Effective Ways to Clean Stains from Marble Surfaces
Marble may be a timeless, beautiful material, but it’s also extremely delicate and requires special attention when it comes to caring for it. “Marble is highly porous, which makes it prone to staining when exposed to certain substances,” says Marla Mock, president of Molly Maid, a Neighborly Company. “Dark liquids and oils can quickly seep into the surface and leave lasting marks. Even acidic items like citrus juice can discolor marble if not cleaned promptly and accurately.”
Below, Mock shares how to clean stained marble and keep it sparkling all year long. Before you can start cleaning, though, she warns that you should always stay away from harsh, acidic chemicals — like distilled vinegar, lemon juice, and bleach — that can damage marble surfaces, and to always spot-test cleaning products on an inconspicuous area to ensure it’s safe to use. (And in the future, consider using coasters or trays to shield surfaces from potential staining agents, she suggests.)
What You’ll Need
Baking soda
Water
Small bowl
Spoon
Plastic wrap
Microfiber cloths
pH-neutral soap or cleaner
Club soda
How to Remove Oil Stains from Marble
From oily, greasy foods to cooking oil spills, these organic stains can be tough to clean and can create even bigger messes. Mock suggests creating a homemade poultice, or gritty paste, to help lift the stains without damaging your marble surface.
Step 1: Make the cleaning paste.
Create a cleaning paste by slowly adding splashes of water to baking soda in a small bowl. Mix with a spoon.
Step 2: Apply the paste to the stain.
Apply the solution directly onto the stain, covering it thoroughly.
Step 3: Cover with plastic wrap.
Cover the stain with plastic wrap, applying slight pressure, and let it sit overnight.
Step 4: Remove and wipe it clean.
Remove the plastic wrap and the paste by wiping with a damp microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Dry it.
Then, use a dry microfiber cloth and dry the surface completely.
How to Remove Wine and Coffee Stains from Marble
According to Mock, wine and coffee stains are not just the most common spills — they’re also the most challenging to get rid of. She suggests using a pH-neutral soap or cleaner, specifically one made to protect the finish of marble and other natural stones, along with a soft microfiber cloth to avoid scratching.
Step 1: Use a pH neutral soap or cleaner.
Use a cleaner formulated for marble, such as the MB-5 Stone & More Multi-Surface Cleaner or the Lustro Italiano Stone Cleaner, and spray it over the stain.
Step 2: Let the cleaner sit.
Leave the cleaner alone for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Wipe the marble clean.
Wipe away the cleaner with a soft, damp microfiber cloth.
Step 4: Repeat as needed.
Repeat as necessary, using different parts of the cloth or new cloths to avoid stain transfer.
Step 5: Dry it.
Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface completely.
How to Remove Stubborn Grime Stains from Marble
Grime stains can be caused by old oil or food stains, or a buildup of dirt, soot, or grease that becomes embedded in the marble over time. Mock says that club soda is best when removing these types of stains, as “the carbonation lifts it from the marble surface.”
Step 1: Put club soda in a spray bottle.
Fill a spray bottle with just club soda.
Step 2: Spray it on the surface.
Spritz the club soda onto the surface, covering the stain thoroughly, and let it sit for a couple of minutes.
Step 3: Wipe the marble clean.
Wipe the marble clean with a microfiber cloth, making sure the area is completely dry afterwards.
Step 4: Repeat as needed.
Repeat as necessary for tougher stains.
Step 5: Dry the marble.
Then, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry the surface completely.
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