Marble is a beautiful, elegant stone that is highly durable. This explains why it is the stone of choice for many homeowners and interior designers for floors and kitchen countertops. The stone stands out, and its natural beauty is unmatched.
There are different varieties of marbles, and they vary in color and natural pattern. The most popular are white and black marble. They are both exquisitely looking, and honestly, if you walk into a kitchen that has a white or black kitchen top, this is something that will definitely catch your eye. They add a lot of class and elegance to a kitchen.
The same goes for marble floors. They are absolutely gorgeous, and they do make a home look classy and elegant. However, marble is prone to staining. If your marble floors come into contact with acidic liquids like tomato, lime juice, or wine, just to name a few, they can become stained. Ink, food, and oil can also stain your marble floors.
To deal with this problem without damaging or worsening the staining, use a cleaner designed to remove the specific stain. If you are not sure what cleaner to use and how to remove the stain, consult a professional.
Of the things you need to know about marble floors is that they are delicate, and great care needs to be taken during the cleaning process. This means that you cannot use just any cleaner to clean a marble floor.
Some cleaners that are not ideal for marble floors include acidic cleaners and abrasive cleaners. These cleaners can cause significant damage to your marble floors.
If you want to keep your marble floors clean without risking damaging them, use neutral cleaners like dishwashing liquid. Or stone soap specifically designed for marble.
Also, don’t use a scrubbing brush on your marble floors. Instead, use a mop or a soft cloth to avoid damaging the floors. It is also important that you use a minimal amount of plain water. If you clean your marble floor regularly with plain water, it may start to yellow or flake.
The best way to clean your marble floors, especially if you clean them regularly, is to damp your mop in a bucket of warm water containing your cleaning solution and then mop away. Avoid using hot water as this can damage the marble.
What types of surfaces are marble
Marble is an extremely versatile material. While we often associate it with kitchen and bathroom countertops, it can be found in nearly any room of the house.
Thin cuts of smooth marble are often used as a decorative kitchen and even fireplace backslashes. It is also used as flooring, especially in entryways. Not to mention, it is often used in architectural elements like pillars, mantels, benches, and basins.
What do you need to keep marble surfaces clean and shiny?
There are a few supplies you will need to properly clean, shine, and preserve the look of marble surfaces in your home. These include soft cloths, non-abrasive sponges, water, chamois cloths, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and/or stone polish.
The Basic Steps for Cleaning Marble
Prepare the Surface
It’s important to thoroughly prepare the surface of your marble before you begin the polishing process. To do so, remove any dust, debris, and stuck-on grit that has accumulated on the surface of the stone.
Be sure to pay close attention to corners and grooves were debris can easily be trapped. To do this, dampen a soft clean cloth with warm water and a little dish soap.
Run the cloth over the surface of the marble, being careful not to apply too much pressure. Remember, marble scratches easily. Use small circular strokes to thoroughly clean an extended counter or floor.
Sweep the Floor
If you’re cleaning marble floors, sweep the surface to remove any dust and debris that has accumulated. Be sure to lift and clean under and around doormats, rugs, and furniture.
We recommend using a soft dust mop to perform this task. Stay away from vacuums and abrasive brooms that have the potential to scratch marble.
Mop the Floor
Establish a regular mopping schedule based on the amount of traffic on your floors.
Start by running a damp mop over the surface of the floors. This first step helps eliminate any grime you have missed with the broom.
Move the mop in a wide figure-eight motion to ensure even and thorough coverage across the entire floor. Ring out and rise the mop in fresh water.
Keep in mind that you may need to change the mop water to avoid mistakenly reapplying dirt. You can also use a pH-neutral marble cleaner to effectively eradicate especially stubborn dirt.
Apply an Ammonia Solution
While acidic cleaners are not well-suited for marble flooring, a diluted ammonia solution can help remove stuck on dirt and stains.
Still, it makes an effective floor cleaner when diluted with water. You can even mix it with powdered clay or baking soda to create a homemade poultice for removing stains.
Polish the Floor
Use a clean dry microfiber cloth or chamois to wipe away any remain soap scum and polish the surface of the marble. You may also use a store-bought marble/granite polisher to buff the surface of the stone.
Alternatively, mix together equal parts water and baking soda to create an inexpensive polishing paste. When applying polish, distribute a thin even layer over the surface of the floor. Allow it to dry for several hours.
Then, use a microfiber cloth and a small amount of warm water to wipe away the remaining layer of polish.
Remove Spots or Stains From Polished Marble in 3 Minutes:
Daily Maintenance
To ensure the longevity and aesthetic richness of the marble in your home, you should clean the stone daily with soapy water and a nonabrasive cloth or sponge.
You should also take care to wipe away spills quickly, as many liquids can leave permanent stains in the porous surface. What’s more, keep acidic foods, like vinegar, tomatoes, and citrus fruits, away from the marble.
To protect floors from damage, invest in a few area rugs for high traffic areas. When accidents do occur, remedy them as quickly as possible and apply leave-on poultice that is appropriate for the stain.
Using Soap and Water
It’s fine to use soap and water on marble floors. Nevertheless, you should only use mild diluted dish soap. If you use too much soap, you’re going to leave behind unsightly streaks and film.
Choice Cleaners
The following cleaners and sealers are specially formulated to clean and preserve stone floors and counters.
GRANITE PLUS! 2 in 1 Cleaner & Sealer for Granite, Marble, Travertine, and Limestone
Granite Plus! is a pH-neutral marble cleaner with a built-in sealant.
You spray it on, let it settle for a minute, and then use a dry nonabrasive cloth to remove it.
It is worth noting that you don’t need to rinse the marble after using Granite Plus!
For the most part, it leaves granite looking shiny and clean. It’s suitable as a daily cleaner for both marble counters and floors.
A Better Way To Clean Your Marble Or Tile Floor:
Black Diamond Marble & Tile Floor Cleaner. Great for Ceramic, Porcelain, Granite, Natural Stone, Vinyl & Linoleum. No-rinse Concentrate (Quart)
Black Diamond is an eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaner. It’s a great choice for homeowners with pets and children.
Not to mention, the formula is extremely concentrated. You only need 2 to 4 ounces of the Stoneworks formula per gallon of water.
Simply apply it using a microfiber cloth and then pat dry for a clean streak-free surface. We even recommend putting the diluted mixture in a spray bottle for easy application.
Suitable surfaces. The product is safe for cleaning surfaces of marble, travertine, limestone, ceramics, quartz, corian and silica stone. You can try using a detergent for other coatings at your own risk.
If you want experiments, it is better to use a cleaner on a small and inconspicuous part of the surface. So you will know that the product will not damage the coating, which is not among those recommended by the manufacturer.
Daily use. It cleans fresh pollution. Obsolete stains need more thorough cleaning. You can find recommendations for cleaning different types of pollution in our guide. After that, you can use the cleaner according to the instructions.
Marble shine. This cleanser can only clean and seal the marble surface. For a light shine, you need to rub the dry surface with a buff after handling a cleanser. If it is not enough, then you need to purchase a separate polish like Black Diamond Stoneworks Marble and Granite Polish Preserver to add more shine.
This product is great for marble floors, counters, and other architectural elements. It even doubles as a tile and porcelain cleaner.
TriNova Granite Cleaner and Polish for Daily Use
The TriNova cleaner is a concentrated rinse-free marble cleaner that is both eco-friendly and biodegradable.
Like the Stoneworks cleaner, you only need 2 to 4 ounces of TriNova per gallon of water.
It is safe and effective on marble, other stone, ceramic, and porcelain surfaces. It deep cleans stones, leaving them shiny and streak-free.
Daily use. TriNova cleanser can remove light dirt. It does not cope for example with deposits of hard water at a time. You will need to clean the surface several times or purchase a more intensive stain cleaner as described below.
Personal protective equipment. Do not neglect your own protection. Cleanser may irritate eyes and skin. Use gloves, goggles and a mask.
Caution. Despite the fact that the cleaner is eco-friendly, it contains potentially hazardous substances that cause cancer and harm the reproductive system. It’s nice that the manufacturer openly warns about this on the label. You can also find more information here Proposition 65.
Machine Cleaning
For individuals looking for a quicker or more efficient machine clean, we recommend a wet/dry floor cleaner with delicate settings. Ideally, you want something that vacuums up debris and mops floors at the same time.
BISSELL CrossWave Floor and Carpet Cleaner with Wet-Dry Function for Tile and Marble
The Bissell CrossWave Floor and Carpet Cleaner has a microfiber mop function that is ideal for fragile marble flooring.
It also boasts a spinning brush with ample suction to remove dust and debris lingering on the ground.
The smart-touch controls enable users to release cleaning solution as desired. Not to mention, the dual tank system ensures the clean and dirty water never mix. As a result, you are less likely to leave behind grime and soap suds.
Cleaning formulas. With this vacuum cleaner you can easily clean various surfaces in the house, including marble. It provides the ability to use water to remove light dirt. And also you can use special BISSELL Multi Surface Cleaning Formulas. These allow you to remove grease, dust, water stains. There is a separate formula for the care if you are a pet owner.
For allergic. Cleaning formulas of BISSELL are famous for their hypoallergenic properties. This is a godsend for people with allergies. Small children can stay in the room during the cleaning and it will not harm them. This also applies to animals.
Stain Removers
If a liquid is left on the surface of marble for a long enough period of time, it may leach into the stone’s pores and leave behind an unsightly stain.
Many people choose to seal their marble to prevent this from happening. Yet, accidents still happen. Therefore, if you have marble floors or counters in your home, it is a good idea to keep a reliable stain remover on hand.
Stone & Tile Intensive Cleaner: Concentrated Deep Cleaner, Marble, Limestone, Travertine, Granite, Slate, Ceramic & Porcelain Tile. (1 Quart)
Stone & Tile Intensive Cleaner is an excellent product for deep cleaning marble surfaces.
It is a highly concentrated mixture that should be diluted with water before it is applied to a counter or floor.
While the company doesn’t list the exact ingredients, we can attest to its stain removing strengths.
Suitable surfaces. You can use it for brick, limestone, travertine, concrete, slate, granite, marble, tile and grout.
Own protection. When working with the concentrate, be careful and use protective equipment. The composition of the cleansing agent contains hazard-determining ingredients.
Cleanser can also irritate eyes and skin. If you accidentally spill the concentrate onto yourself, wash it off with plenty of water immediately. If irritation persists, seek medical attention.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is yet another safe and effective ingredient for removing stains from marble.
It serves as a natural whitener and is ideal for light-colored marbles.
We recommend using a concentrated hydrogen peroxide. Allow it to saturate the stain overnight. You can even cover the stain with a layer of plastic wrap to assure it is not disturbed.
Versatility of use. In addition to marble, you can use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains on resilient floors, walls, carpeting, countertops, glass, grout lines, sinks, tiled walls, and automotive scrubbers.
Hydrogen peroxide is capable of dissolving organic stains, biological stains and water-based paint stains. This means that you can remove the stains of coffee, tea, blueberries, patches of bacteria or fungi, gouache, pencils, markers with this solution.
If you need to remove stains from hard water, you need to apply the solution several times and wait for some time to complete the reaction.
Poultice
You can also create a clean paste called poultice. A poultice is a paste-like cleaner that is capable of penetrating the marble’s pours to remove set-in stains.
You can make your own marble poultice with just a few household ingredients. To make one you need an active solvent as well as an absorbent white powder.
We recommend a simple mixture of water and baking soda. You apply the poultice directly to the site of the stain and leave it for up to 5 hours. Use a sheet of plastic wrap and masking tape to keep the poultice in place.
The solvent will penetrate the stain and draw the dyes out and into the powder, which you can effectively sweep away.
Granite Poultice (1 Lb) Maximum Deep Cleaning Stain Remover By Marble And Granite Care Products
Granite Poultice is a powder cleaner that is intended to be mixed with a small amount of lacquer thinner.
To work effectively, the poultice must be airtight and left for at least 24 hours.
It is extremely effective in removing a wide variety of stains on the surface of marble.
Usage tips. To make a granite poultice you need to add 1 teaspoonful of varnish thinner, which is sold separately, into 1 pound of granite solder. You can use paint thinner, but lacquer thinner gives the best result.
Stir the mixture with a wooden or silicone spatula. Coat the soiled marble surface with a layer with a maximum thickness of one quarter of an inch. The consistence of the poultice should resemble a cookie dough. Cover all with plastic wrap and leave for 24 hours. Of course, remember to use personal protective equipment.
This detergent pulls dirt from the deep layers of marble. After removing it, you can find the clean part has become lighter. To get rid of the color drop will help the whole application of granite poultice to the entire marble area.
For very heavy dirt. Maybe one time will not be enough for the desired result. When heavily soiled, granite poultice can be left for 2-3 days. After such a long period of granite poultice, the color of the marble may become darker. Don`t worry. This is leftover water. Let the cleaned surface dry and the color will return.
After cleaning. As soon as the marble surface is dry, treat it with a cleaning agent, a sealant and polish. So you additionally protect the marble from contamination and give it the original shine.
Note. The shelf life of granite poultice is one month. After this period, its use is not effective.
On the basis of consumption, this cleaning agent is not cheap. One pound of granite poultice is enough to cover 1-2 square feet.
Suitable surfaces. This cleaner helps remove organic stains from granite surfaces. It can also be suitable for other stones with a porous structure like marble or quartz. Using granite poultice for other materials can damage them.
Preventing Damage
It’s all too easy to damage marble. In fact, harsh chemicals and rough cleaning tools can permanently etch the surface of the stone.
The Original ShamWow – Super Absorbent Multi-purpose Cleaning Shammy (Chamois) Towel Cloth
The Shamwow is an ultra-absorbent orange cleaning cloth. It is machine washable, all-purpose, and non-abrasive.
It is made from synthetic materials that are capable of holding lots of liquid.
We recommend using a Shamwow to dry or wet wipe the surface of granite.
Kitchen + Home Super Chamois – Extra Large 20 inches by 27 inches Super Absorbent
The SuperChamois is another cleaning towel.
It is similar to the Shamwow, as it can hold a large amount of liquid.
It is also made from synthetic materials and is machine washable.
It consists of ai-spun rayon with micropores that are designed to hold liquid spills. It is also ideal for dry wiping surfaces such as marble.
People typically seal marble surfaces to protect against aesthetic damage. Sealant helps prevent moisture from penetrating the marble’s pores. It may be applied once a year.
TriNova’s Granite Sealer & Protectant
TriNova Granite Sealer and Protectant is a concentrated formula that comes in an easy-to-use spray bottle It is made of a blend of polymers and does not contain dangerous chemicals.
As such, it can be used on both floors and counters.
Overall, it makes surfaces smoother and shinier. Not to mention, it prevents marble from being penetrated by liquids.
Note. This product does not clean the surface. You put it on a cleaned surface and polymers fill the porous structure of marble or other stone. This protects the marble from subsequent pollution.
For greater efficiency, spray granite sealant and wait 1-2 minutes. Then wipe dry and leave the stone surface for another hour.
2 MB Stone Care MB11 Touch-Up
2 MB Stone Car Touch-Up is yet another marble polisher.
While it does not seal marble, it does help the stone revert back to its original luster.
You can apply the 2 MB with a microfiber cloth. It can be used daily.
Usage tips. Always use rubber gloves for protection when working with polishing and cleaning agents.
Use the MB-11 Touch Up for spot polishing marble without using power tools.
This powder removes dirt from “water spots” or “rings” made of polished marble, travertine and any other calcite-based stone. The best result you get on light stones.
To prevent damage, pre-test the product on an inconspicuous area that needs to be polished.
For polishing, you need to put 1/8 teaspoon of powder on a dull stain. Using a spray bottle, apply some water to the powder before forming a paste. Wipe with a clean, damp cloth until the treated area is dry.
Add more water and repeat the action. Then do quick movements back and forth (with great pressure) until the surface of the stone becomes dry and shiny. Repeat the process if necessary.
To remove powder residues, use a marble cleaner.
Check if the cleaned surface needs sealing. To do this, conduct a water test on the stone surface. Pour some water into the test area. If after 10 minutes the color of the marble became darker and the water was absorbed, then you need to seal the stone.
How to remove an acid etch stain from your marble top – MB Stonecare MB 11.:
Tips and Tricks
Marble doesn’t have to be scary. While it is true that it damages easier than other stones, there are some simple things you can do to ensure the marble in your home is always looking good.
For one, always keep baking soda on hand. Baking soda is very inexpensive and can serve as an impromptu poultice. If you spill something on the marble, pick it up immediately.
Use a microfiber or cotton cloth to blot it up. Avoid rubbing it in. Then, apply homemade baking soda poultice to extract anything that may seep deep into the marble.
If you don’t have baking soda, you can always combine flour and dish soap to create yet another type of homemade poultice.
You should also seal your marble counters during and after installation. You don’t need to be an expert craftsman to apply a sealant. Water should bead when it is dropped on a sealed counter. If it doesn’t, it is probably time to reapply sealant.
Do’s
Still wondering what substances and treatments are best for marble floors:
- Mop floors daily with a mixture of mild soap and warm water.
- Clean your floors with mild detergent or stone soap. Make sure these substances are designed with a porous stone in mind.
- Thoroughly rinse and dry the floor. Soap can accumulate on the surface of marble and leave behind streaks and scum.
- Always blot up spills soon after they occur. Ink, paint, acidic substances, and other liquids can permanently damage the aesthetic of your marble.
- Utilize non-slip mats, rugs, and runners to protect high-traffic areas.
Don’ts
Wondering what to avoid with marble floors:
- Acidic. Avoid using vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners. These can etch the surface of the marble.
- Avoid bathroom cleaners, as many contain acidic compounds.
- Avoid abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers.
- Never mix bleach and ammonia. These chemicals create toxic fumes when mixed together. I can even be lethal.
- Avoid using vacuum cleaners that are worn or have metal or plastic attachments. These can permanently etch the surface of marble floors.
How to Clean stains from Marble
It is important to note that not all stains are alike. In the next section, we’ll hone in on how to treat certain types of stains.
Oil-based Stains
Oils tend to leave dark splotches on the surface of marble. Hydrogen peroxide is a great treatment for oil-based stains on light marble. Keep in mind that it has natural whitening abilities, so it’s best to abstain from using this on dark stone.
Meanwhile, acetone is great for oil-based stains on dark marble. Both substances work best when they are combined with baking soda to create a homemade poultice.
Organic Stains
Organic stains are created by things like coffee, tea, foods, urine, and more. They can leave behind distasteful pinkish-brown stains. You can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and diluted ammonia to help eradicate these discolorations.
Inorganic Metal Stains
Metal stains occur when iron, copper, or bronze come in contact with water and leave behind rust. These stains are brown or even green. You can try using a basic poultice on these stains, but they are extremely difficult to lift out of marble.
Biological Stains
These stains typically occur outdoors or near houseplants, as they are from algae, lichens, and other green substances. We recommend using a mixture of diluted hydrogen peroxide to eradicate these green monsters.
Ink Stains
To successfully remove ink stains from marble, you must act fast. First, first the surface with warm soapy water. Then, apply a cloth saturated with rubbing alcohol. Finally, use diluted ammonia to dab away any remaining dye.
Paint Stains
Wondering how to remove paint stains? Use a small razor blade to carefully scrape off the paint. Keep in mind that you can permanently etch the surface of the stone by applying too much pressure.
You may also use lacquer thinner to loosen the paint from the surface but do so with caution.
Water Spots and Rings
Water stains are fairly common in marble. Use a fine grade steel wool to buff these stains away. We recommend a circular stroke pattern, as this is the most effective way to buff marble.
How to Successfully Apply a Poultice to Marble
Marble poultice has a magical way of eradicating tough stains. It penetrates deep within the marble’s pours to draw out discolorations. We will describe to you in detail how to make and apply a marble poultice.
Step 1:
Gather the ingredients you need to make a homemade poultice. If you are using a store-bought poultice, you can skip ahead to step four.
We recommend making a simple paste that consists of equal parts baking soda and mineral water. Both of these items can be found in most grocery stores and are rather inexpensive.
You can substitute the baking soda for another absorbent white material, such as flour. You will also need a ceramic bowl and spatula for mixing, plastic wrap, and masking tape.
Step 2:
Mix the mineral water and baking soda together till you get a dough-like consistency. Remember, the mineral water will draw out the stain and the baking soda will absorb it.
If you don’t have baking soda, you can use paper towels, talc, cotton balls, or another white absorbent material.
Step 3:
You may choose to use a liquid solvent, depending on the type of stain you’re removing. Commonly used liquid solvents are ammonia, acetone, and hydrogen peroxide. Refer to the information above when identifying and treating specific stains.
Step 4:
Apply the poultice directly to the stain. Make sure to apply a thick layer and cover the entire surface of the stain. You may wish to test your poultice in an inconspicuous area before treating a noticeable spot.
Step 5:
Cover the poultice with clear plastic wrap. Use masking tape to secure the entire perimeter of the plastic wrap to the floor. It works best if you create an airtight space for the poultice to work its magic.
Step 6:
Wait. Try not to be impatient. The poultice needs to sit for at least 24 hours to work its magic. Avoid disturbing the poultice.
Step 7:
After 24 hours have passed, you can remove the poultice. Then, wash the surface of the marble with warm water. If the stain is gone, the poultice has done its job.
If the stain is lighter, apply a second poultice as directed above. Repeat the process until the stain is no longer noticeable.
How to Clean a Marble Floor:
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Marble
Despite the rumors, marble is a highly durable and desirable stone to have in your home. While its porous nature requires a bit of extra attention, it’s certainly nothing to fret over. If stains happen, react quickly.
Clean your floors and counters regularly to avoid missing a treatable mistake. Stock up on marble-safe clothes, buffers, and poultices.
Or else, refer to the aforementioned ingredients to make a stain remover of your own. We assure you that the minimal maintenance is well worth it!
