Marble Stains

Marble stains can throw the typical marble owner into a panic. People often try all kinds of remedies without any luck and assume the stain is permanent.

Well, no need to panic.... stains in marble are rarely permanent, but conventional cleaning methods won't work for stain removal and too often when "trying" random cleaners and methods you only end up causing more damage.

Below, we'll discuss stain removal remedies of course, but we'll also dispel the myth and set the record straight about marble stains, teach you how to tell the difference between a stain and etch mark (often confused) so you can diagnose and apply the proper solution.

Marble Stain Removal

Luckily, a stain in marble is almost never permanent and can be easily removed in most cases. Certain stains (like rust) can be difficult, but usually only very old and/or deep stains cannot be removed.

**You'll find complete step-by-step instructions for removing all types of marble stains in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book.

**The same information is also found in the Cleaning Marble Secrets e-book, which is far more comprehensive for those who want to know everything about marble cleaning, protection, prevention, maintenance and solutions to all types of problems.

Finally The Truth! Get Proven Solutions & Answers "Cleaning Marble Secrets" "The Complete Marble Maintenance Manual" Click HERE To Download!

Since a stain occurs when a substance is absorbed into the pores of the marble below the surface, traditional cleaning methods and products won't do a thing, which is why you need DIY instructions.

The stain removal procedure will depend on what actually caused the stain, but the above e-book(s) provides complete details for all types of stains.

Sealing is helpful in many cases, but not always necessary or recommended. When needed applying a recommended impregnating sealer will dramatically improve marble stain and grout stain protection. Perform the simple water test to determine if/when your marble countertop or floor needs sealing.

Applying a sealer will defend against staining, but
sealing has nothing to do with etching (as many mistakenly believe) and will not prevent etching.

The Myth of Marble Stains

Contrary to what you may have read or been told, marble does not stain easy. People confuse "staining" with "etching". Marble does etch easily... in seconds. But etching is a completely different marble cleaning issue.

Of course, marble is a natural stone and variations do exist, but most marble is quite dense and does not readily stain.

In fact, many polished marbles can be essentially non-absorbent, naturally stain-proof and don't need sealing.

So, marble countertops and floors can stain if a substance is left on the surface long enough, but it doesn't happen right away as many people assume and fear.

Stain vs. Etch Mark

Two things can occur to leave a "spot" on marble.... staining and etching.

Since many marble owners aren't aware of etching and since any spot is commonly called a "stain" there tends to be a lot of confusion and mis-information regarding spots on marble.

A true stain occurs when a substance absorbs into the pores of the marble below the surface.

When a stain occurs it will leave a spot that is darker than the marble color and will not affect or change the surface finish.

An etch mark happens when marble (travertine or limestone too) is exposed to an acidic food, drink or substance or when harsh alkaline products (which is nearly all common and brand-name household cleaners) are used for cleaning marble.

The offending substance corrodes or eats into the marble causing physical damage that affects the appearance of the surface leaving a dull spot. The etch mark can also be lighter in color often whitish.

Etching begins upon contact, so damage can occur in seconds and will become more severe the longer the substance remains in contact with the marble counter tops or floors.

Since any spot is often considered or called a "stain" many confuse etching with staining and incorrectly conclude that marble stains "easy".

Not true. Marble etches easily, but it takes far longer for a substance to stain marble and comparatively speaking marble is very stain-resistant.

Again, a stain is always darker with no surface damage. An etch mark is lighter in color, dull in appearance and can become rough to the touch when severe.

Now, for a curve ball... a stain and etch mark can happen in the same place! Typically what will happen is an acidic drink like coffee will spill. The coffee immediately begins etching the marble (which makes the marble more susceptible to staining) and if not cleaned up will eventually absorb and stain the same spot.

For marble repair in this situation you must first remove the stain and then address the etch mark.

Good Luck!

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