Michigan State University Extension
Home Maintenance And Repair - 01500435
06/24/03
Marble Stain Removal
Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as
a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened
with the chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or
mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to
cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain
from 1 hour up to 48 hours, depending on the age and
depth of the stain. Plastic wrap, held in place by
masking tape, can be put over the poultice to keep it
damp; otherwise it will have to be redampened with the
chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for
immediate use; mix a second batch if another application
is needed.
Organic Stains
Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or
soft drinks.
Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair
bleaching strength) and a few drop of ammonia.
Oil Stains
Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion.
As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent
fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After
short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let
stand 24 hours.
To remove: Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution
and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In
either case, then rinse and wipe dry. If these alkaline
solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a
solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl
acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry
cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to
remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not
leave on too long.
Rust Stains
Usually the result of metal items such as a lamp,
metal container in which plant is placed etc.
Use a commercial rust remover. Follow directions
exactly and do not leave on surface very long as acid in
many rust removers can etch the surface.
Acids
Fruit juice, carbonated beverages or other acids will
etch (remove shiny surface) if allowed to remain on
marble. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface
with wet cloth. If surfaced is etched, polishing may be
required.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension
Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia
Extension bulletin, How to Care for Your Furnishings, and
North Carolina Extension bulletin, Potpourri of Home Care
Ideas.
This information is for educational purposes only. References
to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not
mentioned. This information becomes public property upon
publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU
Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise
a commercial product or company.
MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer. Michigan State
University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race,
color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability,
political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status.
Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in
cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thomas G. Coon, Director,
MSU Extension, East Lansing,MI 48824. This information is for educational
purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply
endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.
This file was generated from data base 02 on 02/04/08.
Data base 02 was last revised on 06/24/03.
For more information about this data base or its contents please contact
strausc@msu.edu .