Has your beautiful marble counter top been blemished with a stain? Don’t lose hope, it can be removed. Countertops are such a well-used place, it’s common for them to be tarnished with rust stains, oil stains, mold stains, water marks, or paint stains. Some foods and liquids can even dissolve the sealant on your counter top. Certain stains may be more difficult to get out or may need a specific method to be effectively removed. Return your countertops to their former glory with a few cleaning items you likely already have in your house.
Reapply your sealant regularly to avoid stains and cracks. Marble should be re-sealed every three to six months. Light colored marble may need to be sealed more often than dark. Keeping your counter top sealed will protect your counter from stains, nicks, marks, and cracks. But despite keeping your counter protected with a seal, stains can still happen. When they blemish your otherwise beautiful countertops, try one of the following remedies to remove them.
Baking Soda
When all else fails, baking soda seems to be the answer to many cleaning questions. Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to make a thick paste. Cover the stained area with the paste. Place plastic wrap over the paste and let it sit for 24 hours. The next day, the paste will have dried up and you should be able to peel away the plastic wrap. Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth. If the stain is not completely gone, try repeating the process.
Flour and Dish Soap
Combine 1 cup of flour with ¼ c. dish soap and a splash of water to create a paste. Cover the stained are with a thick layer of the paste. Place plastic wrap over the paste and let rest for 24 hours. Peal it away and wash off stain area with soap and water.
Rubbing Alcohol
Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and add a few drops of dish detergent. Close the lid tightly and shake it thoroughly to combine. Spray a generous amount on the stained area and scrub away the stain.
Corn Starch
Spray the strained area with water and then sprinkle a generous amount of corn starch over it. Let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe away with a damp cloth. Corn starch is especially helpful in lifting grease stains.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a very effective cleaning agent. This method is especially helpful in removing food stains. Cover the stained area with hydrogen peroxide and let it sit for five minutes. Wipe away with warm water and a little dish soap. Repeat the process if needed.
Stain Remover
If these at home remedies for stain removal aren’t working on your marble, there are specific cleaners made to removed stains from marble. Some are generic marble cleaners, and other may be more specific. For example, if you have a rust stain on your counter top, you may need to try a rust stain remover to fully erase it.