How To Diagnose & Remove Marble Stains

Marble stains can throw the typical marble owner into a panic. People often try all kinds of remedies without any luck and assume the stain is permanent.

Well, no need to panic.... stains in marble are rarely permanent.

But... conventional cleaning methods won't work for stain removal.

And... too often when "trying" random cleaners and methods you only end up causing more damage.

Not to worry.... we're glad to help clean up the mess and: 

• Set the record straight about how to clean marble stains
• Discuss sealers and how to test for proper application 
• Link you to step-by-step marble stain removal guides
• Dispel marble cleaning myths
• Teach you how to diagnose the difference between a stain and etch mark (often confused) and apply the proper solution.

Marble Stain Removal

Luckily, a stain in marble is almost never permanent and can be easily removed in most cases. Certain stains (like rust stains) can be difficult, but usually only very old and/or deep stains cannot be removed.

Traditional cleaning methods and products won't work because stains in marble, granite, other natural stone and even concrete stains and grout stains occur when a substance is absorbed into the pores of the material below the surface.

Typical spray, wipe and scrub cleaning methods only work to clean things on the surface. Getting the staining substance out of the pores of the marble (or any other surface) requires... magic! .... No, just kidding! A special procedure is required though.

Happily, you can DIY it! 

The stain removal procedure depends on the staining substance. That is... the requirements for removing a grease stain is different than say mustard or rust stains. Complete details are a bit too, uh.... well... detailed for this page, but here's the hook-up....

Step-by-step instructions for ink stain removal, coffee stains, oil, rust, red wine stain removal and cleaning all other types of marble stains are found in the Removing Granite & Marble Stains e-book.

In case you are wondering... the procedure works exactly the same for any porous surface (marble, granite, travertine, concrete, grout, etc.) 

The same information is also in the Cleaning Marble Secrets e-book, which is far more comprehensive for those who want to know everything about marble cleaning, protection, prevention, maintenance and solutions to all types of problems.

Also, check out the many answers to reader questions about different types of stains by clicking links at the end of this page.

Sealing will help prevent staining....  but it's not always necessary or recommended. When needed applying a recommended impregnating sealer will dramatically improve marble stain and grout stain protection.

It's important to perform the simple water test to determine if/when your marble countertop or floor tile needs sealing and then apply a sealer only when indicated. Applying it "just to be safe" is a recipe for trouble possibly leaving a hazy film on the surface.                                

Applying a sealer will defend against staining, but sealing has nothing to do with etching (as many mistakenly believe) and will not prevent etching.  

The Myth of Marble Stains

Contrary to what you may have read or been told, marble does not stain easy. People confuse "staining" with "etching". Marble does etch easily... in seconds. But etching is a completely different marble cleaning issue.

Of course, marble is a natural stone and variations do exist, but most marble is quite dense and does not readily stain.

In fact, many polished marbles are naturally stain-proof, can be essentially non-absorbent, and don't need sealing.

So, marble countertops and floor tile may stain if a substance is left on the surface long enough, but it doesn't happen right away as many people assume and fear.

Stain vs. Etch Mark

Two things can occur to leave a "spot" on marble.... staining and etching.

Since many marble owners aren't aware of etching and since any spot is commonly called a "stain" there tends to be a lot of confusion and mis-information regarding spots on marble.

A true stain occurs when a substance absorbs into the pores of the marble below the surface.

When a stain occurs it will leave a spot that is darker than the marble color and will not affect or change the surface finish.

An etch mark happens when marble (travertine or limestone too) is exposed to an acidic food, drink or substance or when harsh alkaline products (which is nearly all common and brand-name household cleaners) are used for cleaning marble.

The offending substance corrodes or eats into the marble causing physical damage that affects the appearance of the surface leaving a dull spot. The etch mark can also be lighter in color often whitish.

Etching begins upon contact, so damage can occur in seconds and will become more severe the longer the substance remains in contact with the marble counter tops or floors.

Since any spot is often considered or called a "stain" many confuse etching with staining and incorrectly conclude that marble stains "easy".

Not true. Marble etches easily, but it takes far longer for a substance to stain marble and comparatively speaking marble is very stain-resistant.

Again, a stain is always darker with no surface damage. An etch mark is lighter in color, dull in appearance and can become rough to the touch when severe.

Now, for a curve ball... a stain and etch mark can happen in the same place! Typically what will happen is an acidic drink like coffee will spill. The coffee immediately begins etching the marble (which makes the marble more susceptible to staining) and if not cleaned up will eventually absorb and stain the same spot.

For marble repair in this situation you must first remove the stain and then address the etch mark.

Good Luck!

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