Types of Marble Stains and How to Remove Them

Marble is one of the most sophisticated and beautiful materials that you can have in your home. This incredible natural stone has traditionally been viewed as a sign of elegance. The material has been used to create everything from marble countertops to some of the most famous statues in the world. The natural beauty the stone exudes is a large part of what makes it so popular among homeowners. But while marble has many positives, it is a porous material. It means that liquid and stains can easily work their way down into the surface.

If you have marble in your house, you need to know how to clean, protect, and maintain it so it can keep looking great. Chemicals, stains, and scratches are both unsightly and they hurt the overall value of your piece. Want to make sure that it doesn’t happen to you? This guide will provide you with knowledge on what types of stains can occur on marble and how to get rid of those stains. 

Types of Marble Stains  

This guide will cover some of the most common stains that marble countertops and other marble surfaces face. These stains are: 

Oil-Based stains 

Organic stains 

Rust stains 

Water stains 

Mold stains 

Ink stains 

Etch marks 

Paint stains 

Removing Stains from Marble

Most marble stains can be removed by using a homemade solution called a poultice. A poultice is a thick paste that can draw the stain out of your marble. This section will highlight types of stains. It will define them first. Then it will discuss how each of the stains mentioned above can be removed. 

Oil-Based Stains 

Oil-Based stains are caused by many things you have in your home: Cooking oil, grease, milk, butter, hand lotion, etc. These stains will usually appear to be light brown or yellow in color. Oil-Based stains can be removed with a poultice. This particular poultice will be made with a combination that includes mineral spirits. 

Organic Stains 

Organic stains are some of the most common on marble surfaces. Examples include rings left behind by coffee cups and other household substances. The stains can be light brown to dark brown in color. Organic stains can be removed with a poultice. This poultice will have 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. Be careful if you are removing a stain from darker colored marble, as hydrogen peroxide can cause the marble to lighten. 

Rust Stains 

Nails, screws and metal cans are a few examples of items that can cause rust stains if left on your marble surfaces. Rust stains are generally copper-colored or brown. Rust stains can usually be removed with a poultice or a non-acidic rust remover. Unfortunately, rust stains are the most difficult of stains to remove from marble. If you try these methods and still do not have success, contact a professional to assess the problem. 

Water Stains 

Water stains are yet another common stain that occurs on marble. These stains can be the result of a water glass that was left on a marble countertop for too long, or from hard water buildup around sinks and showers. Water stains can be easily removed from marble. You can either use regular marble cleaner or try removing the stain using Grade 0000 steel wool. 

Stains of Mold

Mold is a common problem in many bathroom settings. It can stain marble bathroom countertops, floors, etc. The best way to address mold stains is to use a product that is specifically designed for removing mold and mildew stains on marble, such as this one. 

Ink Stains 

Marble countertops and other surfaces are no stranger to ink stains. Ink stains result from pens, highlighters, markers or even wine. The stains are usually water or alcohol based. As with organic stains, you can use a poultice made with 6 percent hydrogen peroxide to remove any ink stains. 

Etch Marks 

Acidic substances are one of marble’s worst enemies. Substances such as lemon juice, orange juice and wine can cause your marble to etch. Etch marks are the result of the top layer of the marble wearing away due to the stain. Like many other stains that are common on marble, you can remove etch marks using a poultice. 

Paint Stains 

Lastly, paint stains are another hazard that marble surfaces face. The stain will typically be the color of the paint that made it. The difficulty to remove the stain will depend on how large it is. For minor paint stains, you can use lacquer thinner to remove them. For more severe paint stains, consult a professional to determine the best course of action. 

How to Deal with Spills on Marble 

Marble is one of the most porous natural stone materials you can find. With that in mind, you must clean up any spills on the stone immediately. If you leave them sitting on the surface, your marble may sustain permanent damages. However, such damages can be avoided if you act quickly. Wipe the spill with a damp soft cloth. 

How to Get Stains Out of Marble 

If simply cleaning the spill does not work and you have a stain, it is not the end of the world. As mentioned with spills, being proactive is a key part of preventing damage due to stains. But before you can remove the stain from your marble, you must first determine what type of stain it is. 

How Can You Prevent Staining on Marble? 

While marble is one of the most porous materials you will find, there is one major step you can take to cut down on the likelihood of stains: Sealing. If you seal your marble countertop or other surfaces, it will close up the pores and not allow liquid or stains to pass through. Keep in mind that this seal will not last forever. You will typically need to re-seal marble once every few months. 

How Do You Seal Marble? 

Sealing marble is not a complicated process at all. To start, clear and clean the surface. Next, apply the sealer. Depending on the product, you may need to apply the sealer with a brush or spray it on if it comes in a spray bottle. Apply the sealer to your marble. Make sure to cover the entire surface. After this, wait for 15 minutes while observing the sealer. If all the sealer has absorbed within these 15 minutes, apply an additional coat. After you are done waiting, wipe off the excess sealer and let your marble surface sit for 24 hours. 

Important Tips

Marble is one of the most beautiful materials that you can install in your home. From bright whites to dark browns and black marble, there are plenty of options to choose from. Marble is a fine example of the beauty that nature can produce. If you treat it properly, this incredible natural stone will reward you with its appearance, durability and numerous other positive qualities for many years to come. 

While stains can certainly be avoided, it is not always the worst-case scenario if they occur. By following the steps above, your marble can look as good as new in no time. The key to protecting this beautiful stone is to properly care for it. If you do this, you will have a marble surface that keeps you satisfied.

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Sources

marble.com/articles/how-to-get-stains-out-of-marble

www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/4-steps-maintaining-marble/