Water Ring on Polished White Marble Countertops
by Valerie Dorman
QUESTION:Hi,I have white marble countertops that are polished. It seems that even water leaves a ring or stain on the counters. I also have some area that seem to have lost the polish and the counters are less than two months old. Do you think the fabricator did something wrong when finishing the stone? What can I do to protect it? I do not mind some staining as it gives charm to the stone but at this rate I will not have a spot unstained after 6 months. Thanks, ValerieANSWER:What you have is called "etching." It's a well-known marble maintenance issue and the main reason marble countertops are not recommended in the kitchen, where I assume the marble is installed given the frequency of etching you are experiencing.Your fabricator should have at least warned you about this, but the etching has nothing to do with how he finished it. It's an inherent characteristic of marble, travertine and limestone. They all contain calcite, which reacts with acids. Luckily, you can remedy the problem using SCP: Marble Polishing Paste, which is designed specifically for marble maintenance, removing etch marks and light scratches. Marble is great for many other areas of the home, just not in the kitchen, since it is impossible to stop etching in the kitchen. Why? Etching is corrosion of the marble caused by contact with acidic foods, drinks and harsh cleaning products. It happens in seconds. The corrosion eats at the marble destroying the polished layer leaving a dull spot. It is not a stain (nothing has absorbed into the marble) and it is not caused by water. Etch marks look like ghost stains, so many people call them "glass-rings" or "water spots." You must avoid contact with acids and use only products safe for cleaning marble in order to prevent etching. Using coasters, trivets, place mats, etc. will help, but with so many acidic foods and drinks in the kitchen it's just impossible to stop it. So, the paste is a must-have for marble care. It will restore the polish. But if ever you get severe etching where the surface is rough to the touch, you may need to hire a marble maintenance professional. 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. |
