How To Make Stained Marble Look New Again

Marble is a type of stone known for its durability and elegant appearance. As such, it’s commonly used for countertops, flooring, and other high-traffic surfaces. However, maintaining that beautiful aesthetic isn’t always easy, and homeowners who want their marble to continue looking beautiful year after year should be ready with some TLC to avoid stains and other damage.

Kathy Cohoon, Operations Manager at Two Maids, says that because marble is porous and softer than other stones, it tends to absorb spills. “When those spills aren’t wiped up in time, it can seep under the surface and leave a stain,” she says. “Additionally, using too much water on the surface, especially hard water, can lead to build-up causing discoloration, etching, and sealant damage.”

Food, beverages, oils, and inorganic materials like ink and nail polish can also cause marble to stain. But if you react quickly with the proper cleaning techniques, it’s possible to remove stains without damage. 

What to Know About Maintaining Marble

The Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness is used to gauge the scratch resistance of minerals, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the hardest. Marble contains calcite, a soft mineral, so it lands at 3 on the scale. 

For context, Limestone, which also contains calcite, has a 2 or 3 hardness rating. If you’re in the market to redo your kitchen or bathroom, it’s worth noting that granite, quartz, and quartzite are all much harder options, coming in at around 7 on the scale. And while porcelain seems fragile, its hardness is also rated around a 7.

Aside from being soft, marble is also porous. This means it can absorb water and other liquids, which can lead to staining. Still, marble is widely used in home and commercial applications. If you want the elegant look of marble for surfaces in your home, here’s what you need to know about its maintenance.

Tips for Cleaning Stained Marble

Although time is of the essence when removing stains from marble, it’s important not to rush in with just any old cleanser or cleaning technique. While mild dish soap and water are usually fine for regular maintenance, here are some tips for cleaning stained marble:

Determine the cause and extent of the stain.

Just as when addressing carpets, furniture, and even laundry, your cleaning approach to marble should be determined by the stain itself and how deep it has already set in—more on this in a moment.

Never use any abrasive cleaners.

While a speedy reaction to stains is key, don’t reach for anything abrasive or harsh. Cohoon suggests checking with the manufacturer’s instructions when attempting to clean marble—but know that you likely won’t be able to use your regular stock of cleansers on marble.

“Since marble is so porous, it’s best to stay away from anything abrasive or acidic,” says Cohoon. “While some household items like lemons, vinegar, and bleach are great at other chores, they can damage marble. 

How to Pick the Right Cleanser

According to The Marble Doctor, a Virginia-based restoration service specializing in natural stone, three major types of stains need different approaches:

• Organic stains such as food, beverages, and natural dyes need oxidizing agents, like hydrogen peroxide. 
• Oil-based stains such as cooking oils, grease, and lotions require something absorbent to pull them out, like baking soda.
• Inorganic stains such as ink, nail polish, or rings left from glasses and mugs need a chemical cleanser approach to fight discoloration, like a few drops of ammonia mixed with hydrogen peroxide.

But it’s not as simple as applying any of these cleansers and wiping it off. You’ll need to create a poultice for optimal results.

How to Create a Poultice for Marble Stains

A poultice is a thick paste, usually made from baking soda and water. When applied and left to set, it will typically pull the stain out of the marble in a non-abrasive manner, Cohoon explains.

To create a poultice for organic or oil-based stains:

1. In a small bowl, mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a few drops of water—just enough to make a thick paste. (Note: For organic stains, The Marble Doctor recommends adding a few drops of mild dish detergent.) You may need to add a bit more of each ingredient until you get the necessary consistency.
2. Slather the paste onto the stain and let sit overnight. The Marble Doctor suggests covering the affected area with clear wrap.
3. Gently unwrap the plastic and remove the poultice with a soft, damp cloth. Rinse the area with warm water, if needed.

If the stain isn’t pulled out of the marble, try the poultice again. This time, Cohoon recommends adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide instead of water and letting the poultice sit for a few hours. “This will help brighten the stone without being too abrasive,” she says.

To create a poultice for inorganic stains:

Hydrogen peroxide is also recommended for inorganic stains, with the addition of a few drops of ammonia. Here’s how to prepare a poultice for inorganic stains, per The Marble Doctor:

1. Mix a few drops of ammonia with enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the affected area.
2. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let set for a few hours.
3. Wipe away the cleaning solution with a soft cloth, then rinse with warm water.

How to Prevent Future Stains on Marble

Prevention is key to maintaining the beauty of marble. Here are some easy way to do it:

Seal it regularly.

You can’t stop marble from being so soft or porous, but you can seal it to prevent staining. “Most stone experts will recommend sealing marble, especially in high-use areas like the kitchen counter or the bathroom,” says Cahoon. Experts usually suggest sealing countertops every three to six months, but inquire about the recommended schedule for your marble. Tip: Not all marble requires sealing. If you are unsure whether your marble surfaces do, contact the manufacturer.

Act quickly when spills happen.

Household mishaps are bound to happen, which is why fast action is helpful when it comes to preventing stains on marble. It’s also helpful to have a supply of cleaning ingredients on hand that allow you to act quickly whenever stains do occur. Whatever you do, don’t use abrasive or acidic cleansers.

Use mats and coasters to protect the surface.

The Marble Doctor suggests using coasters for all glasses and cups, especially if they’re filled with acidic or alcoholic beverages to avoid etched or stained rings. Never place a hot dish on marble without the buffer of a mat or trivet—you could crack or otherwise damage the surface.