Understanding marble cleaning techniques is essential if you want to maintain your investment in the natural stone as long as possible.

Even a simple water spill should be cleaned immediately because the porous surface will absorb any liquid. If you end up with lasting marks from drinks, sauce, or grease, consider following one of theses techniques (depending on the application) to remove stains from marble to restore the best appearance.

Rubbing Alcohol Solution

In a clean spray bottle, create a mixture using a few drops of dish soap, 1/8 cup of rubbing alcohol, and water. Shake the bottle until well blended and then spray directly onto the stained surface.

Corn Starch and Water

Use a spray bottle of distilled water to lightly wet the spot before applying a solid layer of corn starch to cover the area. Allow it to sit for at least 24 hours before checking the stain, and then repeat the process if needed. If the stain is caused by grease, use the cornstarch immediately so that it can lift the stain. After 15 minutes have passed, use a mild soap and water mixture to cleanse the marble.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Avoid this tip or test a hidden area if you are working with a dark stone because it could cause the color to noticeably lighten.

Begin with a piece of gauze close to the size of the stain, and saturate the cotton with hydrogen peroxide. It’s important that it is wet, but be sure to squeeze out the excess so that it isn’t dripping.

Place the pad onto the stain and seal it with plastic wrap and tape.

If possible, place a weighted object onto the cotton pad to put pressure on the area as it sits. Check the stain in 24 hours to decide if you need to repeat the process.

Baking Soda Paste

As soon as a liquid has spilled on your marble surface, blot the area to absorb as much fluid as possible.

Create a poultice using baking soda and water until it has a consistency like sour cream. Spray the area of the stain with water before placing a layer of paste on the surface.

Cover it with plastic wrap for a minimum of 24 hours so that the baking soda has a chance to dry. This should cause it to pull up the stain as it is removed, but the process may need to be repeated for best results.

Liquid Soap and Flour Paste

Using a full cup of unbleached flour in a bowl, mix in 3 tablespoons of a gentle liquid soap, and enough water to form into a thick paste. This mixture needs to be applied in a thick layer that completely overlaps the stain.

Place a piece of plastic wrap over the paste and leave it for 24 hours before washing with soap and water.

This will effectively remove stains from marble, but the poultice might need to be reapplied at least once.