Removing stains from marble

Marble and natural stone floors and surfaces stain very easily, and their maintenance can be quite tricky. The best defence against staining your marble floor or surface is to:

1. Ensure they are sealed
2. Stick to a good maintenance plan
3. Avoid overusing products and water
4. React quickly when a spill does happen

Due to their delicate and porous nature, marble and natural stone surfaces are susceptible to staining, which will leave them dull and rough. However, if you are quick off the mark and get to the potential stain before it penetrates your stone, you will be able to remove it.

Can you remove a stain from marble without specialist cleaning products?

If a spill or stain happens and you don’t have a special marble cleaning product in the house, all is not lost. Baking soda (also known as Bicarbonate of soda) is the answer! Well known for its cleaning properties, it can be also quite effective in preventing and removing stains from your marble or stone floor or surface.

How to remove stains using a baking soda poultice

Just follow our five easy steps to remove your stain:

1. Wipe up your spill as soon as possible to help prevent it penetrating your stone
2. Spray the area with water
3. Cover the entire area with baking soda and mix it with water until it reaches a cream-like texture
4. Now cover the area with plastic, tape down and leave for 24 hours
5. Clean the surface with a mild soap and water after the 24 hours. Buff dry with a clean cloth to bring up the shine
6. You may need to repeat this process if stain is not fully removed.

Marble and natural stone surfaces should be sealed

All marble, travertine, limestone, terracotta and stone floors and surfaces should be sealed. A seal closes the pores on your marble surface, helping to prevent spills from getting into your stone and causing stains and discolouration. Acidic spills such as fruit juice, wine, vomit and urine will etch your marble. This causes stains that appear like dull and rough patches on your marble floor.  Seals break down over time and need to be stripped off and re-coated every so often.

Sealing your marble does not completely protect it from spills, unfortunately. However, the seal gives you a little time to wipe up the spill before it penetrates the stone. Using a baking soda poultice as described above will help remove the stain or prevent it getting in too deep.