Cleaning Marble Countertop Kaboom Damage
by Geralyn Ruddick
QUESTION:I used "Kaboom" to clean my marble countertop and faucet. I nearly died when I found out it dulled it completely and left marks. The marble countertop color is a mix but mostly brownish/grey (it has steaks of pale blue and cream in it).. Don't know the name. It came on the sink when we bought it. What do I do now?ANSWER:Unfortunately, you found out the hard way that cleaning marble properly without damaging it requires some specific knowledge about marble maintenance.First, the damage can be repaired, so you can relax. Now, most fabricators will educate their clients regarding marble cleaning, but many do not and you certainly won't get any information from big box stores, etc. Of course, cleaning marble is not difficult. It's just a matter of learning the correct methods just like cleaning wood, carpets, clothes, etc. An important point is that nearly all common generic or brand-name household cleaning products like Kaboom are too harsh and will damage marble. Which is why you should only use products safe for cleaning marble such as the types/brands we recommend. So, here's the deal... Marble is composed of calcium carbonate, which will react with alkaline or acidic cleaning products, foods, drinks and some personal products leaving a dull (and sometimes lighter-colored) spot where the surface layer has been destroyed. It's called "etching" and you'll find loads of information regarding this issue simply by using the search box on our home page or the Questions page or go to the Marble Polishing page. Etching Repair Luckily there is a product that can repair etching on shiny, polished marble called Marble Polish / Etch Remover. On honed or any other non-relflective, non-"polished" finish you'll have to follow the instructions provided in the Cleaning Marble Secrets... or the... Removing Etch Marks e-book. Etching is a matter of degree meaning it can be mild to severe depending on how long the damaging substance was in contact with the marble countertop. Severe etching is rare, but in such cases sometimes restoration by a marble maintenance professional is you only option. Thus, in nearly all cases the Marble Polish / Etch Remover will do the trick. 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. |
