Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[ineedmymarblecleaned]

I recently noticed white marks on my beige unsealed marble vanity top in my bathroom. I had assumed that it was toothpaste, which can actually put a hole in your marble if it is not sealed. I've attempted to remove the stain with hydrogen peroxide and seltzer water (seltzer water can actually work wonders on carpet and tile). I've scrubbed and scratched at it, but it just won't disappear. I recently tried to use Shiny Sink Plus, and then I realized that that was the original cause of the mysterious stain. Now I have even more of an impossible mess of rough white material on my beige unsealed marble countertop. Is there anything that I can do to get rid of the stain without having it done professionally? I know my parents would be not very happy if they were to find out. Please if any of you know anything it is very much appreciated. Thank you so much!

[mrscleannw]

Hello and welcome,

Unfortunately it sounds as if the marble has become permanently etched/stained. This is easy to do when the marble is not sealed and you have used cleaning products that are alkaline or acidic.

It would be best to contact a marble professional. Your bathroom counter may have to be ground down and re-polished.

Below I’ve added a little information for you about marble care.

Marble Information.
1. Marble is a soft stone that stains, etches and cracks easily, marble is basically made of sea shells, which is a calcium carbonate substance. It is very delicate and will etch and cause permanent damage when exposed to acidic products or alkaline substances.

2. It is important to remember to use a cleaning product that is pH neutral. Water, just plain old water, is pH neutral. Only use a cleaning product if it says it is safe for marble. If the cleaner you are buying is a new product for you, test it in an inconspicuous spot first to make sure it doesn’t damage or discolor your counter.

3. Do not allow spills to sit as they can cause etching and staining quickly, making the surface look dull and not feel smooth.

4. Marble and granite need pH neutral sealers for protection and shine. Once you apply a sealer, you will want to reapply it, at least; once a year.

Your parents will probably appreciate your telling them sooner rather than later. Marble is a beautiful surface but it does need to be cared for. When cleaning the bathroom sink, be careful not to get the cleaners on the marble and if you do, wipe them up immediately.

Mrs. Clean

[JeffGarland]

Mrs. Clean,

Do you know how much it would cost to have a marble professional re-polish the marble? I was recently cleaning my bathroom sink and stained the marble vanity (a few days ago) - I've tried a few products to remove the stain and haven't had any luck so far...It's not a serious stain at the moment but it doesn't look pretty. If a marble professional is a hassle-free, and hopefully somewhat inexpensive (if no other alternatives are available) - this would be the route I'd take.

Thanks
Jeff