There is no doubt about the beauty and luxury that marble offers to homes and businesses. But with that in mind, it is one of the most challenging materials to clean and maintain. This is because marble is a soft, porous stone, making it susceptible to scratches, etching, and staining. It also absorbs spills and stains quickly, especially when the spills are acidic. Before we look at how best to clean marble surfaces, we need first to understand why cleaning marble is so essential?
It is Porous
Therefore, it has a high absorption rate that liquids penetrate easily. If these liquids are acidic or alkaline, coming from food juices and beverages. It can not only stain but also eat away at the surface of the marble.
It Harbors Bacteria
Further consideration of marble’s porous nature is moisture build-up leading to a breeding ground for bacteria like staphylococci and e coli and fungi such as mould and mildew. The potential harm to health necessitates the need for adequate cleaning of marble surfaces.
It can be Damaged Easily.
Marble is a soft material, combining compressed Limestone and dolomite with crystals and other minerals, making it more susceptible to staining and scratching. Acid and scrubbing on the calcium carbonate surface cause dull spots that damage the top layer, known as etching.
If it is not cleaned correctly, it loses its beauty and appeal
Marble surfaces let go and not regularly cleaned and maintained lose their lustre to the extent that most other surfaces look better than it. It loses its original beauty. The contrast is significant. Consider the Greek Acropolis and the effects of acid rain upon it.
Now back to the most effective methods of cleaning marble. They vary depending upon the type of spill or stain.
Soap and Water
One of the easiest and best ways to keep stone surfaces clean is with a mixture of warm water and soap. This is avoiding acids that are ingredients in many cleaning products. Be sure to follow up your clean with a rinse of clear water to eliminate any remaining soap residue that could leave behind a film, dulling the glossy shine of the surface.
Remember that water spots and moisture can’t be left, and the surface needs to be dry after cleaning. Wipe down with a microfibre cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide & Ammonia Solution
If you have to deal with a more embedded stubborn stain, this is a good option. But bearing in mind that this should be only an option on lightly coloured marble surfaces, as this option does create lighter spots on darker marble.
Hydrogen peroxide contains bleaching properties that will help to lighten the stain. At the same time, ammonia works to break it down — Mix 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 1 teaspoon of ammonia to use this method. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. The same follow-up process to the soap and water clean applies here — a rinse of clear water and a dry wipe down with a microfibre cloth.
Microfibre Cloth
A Microfibre cloth alone can be just the right piece of equipment needed to clean a marble surface effectively. It is gentle and lint-free. These high-end rags are ideal for removing dirt and germs and soaking up more liquid so you won’t leave water spots to mar the glossy shine of polished surfaces. They have better wear and tear and will last longer. They also reduce bacteria.
Marble Stain Remover
There are marble stain removers on the market that are safe, acid, and solvent free and will not damage marble surfaces. They are the quickest and most effective way to remove stains from marble but are costly. Just follow the instructions, but in most cases, you apply, let it sit for a few minutes, and wipe clean.
Corn starch for greasy spots
If there is a grease stain on the marble, sprinkle corn starch until it completely covers the stain. The corn starch will absorb any oil from the stain. Leave the powder for 30 minutes and wipe away with a dry Microfibre cloth.