MARBLE MAINTENANCE

Many feel that no stone can match marble for natural beauty and grace. Polished marble is used to accent commercial buildings, for furniture, or as decorative art.

However, marble also requires special care. Because marble is porous, it is easily stained and can be etched by acids. Wipe off any spills immediately, as you would on a wood surface. Avoid setting beverage glasses directly on marble as they leave rings.

Seal marble with a paste or sealer to prevent stains and soil from being absorbed into the porous surface. Acids must not come in direct contact as they will etch the surface. Alkaline solutions will be absorbed by the marble and break down the surface leaving it rough.

If properly sealed, marble can be cleaned easily. Wash with a solution of mild detergent and water, then rinse thoroughly. Remove stains immediately. Ask Calgary Granite & Marble recommended cleaners for stain removal.

REMOVING STAINS FROM MARBLE
Make a poultice using white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue. Dampen with a recommended chemical to dissolve the stain; mix whiting with the chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain.

The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 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. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use; a fresh batch should be mixed if a second application is needed.

Organic Stains: Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength).

Oil Stains: Oil stains may result from butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, cover the surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even cornstarch. After a short time, carefully brush to remove. Reapply more powder and let stand for 24 hours.

To remove: Scrub with hot sudsy (detergent) solution and soft brush or wipe with an ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, rinse and wipe dry. If all the oil alkaline solutions are not removed using these alkaline solutions, ask Calgary Granite & Marble for a stronger cleaning agent.

Rust Stains: Usually caused by metal items such as a lamp, metal containers in which plants are placed, etc. Use a commercial rust stain remover. Follow directions precisely and do not leave on the surface for long periods 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. Wipe up the acid spill immediately, and wipe the surface with a wet cloth. If the surface is etched, polishing may be required.