White stain on marble or granite bathroom vanity
by Tami
QUESTION:We just purchased a new home and the bathroom vanity has this white stain on one corner. I am not sure if the vanity top is marble or granite. The stain is next to the sink and looks to be in the outline of a spray cleaner. I'm assuming someone laid a non-approved cleaner on the surface which leaked. The texture of the stain is gritty and seems to be raised from the surface of the stone, but is unable to be dislodged by a fingernail. Is there some sort of poltice or kit we could buy or do we have to call in the professionals? If a professional is recommended, what is the best way to find one in the DC area? Thanks in advance for all your help!ANSWER:The vanity is marble and the "stain" is not actually a stain, but an etch mark caused by chemical corrosion.You guessed right... some type of harsh cleaner (nearly all typical household cleaners are bad for marble) or possibly an acidic personal product, food or drink was spilled on the surface resulting in the dull and lighter-colored etch mark. To restore the color and shine use the ETCH REMOVER / Marble polishing paste, which is engineered just for this purpose. It's easy to use and works very well. A stain occurs when something absorbs into the marble causing a dark spot. Marble etching occurs upon contact with an acidic or alkaline substance leaving a dull and light-colored spot. But there is nothing "on" the marble. It is physical damage to the marble surface, which is why you get a rough feel and the dullness. The shiny surface layer has been chemically eroded. So, if anything the etched area will actually be a depression and not raised. Feeling a lip or edge is some type of perception illusion. The Etch Remover paste above will repolish the more raw marble back into a shine that matches the surrounding surface finish. Most etching is mild enough that the paste does the trick, but if the etching is too severe and very rough, then a marble cleaning and restoration pro will be needed. Here's more information about marble polishing and etching and cleaning marble. Be sure to use only products safe for cleaning marble and use trays and shelves to store hygiene products, coasters for drinks, etc. to avoid further etching. Good Luck, Ryan
|
