CARE AND CLEANING OF INTERIOR MARBLE SURFACES

Marble is an extremely versatile material that is prized for its beauty and durability on many different surfaces. It does however, require a modest amount of care to protect it against staining, scratching and loss of surface polish.

The best way to maintain the appearance of any marble surface is to wash it frequently and to immediately rinse off any spilled materials. Marble should be cleaned periodically with a non-fat mild detergent and luke-warm water, rinsed generously with clean water and wiped with clean cloths to make certain no residue remains. Abrasive cleaners should not be used on polished marble as scratches and dull areas result.

Some marble surfaces, such as fireplace mantels, can be protected from dirt and soil marks by applying white or non-yellowing wax or sealer. There are a variety of materials available and a stone dealer could suggest one.

Wax is not normally used on floors or food preparation surfaces as it may make floors slippery and possibly cause food contamination. Sealers may be used for floors but may cause a slight darkening of white marble. When in doubt, make a trial application in an inconspicuous area.

METHODS - If normal cleaning does not remove discoloration, or if staining is deep seated, a poultice application is recommended.

POULTICE -Basic Method for Stain Removal
A poultice is made with powdered whiting and hydrogen peroxide or a chemical reducing agent, depending on the nature of the stain. Whiting is sold in most paint stores. The poultice should be applied as described for each particular stain removal.

ORGANIC STAINS Organic stains are caused by tea, coffee, ink, tobacco, soft drinks, fruit juices, iodine, flowers and colors from paper and some textiles. The stain usually takes the shape of the object that caused it and is often irregular in shape. The following steps should be taken to remove organic stains.

1. Mix a poultice consisting of whiting and 20% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleach) to form a thick paste.

2. Apply a 1/2" thick layer of this mixture over the stain.

3. To keep the poultice from drying too rapidly, cover the poultice with a piece of plastic kitchen wrap, held in place with masking tape.

4. Leave this in place overnight for very stubborn stains as much as 48 hours may be required.

5. If after the first application the stain is still noticeable, repeat the application , or add a few drops of household ammonia to the poultice mixture just before covering it with the plastic wrap.

6. After the stain disappears, remove the application, rinse with clean water and wipe dry.

OIL STAINS

Oil stains are caused by such substances as butter, cream, milk, peanut butter, hand lotions, mustard and other substances with fatty or greasy ingredients. The stains are usually circular and are often darker in the centers. They are often quite difficult to remove because they tend to penetrate deeper than most other stains.

1. The first set is always to locate and remove the source of the stain.

2. Wash the surface with ammonia. Then rinse with plenty of clean, lukewarm water. If this lightens the stain, repeat until the stain is completely gone. If the stain still appears continue with the following steps.

3. Treat the stain with a poultice mixed with acetone and whiting to form a thick paste.

4. Apply a 1/2" thick layer of this mixture over the stained area.

5. To keep the acetone from evaporating and the poultice from drying too rapidly, cover the poultice with a piece of plastic kitchen wrap, held in place with masking tape.

6. Leave the application in place overnight (for stubborn stains leave on longer, as much as 48 hours may be required)

7. Remove the poultice and rub the marble with a dry cloth. If some stain remains, repeat the application.

RUST STAINS

Rust stains are invariably caused by metallic objects in the presence of moisture. Rust stains are usually colored orange to brown, and take the shape of the object that caused them. If these stains are noticed promptly they can sometimes be removed simply by rubbing hard with a dry cloth especially if the surface has been waxed. If the stain doesn't come off, proceed with the following treatment:

1. Make a poultice of a commercial liquid rust remover mixed with whiting to form a thick paste.

2. Apply a thick layer of this mixture over the stained area.

3. Place a piece of plastic kitchen wrap over the mixture, and secure in place.

4. Leave the application in place over night.

5. Leave the poultice mixture and rub the marble surface with a dry cloth.

SOOT AND SMOKE

Soot, smoke dirt, and stains are common around marble fireplaces. The best removal is as follows:

1. Scrub the surface with the non-fat detergent and a stiff fiber brush, then rinse with clean water.

2. If this still leaves noticeable dirt and stains, continue with the following steps.

3. Cover the whole surface with a poultice consisting of baking soda or some other alkaline cleaner, mixed with a liquid laundry bleach to form a thick paste.

4. Spread on the stained surface to a thickness of about ¸ä

5. Cover with damp cloths to keep the poultice damp.

6. Leave in a place overnight.

7. Remove by wetting and/or scraping with a wooden spatula, plywood, or stiff cardboard.

ETCH MARKS

Many substances will not only discolor marble but cause a loss of luster, and may slightly etch the surface. To correct this you must first remove the stain as described above, then polish the surface. Polishing may also be necessary after you use one of the various poultices described in the previous steps.

Polishing Procedures:

1. Use a special polishing powder tin oxide (available from many stone dealers).

2. Wet the marble surface well.

3. Sprinkle the polishing powder over the surface, then rub firmly and vigorously with a cloth pad.

4. A considerable amount of hard rubbing may be required. Therefore, a buffing pad of the type used with an electric drill may be employed.

5. Buffing should be continued until the etch marks disappear and the surface shines as it originally did. Rinse with clean water and buff dry.

NOTE: If a large area requires repolishing, it should not be attempted by hand. Consult your local stone dealer.