Marble adds a sophisticated, elegant look to your kitchen or bathroom, but it does require a little bit of care and special handling. Marble is a porous stone that can absorb almost any liquid, even water. Certain substances, like coffee, wine or juices, are especially hard on marble and those stains must be wiped up immediately, but almost any substance can discolor the stone. If you have stains on your marble, these simple solutions may help remove them and restore your natural stone to its glorious color.

If your marble only has light stains or if you have not updated the seal on your marble lately, you may restore the shine by using a rubbing alcohol spray. In a clean spray bottle, mix a few drops of dish soap, 1/8-cup of rubbing alcohol and water. Shake the bottle and then spray on the surface. It will remove light stains and add luster to your counter.

If the stain has set in, use a spray bottle with distilled water to spray the spot. Cover the wet stain with a solid layer of cornstarch and allow to sit for at least 24 hours. Repeat the process as necessary. If the grease stains your counter, use the cornstarch immediately using a mild soap and water to clean the spot after 15 minutes.

If you have dark colored marble, test this method in an inconspicuous location as the peroxide could lighten the marble significantly. Cut a piece of gauze the size of the stain and saturate it with hydrogen peroxide. The gauze should be wet but not dripping. Place the pad on the stain and seal it with plastic wrap and tape. Place a weighted object on the gauze to add pressure and let it sit for at least 24 hours. If the stain is not completely gone, repeat the process.

As soon as liquid spills on your marble counter, blot the fluid up as much as possible. Create a paste using baking soda and water, mixing until it has the consistency of sour cream. Spray the spill with water and then apply the paste. Cover with plastic wrap for at least 24 hours, allowing the baking soda to dry. This should pull up the stain but the process may need repeating.

Place a cup of unbleached flour in a bowl and add three tablespoons of mild liquid soap. Add enough water to make a thick paste, covering the stain to the point of overlapping. Cover the paste with plastic wrap for 24 hours to lift the stain and then wash with soapy water.

These tips can help you remove stains from your marble countertops, although the best practice is to wipe substances immediately before they have a chance to stain. If you are considering natural stone counters, contact us by phone today or complete the easy form online.