Marble and granite counter tops are gorgeous but they are porous and will soak in liquids that can leave stains even sitting water.
Cleaning stained marble.
For most organic food stains the marble institute recommends cleaning with a solution of 12 hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
You don t need specialty cleaners for marble.
This will remove dirt but won t heal any etching or stains.
Here are some poultice recipes diy solutions that can help tackle them i ve also tucked in a recipe you can use for everyday cleaning.
Water spots and hard water stains can usually be removed with a marble cleaner and a soft towel.
Cultured marble is different from natural marble in that it has a resin finish that is non porous and more resistant to stains.
Each one of these above stains have a unique method of removal.
Use a marble cleaner and clean towel.
Use a damp cloth to wipe away the mixture repeating the process if the stain is still there.
Apply it to the stain and cover it with plastic for 24 hours.
You can create a marble poultice using 6 hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
Only use this technique for marble that is light in color.
For regular marble maintenance wipe up spills with a warm damp cloth and dry it with a cloth.
Same as when using vinegar or hydrogen peroxide dampen a clean soft rag with bleach wring out excess and drape the rag over stains.
If simply cleaning the spill does not work and you have a stain it is not the end of the world.
For more information about cleaning with marble cleaners see our marble cleaning how to guide.
The older the table is the more likely this is to happen because the seal on the marble wears thin.
Although bleach is a generally accepted cleaning agent for marble it s relatively harsh.
A secret in knowing how to clean marble countertops.
Wipe sudsy water on the counter with a soft cloth or sponge.
Most of them can be removed with a marble poultice.
This is a material made from a porous solid and a solvent some sort of liquid to form a paste type material that has the consistence of cake icing or peanut butter.
How to get stains out of marble.
How to clean cultured marble.
If you have found an antique marble tabletop that you want to clean up you can try several methods to clean it and get it looking like new.
As mentioned with spills being proactive is a key part of preventing damage due to stains.
If you spilled anything oil based like a vinaigrette.
Mild soap and hot water will do just fine.
Only use bleach sparingly to clean your marble.
They allow dirt and moisture to get into the rock top and stain it.
To clean stained marble mix baking soda and water until it s a thick paste.
Follow the above directions for removing rust stains from marble to effectively remove organic stains.
Just apply the marble cleaner to the spot and rub with a clean towel.