Marble is a porous material that will absorb any pigmented spillage; knowing how to clean and care for it is essential.

Luxurious and practical, marble will add class and elegance to any home. However, its beauty matches the maintenance effort. Because it’s a porous material that will absorb any pigmented spillage, knowing how to clean it and care for it is important.

Here are some of the most common stains and our tips to remove them from marble.

Paint Stains

Paint stains on marble are more or less challenging to remove, depending on the type of paint and the size of the affected area. The most accessible paint stains to remove are acrylics or modern, latex-based colors, as they will not penetrate the marble.

If you are dealing with oil-based paints or other paint-related products like sealants, then you may have a lot of work ahead of you. Their composition makes them easily absorbed into the marble.

You can try just scraping the paint stain off gently with a razor if you’re dealing with small amounts. But, if the coverage is relatively large, then you should consider giving a professional a call.

Wine Stains

Wine and other heavy-pigmented, water or alcohol-based solutions (like ink or coffee) are easily absorbed by marble and can leave lasting stains if not dealt with immediately.

You may consider using a hydrogen peroxide solution with 20% concentration to remove these stubborn stains. Apply and rinse one inch at a time.

Biological Sourced Stains

If you choose marble for your garden or outdoor area, you might have a problem with biological stains like algae, moss, lichens, or fungi.

Don’t use powerful cleaners to treat it as it can damage the marble. Instead, remove stains regularly with mild water (you can collect rainwater or use distilled water) and a soft-bristled brush.

Rust and Other Oxidation Stains

When your marble countertop or other piece touches metal elements like faucets, decorations, utensils, and other objects made of metal, it can get rust or other oxidation stains on it.

One of the best ways to prevent these stains is to avoid direct contact with metal, especially if moisture is involved. You should also inspect metal items regularly and move them around. If the damage is done, remove the stains with a poultice. Apply it to the problem area and let it sit for at least a day.

Organic Stains

These types of stains are common when your marble surface is in the kitchen or dining area. Tea, coffee, sauces, and fruits will all stain your marble surface if you’re not careful.

Always wipe the stains as soon as you notice them, and try a peroxide solution for the ones that got into the marble pores.