Cleaning Marble Rust Stains Off Shower

by Marilyn Dahms
(Ann Arbor, MI)

QUESTION:

We bought a house with a marble shower that has rust stains from well water. What is the best way to clean them and can they be cleaned?? Marilyn

ANSWER:

Rust stain removal can be tricky. These are most likely rust stains, but I don't think it's from the well water.

If the stains were from the water, then the shower would show staining throughout and it does not.

What has probably occurred here has to do with the nature of many white marbles. White marble, particularly Carrara often contains iron deposits.

If/when the marble is saturated with water these iron deposits hidden inside the stone will oxidize and as the water moves through the stone to the surface it carries the rust with it staining the marble.

This is not uncommon and seen mostly in floors after a flood or in areas the are constantly exposed to water like a shower.

Looking at the picture you see a heavy stain on the small strip next to the shower door runner.

If this stain was caused from the water, then the rust stain would extend down the entire side like a drip. But instead it stops at the seam, which is another indication this stain is due to internal oxidation of iron deposits and not from well water.

This typically will not occur if the grout seams are intact. A little water may absorb into the marble during a shower, but it will quickly evaporate and unless an iron deposit is directly below the surface you won't see any rusty dicoloration.


However, when there are voids or cracks in the grout or caulk, then water can get beneath the tile where it will not evaporate quickly and can absorb into the stone. It travels through the stone to the surface oxidizing the iron along the way.

So, first thing to do is inspect all grout seams and fix any voids or cracks.

Then you can work on the rust stain removal. Marble stains cannot be removed by typical cleaning methods since the stain is below the surface. Also, the method required depends on what stained the marble.

However, you'll find complete step-by-step instructions for cleaning marble stains of all sorts in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book.

Unfortunately, rust stains tend to be the most difficult to remove. Rust stains can be removed, but you'll likely have to repeat the process several times.

Very old or very deep stains can be permanent, but even those can be greatly improved in most cases.

Good Luck,
Ryan

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Remove Rust Stain & Cleaning Marble Vanity

QUESTION:

How can I remove rust stains from a very light beige vanity top that is about 30 years old and probably not sealed?

I also have white spots from probably some type of cosmetic product.

I'm afraid I've been cleaning it wrong for quite some time, using comet cleanser.

What should I do to make it look better and last longer? Thanks!

ANSWER:

Well, the marble will last far longer than you or I will, but how it looks is another matter of course.

Unfortunately, stains in marble and other stone cannot be removed by scrubbing with a cleaner and rust stains can be particularly tough to remove.

You'll have to use a multi-step procedure and you may have to do it several times. You'll find complete step-by-step instructions on how to remove rust and most other stains in the Removing Stains Manual for Marble & Granite (see link above).

The "white spots" are etch marks caused by contact with some type of acidic substance like perfume, shave cream, mouth wash and many other products can be acidic.

Also, most common household cleaning products like Comet will damage and etch marble also. That's why you should use only products specifically made safe for cleaning marble.

Luckily etch marks can be removed on polished marble (vs. honed or tumbled) using ETCH REMOVER / Marble polishing paste which is made specifically for this purpose.

Try using a decorative tray to set products that you use daily on instead of directly on the marble vanity to prevent this in the future.

The polishing paste will restore the color and shine. You can also use it over the entire vanity to improve the shine that has been dulled or scratched by the Comet.

If however, the marble has been severely etched... is real dull and rough, then you may need to hire a marble maintenance - restoration professional to re-finish the surface.

Most often though, the Marble Polishing Paste works like magic.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Rust Stain Removal

by Ruth
(Connecticut)

QUESTION: I have tried every product out there (Stone Care International included) with plastic coverings over lumps of product on the rust stain for days and nothing seems to take rust out of white marble. Any suggestions? Thank you.

ANSWER: Ruth, unfortunately rust stains are typically the most difficult to remove from marble or any stone.

Sounds like you know how to make a poultice, although for future reference... you can make them easily yourself for half the cost (or less) than those you buy pre-made.

And you may need to apply a poultice several times... especially with rust stains, to get acceptable results.

But it may be that you did not make the correct poultice. Different chemicals/ingredients are needed for different types of stains. And rust stains in particular can take multiple applications to remove.

Detailed instructions for cleaning marble stains of all types are found in the Removing Stains e-book... (see links in questions above/below).

Another Possibility

You didn't say what caused the stain or where the marble is installed.

Is the rust stain from a planter or other metal object left on the marble?

Is the marble in a wet environment like a shower or outdoor patio?

Is it on marble flooring?

The answer to these questions could change the nature of the problem.

Of course, you will know the stain is from an object if it has a very distinct shape and is red-brown in color.

If the stain is from an object left on the marble, then follow the e-book instructions. If after 5 or 6 applications you get satisfactory results, then you'll have to call in a professional to re-surface the marble.

But if you see stain does lighten some, then keep applying the poultice over and over and the poultice will continue to draw out the stain.

Here's the other possibility....

Some white marble... notably White Carrara... contains iron deposits. If the marble is somehow absorbing water (usually from unexposed sides-not the surface), the iron will rust and bleed through the marble to the surface. Or the iron could already be on the surface and oxidizing.

Typically rust stains from such a problem are more diffuse and yellow rather than distinct and red-brown.

This problem is most often the result of poor installation.

On flooring, water can seep up through cracks in the foundation and poor tile setting in showers allows water to get trapped underneath tiles or it could be an isolated leak in plumbing.

Of course, if this is the case... you have a much bigger problem. The staining will continue to occur as long as the marble is exposed to moisture.

You're only solution here is to rip it out, fix the leak or otherwise seal the source of moisture and re-install.

Hope this helps. If you have more questions, just ask.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Removing Rust Stain in Carrara Marble

by Julia
(New York)

QUESTION:

Is it possible to remove a rust colored spot from Carrera marble. It seems to be a natural mar in the tile--not something I put on it. Thanks

ANSWER:

Yes, removing rust stains from Carrara mable is possible, however, it can be difficult.

You'll find thorough instructions for rust stain removal (and any other type of stain) in the Removing Marble & Granite Stains Manual.

A regular cleaner and/or cleaning method won't work.

And it may not be from something you put on the marble. If you had, the stain would most likely resemble the shape of whatever object rusted.

It could be from iron deposits found in white marble rusting from contact with water that leaches through to the surface.

You didn't say if the marble was a countertop or floor. Rust stains from iron deposits occur most often in floors and showers since water can get trapped under the tiles.

If a countertop, then it's not likely to get worse than it is and may have been there all along. I have Carrara in a bathroom that has a tiny speck of iron on the surface. Looks exactly the same as day it was installed.

But if indeed the stain is fairly noticeable and seems to be getting larger, then you need to determine where the water is coming from that is saturating the marble, rusting the iron and leaching out to the surface.

But to remove the rust stain follow the procedure in the manual recommended above, but it will return if there's a leak or water under tiles, etc.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Marble Rust Stain

by Paula
(Fenton, Michigan)

QUESTION:

I had a metal candle holder on the countertop and it got water under it. Before I moved the candle holder it made a rust ring. How can I remove this rust ring?

ANSWER:

You'll have to make and apply a poultice (probably several times) to remove a marble rust stain.

A poultice is a paste that chemically acts on the stain and then draws out the staining substance. Making a poultice is easy, but the type of stain you have determines the ingredients of your poultice.

You'll find detailed step-by-step instructions in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book (see links above and below).

Making A Poultice

Making a poultice is easy, but again to effectively remove a marble stain you must use the proper chemical/ingredients in the poultice.

First, mix the proper chemical for the stain with talc powder (or really any absorbent powder) into a paste.

Using a wooden/plastic spatula, apply the poultice to the stain on the marble about 1/2 inch thick with a 1/4 inch border.

Cover the poultice with plastic wrap and seal edges with masking tape.

Let the poultice sit for 24 hours then take the plastic wrap off, but don't touch the poultice. You must let it dry out completely... this is when the marble stain is being drawn out of the marble.

When poultice is completely dry, scrape off with the wooden/plastic spatula and clean. Hopefully the stain is gone, but rust stains are difficult, so you may have to repeat the process until it is gone.

The chemicals required for rust stain removal are acidic, so you may notice some etching (dullness) where you used the poultice. Can't be helped.

If so, then you can use the ETCH REMOVER / Marble Polishing Paste to restore the etch mark on polished marble.

Good Luck,
Ryan

Removing Marble Tile Rust Stains

by Dawn
(Chicago, IL)

QUESTION:

How to remove rust stains from 1913 marble mosaic tile floor.

ANSWER:

It is possible to remove rust stains, however, rust stain removal can be very difficult, especially if they have been there for a long time.

Your marble floor tile has been in place since 1913, so who knows when the rust stains occurred.

It's certainly worth trying... you may get lucky or lighten the rust stain. But if it's existed for years then you may be stuck.

Removing rust stains takes a special technique or method. Several steps are involved. You'll find complete instructions in the Removing Stains Manual. Also, it's often necessary to repeat the process several times even with fresh rust stains, so removing potentially old stains you should expect to repeat the process 7-10 times.

You'll have to do it a few times to get any improvement, but as long as you notice improvement... keep it up!

Good Luck,
Ryan

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