How To Remove Lemon Juice Marble Stain
QUESTION:How do you remove a lemon juice stain on a marble countertop?ANSWER:Removing marble stains is usually pretty easy unless the stains are old and/or deep, but traditional or common cleaning methods don't work.However, it's also important to know what kind of "stain" you actually have. There are two types of spots that can occur with marble that are completely different from each other although homeowners call both of them "stains." Lemon juice will not "stain" marble. A stain occurs when something absorbs into the marble and is always darker in color. The other type of "stain" that is not actually a stain is called etching and is a known and fairly common marble maintenance issue. Etching is a mark of corrosion caused by contact with acidic foods and drinks like lemon juice. The acid eats into the surface... like a chemical burn. Also, etching can be caused by harsh cleaning products, which are most of the common and brand-name household cleaners at the store. An etch mark will always be lighter in color than the marble. The etch spot will also be dull in color. Etch marks look like ghost stains on marble and can often only be seen at certain angles. Lemon juice will etch marble, but typically won't stain it (because not much color to lemon juice). Although other acidic drinks like wine or coffee could both etch and then stain marble. Got it? Okay.... fortunately etch marks can be removed on polished (shiny) marble using SCP: Marble Polishing Paste, which is made just for this. If your marble has a honed (matte, non-reflective) finish, then the paste won't work. You'll have to follow the step-by-step instructions in the Removing Etch Marks ebook guide. Once you repair the etch marks, be sure to use coasters, cutting boards, mats, etc. to protect your marble and use ONLY products safe for cleaning marble. 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. |
