Algae Circling My Marble Sink's Drain

by Deb D
(Upland, CA USA)

QUESTION:

The marble sink (very light colored with golden swirls) in my bathroom has serious etching damage around the drain hole. The faucet has leaked for years and algae (very black-looking) have grown there and are embedded in the marble. We tried scrubbing and bleach but all it does is etch the marble and doesn't really kill the algae - it always comes back.

The faucet and under sink hardware are frozen so it'll be a big repair job to get everything replaced - basically new plumbing.

Obviously, unless the faucet's replaced, the dripping will never stop and will just keep feeding the algae. I'm saving the money for the big repair job (many hundred dollars in quotes because it's so old and so frozen). Once that's done, the algae may dry up but the stains and etching will still be there unless you can point me in the right direction.

Would several sanding sessions be the way to get started on this project or is there something we can do to remove the algae, clean/re-polish the marble, and then seal it to prevent the algae from coming back? Thanks! Deb D.

ANSWER:

Deb, as you realize you must fix the leak or the problem will just continue and/or recur.

So, there's really no point in trying to do anything about the algae or marble until you do get the plumbing replaced.

Once you do, there are a couple things to try that should yield decent results before resorting to professional restoration.

You stated you used bleach and that has etched the drain area as expected with marble. Now, if the etched area is rough to the touch (not just dull and less smooth, but definitely 'rough'), then I would simply stop the sink up and soak the stained area in bleach.

This is not the method you'd use on undamaged marble of course. Bleach should not be used to clean marble, but since the damage is already done (if indeed it is rough) then you might as well use the strongest chemical to kill the algae.

If the etched area is still somewhat smooth, then I'd clean it using INTENSIVE Concentrated cleaner in a poultice.

You'll find complete instruction for this and removing all types of stains in the Removing Stains Manual.

Obviously you want to minimize any further etching because severe etching will require a professional to fix or re-polish.

But, if the etching isn't severe, you can get the shine and color back using a good marble polishing compound.

I recommend Stone Care Marble Polishing Paste.

Again, no need to try any of this until you fix the plumbing. If you just want to try and control the algae and keep from etching the marble any further, then just use the INTENSIVE cleaner until you fix the plumbing.

Good Luck,
Ryan

P.S. Get all the facts, answers, explanations and simple solutions with step-by-step instructions for any issue, problem or question with our Granite & Marble Maintenance Manuals.

I highly recommend Stone Care Pro Products to maintain all your marble, stone and granite countertops and floors in optimal condition. I've used other good products (Stone Tech, Miracle, MB) but found Stone Care Pro is the most reliable and effective and cheaper too!