Marble is a beautiful material for floors, countertops, and other surfaces in the home. However, its porous nature means it can stain easily from things like oil, grease, wine, or other substances. Thankfully, there are techniques you can use to remove common stains from marble and restore its pristine look. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover the best methods for how to get stains out of marble.
What Causes Stains on Marble?
Before we dive into how to get stains out of marble, it’s helpful to understand what typically causes them. Common culprits include:
- Oils and grease: Foods with high fat content like salad dressings can leave behind greasy residues that absorb into the marble. Cooking oils and greases are also major offenders.
- Fruit juices: Citrus juices especially from limes, lemons and oranges are highly acidic and major marble stain causers.
- Soil and dirt: Over time, soil and grime deposited on marble countertops or floors can work themselves deeper into the pores and become ingrained stains.
- Mildew and mold: In damp environments like bathrooms, mildew and mold spores can take hold in marble and discolor it.
Understanding what causes stains on marble is the first step to knowing how to get stains out of marble effectively before they set in permanently. Let’s look at some tried-and-true methods.
How to Get Stains Out of Marble with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a non-toxic household item that’s useful for removing stains from marble. Its mild abrasiveness helps lift stains from the pores without harming the stone’s finish. Here’s how to use it to get stains out of marble:
- Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water. The consistency should be like damp sand.
- Apply the paste directly to the stained area, massaging it using a clean cloth or paper towel in a circular motion.
- Let the baking soda sit for 15-30 minutes to work its magic. No need to rinse yet.
- Wipe away the baking soda paste using a clean, damp cloth or paper towel. You should see the stain coming up.
- For stubborn stains like oil, you may need to reapply the paste and let it dwell longer before wiping clean.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with water when the stain has been fully removed and pat dry with a clean towel.
Baking soda’s mild abrasiveness makes it safe for regular marble stain removal. With consistent use, it’s highly effective for getting stains like wine or grease out of marble.
How to Remove Stains from Marble with a Marble Cleaner
While baking soda works well as a natural cleaner, a specialized marble cleaner can also help lift stains from marble surfaces. Look for a cleaner specifically made for marble, limestone and other natural stone. It will have a non-acidic and pH-balanced formula that won’t etch or dull the stone over time.
To use a marble cleaner for how to get stains out of marble:
- Spray or pour a small amount of cleaner directly onto the stained area.
- Working in sections, rub the cleaner into the stain using a soft cloth or natural bristle brush in circular motions.
- Let the cleaner dwell for 5-10 minutes to allow it time to work on the stain.
- Wipe clean the area with a damp microfiber cloth to remove the cleaned-up stain and any residue.
- If needed, re-apply cleaner to stubborn stains and scrub a little more forcefully before wiping clean.
- Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry when the stain is fully removed.
A good quality marble cleaner formulated for the stone will chemically attack oil, grime and other residue to get stains out of marble efficiently. Always do a test patch first to check for discoloration.
How to Get Stains out of a Marble Countertop
Kitchen countertops take a daily beating from cooking messes and food spills. Here are some effective methods for how to get stains out of a marble countertop:
For grease stains: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the grease stain. Let sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing gently with a soft bristle brush. Wipe and rinse clean.
For dried-on messes
Cover stain with plastic wrap and use an iron set to the linen or cotton setting to heat the mess and soften for removal.
For ground-in dirt
Sweep away loose debris. Make a paste of white vinegar and cornstarch to rub onto stains. Let sit and scrub clean.
For baked-on food
Sprinkle baking soda over the stain and spray with white vinegar. Let fizz and soften for 5 minutes before scrubbing clean.
With quick treatment and the right cleaning methods, how to get stains out of a marble countertop is very possible. Regular sealing also helps prevent future staining.
Marble Stain Remover Chemicals that Work
For stubborn, set-in stains that won’t budge with natural cleaners, there are some specialty marble stain removing chemicals that can help dissolve even the most difficult discolorations when all else fails. Here are a few:
Zep Marble & Stone Cleaner Concentrate
A professional-strength alkaline cleaner that lifts away years of ground-in dirt and grease. Safe for honed and polished marble surfaces.
Weiman Stone & Tile Cleaner
Contains ammoniated salts and surfactants to cut through the fattiest residues. Gently yet effectively removes stains from polished and unpolished marble without harm.
Stone Tech Restore
A two-part, acid-free pouch system where part A removes stains and part B protects the marble from future soiling. Very effective at stripping away mineral deposits.
Bar Keepers Friend
Not strictly for marble but works well on natural stone too. The abundant oxalic acid in it dissolves rust, limescale and mineral deposits that have penetrated marble.
Always pre-test chemicals in an inconspicuous spot. But for really persistent stains that won’t budge, marble stain remover chemicals may be your last resort for getting stains out of marble.
Are Marble Stains Permanent?
The short answer is it depends – some marble stains can indeed become permanent over time if not addressed promptly. However, even old, set-in stains can usually be removed or faded to some degree with the right cleaning method.
Fresh stains that happened within the past day or two are nearly always removable from marble through dilution or chemical reaction. Stains that have sat for a week to a month may require more elbow grease like a baking soda or marble cleaner paste left to dwell.
Stains over a few months old have likely penetrated into the marble’s pores but many techniques described here from chemicals to heat can still dissolve them to some extent. And marble’s porosity means set stains are not wholly unremovable.
Only stains that are years old and very deeply ingrained may prove truly permanent. But even then, repeated cleaning sessions can fade them significantly. So with prompt attention and proper techniques, very few marble stains need be considered a permanent eyesore. Regular sealants also help prevent this.
In conclusion, while some marble stains may seem set, almost nothing is fully permanent with the right knowledge of how to get stains out of marble. Have patience, be thorough and stains both new and old can usually be improved if not fully removed.
Preventing Future Marble Staining
Rather than solely focusing on how to get stains out of marble, it’s best to take preventative measures as well:
- Use coasters under wine glasses or placement mats for hot items to avoid direct contact.
- Seal polished marble surfaces periodically to create an invisible barrier against stains and moisture. Reapply every 6-12 months.
- For kitchens, consider marble-safe cookware and cutting boards that won’t gouge the stone.
- Wipe up spills right away rather than letting them dry to fully set.
- Sweep regularly to remove loose dirt that could later bake on.
- Use protective mats on floors in high traffic areas.
- Choose sealed honed or leathered marble if a kitchen countertop, as they stain less readily than polished.
Taking precautions like occasional sealing and prompt cleanups goes a long way in avoiding potential stains altogether versus struggling with how to get stains out of marble down the line. Prevention is needed to implement.
Conclusion
With the right cleaning techniques and preventative measures, how to get stains out of marble is absolutely possible. Baking soda, marble cleaners, hydrogen peroxide, and other household ingredients provide gentle yet effective stain removal when used properly.
If you have any other questions about removing stains from marble, please contact us:
Email: sfmarbleangranite@gmail.com
Address: 755 Dutton St., Lowell, MA 01854
Phone: 978-459-5829
We hope this guide has provided helpful information on how to get stains out of marble. Please reach SF Marble Granite if you need any other stone cleaning or care recommendations.
FAQs
Is it safe to use chemical cleaners on marble?
Yes, as long as you use a cleaner specifically formulated for marble and natural stone. Look for ones that are non-acidic and pH balanced to avoid damaging the stone. Always test in an inconspicuous area first.
How do I remove mildew or mold stains from marble?
Make a bleach solution with 1 cup bleach per gallon of water and scrub the stain with a soft brush. Wipe and rinse thoroughly. For recurring mold issues, improve bathroom ventilation.
Will a stain return after cleaning?
It’s possible for stains to reappear if the marble isn’t properly sealed. Once cleaned, apply an impregnating sealer designed for marble to help prevent future staining. Reapply sealant once a year.
Is marble staining covered under warranty?
Natural stone warranties typically don’t cover staining, as it’s difficult to prevent with use over time. However, many fabricators offer refinishing services to restore original appearance for a fee if stains cannot be fully removed.
How can I tell if it’s too late to remove a stain?
If the stain has penetrated deeply and doesn’t respond to multiple cleaning attempts, it may be too set. Test chemicals in an inconspicuous area first to assess stain removal potential without risking further darkening. Faded remnants may be the best achievable outcome for very old stains.