Cleaning Marble Bathroom Countertop Rings
by Lauren
QUESTION:I have a new (aprox 5 month) marble counter in our bathroom. I use a granite/marble cleaner and polish to maintain it...but I notice between cleanings if there is anything on the counter, or water, it leaves a spot (like a ring) which doesn't come off when I use the cleaner. I try to wipe up water and keep the counter clean, but in the rush of everyday life, it doesn't always happen. Is there a special way to clean these off? or another cleaner I should use?Also does cleaning alcohol damage it? I was cleaning some nail utensils in my bathroom and spilled a little on the countertop. I cleaned it up right away and then cleaned the whole countertop with my spray marble cleaner. It looks ok, but just wondering. Also, if you have any tips for bacon grease spot on granite (i usually use peroxide, which works great, but is not working on this spot this time) right now i have dawn cleaning liquid on it to try to draw out the grease. Any light you can shed on an alternate method would be appreciated. thanks! lauren ANSWER:The rings on your marble are not caused by water. They are caused by contact with acidic substances (foods, drinks, bath products) and from cleaning products that are too harsh for marble.It's called "etching". It's a form of corrosion that eats at the marble, thus damaging the shiny polish. It is not a stain. Stains occur when a substance is absorbed into the pores of the marble. Etching is a completely different issue. To remove etch marks on polished marble use SCP: Marble Polishing Paste, which will remove the spot and restore the shine. To prevent future occurrences place bath products on a decorative tray rather than directly on the marble surface. Use coasters for drinks, etc. Isopropyl alcohol will not damage or etch marble, but I'd recommend against using any type of cleaner or product around your marble that is not made specifically safe for cleaning marble or using your marble countertop as a utility bench for household projects. The grease on the granite, however IS a stain. The grease absorbed into the granite and is now below the surface so typical cleaning methods will not work. And dish soap will not draw out the stain. You can get the stain out though using the step-by-step procedure in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains Manual. 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. |
