover, ink stains usually are alcohol or water-based.
As we have seen in the case of organic stains, we can also apply marble poultice prepared using six percent hydrogen peroxide to remove ink stains.
Mould Stains
In most homes, the growth of mould is a common problem, especially in places where there is wetness or dampness, such as the bathroom. Mould stains can affect different surfaces, but the most notable are marble tiles, bathroom countertops, and so on.
There are a few methods that have been found effective at addressing mould stains. Still, the best one so far is using products that have been designed specifically for the removal of mildew and mould stains on marble surfaces.
Paint Stains
One other terrible issue that marble surfaces may face is paint stains. The main problem here is the colour of the paint that spilled on the marble surface. The ease with which such a stain is removed will depend on the extent of the stain.
It is possible to get rid of minor stains with the use of lacquer thinner. In cases where the paint stain is severe, you may have to consult a professional who, after an initial assessment, will be able to determine the best course of action.
Etch Marks
One of the worst substances known to affect marble surfaces is acid. Items such as orange juice, lemon, and wine can lead to your marble etching. Etch marks occur when the top layer of a marble surface begins to wear away as a result of marble reacting with the acid in foods and drinks.
Etch stains can also be removed with the use of a poultice, as we have seen in the cases of the other common marble stains.
What To Do If Stains Won’t Come Off
There is, however, no need for you to worry if you discover that the various methods you tried did not get rid of marble stains on your surface. What you should do is try again and wait for some time. However, if this does not work too, you should consider contacting a professional who will take the task off your hands.
The Don’ts Of Removing Marble Stains
Your anxiety is understandable if you have stains on your marble countertops. You may be thinking of trying different things to get the stains removed and have clean marble surfaces once again.
However, you want to be cautious in applying unapproved methods and techniques. You have to avoid the use of substances like bleach or other types of harsh cleaning products. Such chemicals can wear out the surface of the marble.
How To Prevent Marble Staining
Marble is indeed a very porous material, but there is a method you can use to minimise stains. Marble sealing is the most preferred preventive measure. By sealing up your marble surfaces, the pores will be closed, and liquid or any form of stain will not be able to pass through. Bear in mind, though, that the seal will not work forever. Resealing of the marble surface should typically be once a few months apart.
How To Seal Your Marble Surfaces
While marble sealing might sound like a complex process, this is not the case. The first thing to do is clean the surface of the marble you want to seal. Thereafter, you can apply the sealer making sure to follow all the instructions on the product label.
You may use the sealer with the aid of a brush, or you could have it sprayed on the marble surface if it is in a spray bottle. Cover the entire surface and wait for 15 minutes. Wipe off excess sealer and allow your marble surface to be free for at least 24 hours.
Keep Up With Cleaning And Resealing
Before marble stains become a severe issue, you should ensure that you keep up with the cleaning and resealing. When you do these simple tasks on schedule, you won’t have a hard time with marble stains. Getting stains removed from marble floors, for example, can be a simple DIY task, but when it is something you have to do continually, it becomes a tiresome task.
You can avoid the issues of marble stains, but if they occur, it is not as if the worst thing in life has happened. You should be able to take care of the issue by following the steps outlined above and getting your marble surface looking as clean as new in next to no time.
The primary thing in maintaining a clean marble surface is the ability to take care of it. If you can adhere to the rules, your marble surface should keep you happy.