Everybody who’s enjoyed a smooth marble countertop or floor knows what a treat it is. It’s glossy, smooth, and interesting to look at. Until, of course, your friend spills wine on it, or your kid tracks mud into it, or your dog pees on it…then, unless you know what to do, it can become a nightmare. Follow this simple guide to learn how to clean marble easily and effectively, stress-free! These tips apply to how to clean marble floors, countertops, showers, tile, and just about any marble surface.
Rule Number One: Get There Fast
Like any spill, it’s less likely to leave a permanent mark if you get to it immediately. This is especially the case with acidic liquids like wine or juice, as they can “eat” into the marble, causing permanent discoloration. Only blot them up, don’t rub them around, as the abrasion can cause increased staining. Try using a chamois or a soft cloth. If you’ve wet the cloth, as some spills require it, make sure you dry off the marble immediately.
What If It Stains?
For water-based spills like coffee or tea, mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide, dampen a cloth or chamois, and place it over the stain. Tape plastic wrap over it and leave it there for 24 hours, and by the end it should be completely lifted.
For oil-based spills of grease or cooking fat, mix baking soda with rubbing alcohol and do the same thing.
What Not To Use
What should you absolutely avoid when searching for store cleaners to get rid of marble stains? There is only one hard-and-fast rule and that is: no acidic cleaners! Remember how acidic spills eat marble? So do acidic cleaners, including ammonia, vinegar, lemon or orange. So don’t use those.
Light Marble vs. Dark Marble?
Light marble is somewhat harder to take care of than dark marble. While you can apply an environmentally-friendly wax to help protect dark marble from staining, said wax will often turn white-colored marble yellow. Unless you’re going for a sepia look in your house, stay away from that. If you want to prevent spills from damaging light marble, you will have to buy a specifically-designed marble sealer, which unfortunately might not be quite as environmentally friendly.
