Choosing the Right Cleaner for Marble Stain Removal

If you are seeking stain removal solutions for your marble, finding the right marble cleaner or poultice is very, very important. Selecting the proper marble cleaning agent is critical to not only remove stains from marble, but also to ensure the marble stone surface is not harmed during the process (for some household cleaning agents can seriously damange marble.)

In most situations, you can take-on marble stain removal yourself and save a lot of money in the process. Although there are professional services for marble cleaning and restoration, the cost of these services can be hundreds of dollars, depending on the amount of work that needs to be done in removing the stains.

The first step in do-it-yourself marble stain removal is determining the type of marble you have. There are number of different marble species that have verying levels of porosity. For instance, Breccia Nouvella (a dark brown color) and Verde Antique (a dark green color) are two types of marble that require a more deep penetrating marble cleaner or poultice. These forms of polished marble may require a specially formulated marble cleaner or restorer product to produce the original high gloss finish.

Once you've pinpointed the type of marble you have, as well as the general level of the marble's porosity, you'll then be able to determine the type of marble cleaner to use in removing those ugly stains. Because some of forms discoloration may be more severe than others, the chemical make-up of the marble cleaner or poultice you elect to use is an important consideration.

Standard marble cleaners will generally be well-suited for minor stains. These types of stains are typically from dirt that accumlates over time. Such standard marble cleaning products are often less dense with chemicals, but are still highly effective in removing minor discoloration.

For instances of sever discoloration, such as stains deriving from oil, wine, or coffee spills, a more robust marble cleaner may be needed. Situations like these often call for a marble poultice. A poultice typically has a more hefty blend of chemicals designed to deeply penetrate the marbles surface and lift the stains deep within the marbles pores. Although these types of marble cleaners are more expensive, they are still far less costly than investing in marble restoration services.

It's important to keep in mind that not all cleaners and stain removers are compatible with marble. Marble is sensitive stone that can only handle select cleaning products low in acidity or alkaline make-up. Additionally, educating yourself on proper marble care and maintenance can help you prevent stains and discoloration from occuring in the first place.

D.I.Y. Marble Polishing Tips

For some people who have marble surfaces in their home, the marble polishing process might seem like an overwhelming chore.

How frequently should my marble be polished? 

What kind of polisher should I use?

What does the marble polishing process entail? 

These are some of the questions that may cross your mind. Being conscious of these questions is good, because polishing marble incorrectly could end-up ruining your marble surface.

If you use the wrong polishing agent (typically a high-alkaline polish,) you could end up damaging the marble permanently.

So, why is polishing marble such a tricky affair?

When you compare marble to other natural stones, you will find that it's much softer and sensitive to chemicals and common cleaning agents. That is why it is pertinent to find a marble polish that is suitable specifically for marble.

It's equally important to note that there are different species of marble, each offering different characteristics. The minerals composition of each type of marble will react differently to different polishing products.

For this reason, the minerals contained in the marble are ultimately what determine the best way of polishing it, without leaving it susceptible to damage. Colored marble surfaces tend to be quite pure. This means there are very few minerals that have been added to it's composition.

For example, some species of marble, such as Breccia Nouvella (dark brown), Verde Antique (dark green), and Belgium Black (absolute black) require a more refined marble polish that suits its mineral make up. If you own marble like one of these species, you'll need to find a marble polish with a chemistry that renders a more glossy finish.

In addition to polishing marble, it's also important to seal your marble to ensure it's protected from the elements. Many homeowners believe that polishing marble is a sufficient way to protect the surface from staining or etching, however this is a major misconception.

Highly porous marble will require aggressive sealants so as to provide it with the utmost protection, whereas the less porous types of marble may only require a shallow sealant. The main point to keep your marble looking its original quality is both clean and polish marble on a consistent basis.