Liquid VIM Bathroom Cleaner Marble Stain

QUESTION:

The day after our new marble countertop was installed I washed the sink with liquid Vim bathroom cleaner.


I then used the same rag to dry the countertop around the sink and faucet.

In the afternoon I noticed that the marble countertop around the sink had turned a light gray color.

How do I get rid of the discolored Vim stain?

ANSWER:

Vim bathroom cleaner is too harsh for cleaning marble and will damage marble countertops and floors.

Here's what happened... the Vim cleaner corroded or "etched" your marble destroying the surface layer creating a dull spot that looks chalky or lighter in color.

Technically, this type of spot is not considered a "stain" per se. Yes, it's a spot on your countertop, so what's the difference?

It is more like a burn from the chemicals in the Vim cleaner. The different types of marble stains have different solutions.

Here's how to repair Vim cleaner spots on marble...

If the countertop surface is polished (that is reflective, shiny) you can use the ETCH REMOVER / Marble Polishing product to restore the color and shine.

If a matte or honed finish... use the Marble Polishing Pads - Drill kit.

Actually, these polishing pads can remove etch marks and scratches and restore the finish on either a honed or polished marble.

The Etch Remover product suggested above is the more traditional method is all. Both are easy to use.

If severe etching damage (rough to the touch) ever occurs though, your only option may be to call a marble maintenance professional.

You can try the above solutions with severe damage and they may work, but when the marble is rough or raw a more involved procedure is often required.

FYI... many popular cleaners (generics and brands) like Lysol cleaners, limescale cleaners, vinegar, and bleach will cause similar damage to marble tile and countertops.

That's why you should use only products safe for cleaning marble.

Learn more about all the different marble repair remedies for various problems.