Marble or marble is a beautiful type of rock that is classically used in the construction of kitchen countertops, floors and also as an accent on furniture. Marble is limestone that has changed shape and mixed with various natural elements so that the result is a relatively soft-veined material with very diverse colors and patterns. Marble tends to stain, scratch, and fade easily. If you want the material to last a long time then it is very important to know how to care for it. Keep reading to learn basic care, how to remove stains, and tips for keeping marble looking shiny..
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Part 1 of 3: Marble Treatment
Step 1. Protect the marble from scratches
Do not install sharp objects directly on the marble surface. If the floor of your house is made of marble, install a coating on the underside of the legs of a chair or table. Use a placemat or placemat on the kitchen counter to protect it from glasses and other kitchen utensils.
Step 2. Clean the marble intensively
Stains on marble absorb very quickly, especially if they are liquids that have been left for a certain amount of time. Remove orange juice, wine, and coffee stains as soon as they spill on the marble.
Other materials with strong pigments, such as cumin, curry powder, coffee grounds, and leafy greens should be cleaned up immediately if they fall/spill on the marble
Step 3. Clean the marble with a damp/wet cloth
Use a soft cloth that has been moistened with warm water to clean dust and small spills on marble surfaces and floors. Don't rub it, because that's a risk of scratching the marble. Wipe the rag/cloth over the marble surface and wipe in a circular motion over the stain with a little extra pressure.
Step 4. Clean the marble dry
Do not leave standing water on marble surfaces or floors, as this can leave stains. Use a second soft cloth to dry the surface after cleaning.
Step 5. Use natural ingredients, such as soap or a special marble cleaner, for a more intensive cleaning
If dust and various dirt has accumulated on the marble surface or floor, clean it using dish soap and a little warm water. Use a soft cloth / cloth as a means of cleaning.
- Never use vinegar on marble. Vinegar is a great natural cleaning agent for a variety of surfaces, but being acidic can cause damage to marble.
- For light-colored marble, hydrogen peroxide is a great natural cleaning agent.
Step 6. Polish the marble with chamois
Chamois is made of a soft towel that can be used to dry and polish marble surfaces at the same time. This material is classified as the softest to make marble look shiny.
Marble polish also reacts well. If you choose to use a commercial marble polish, make sure it's really meant for marble, not granite or other rock types. Marble has special properties that can be damaged by certain chemicals
Part 2 of 3: Removing Stains
Step 1. Spray the stained area with water
Step 2. Use a cleansing paste
Make a thick paste by mixing baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stained surface of the marble. Then cover with plastic and leave for 24 hours.
You can also use a paste made from a mixture of flour and non-abrasive dish soap. Use the same method as before
Step 3. Clean the paste
Remove the plastic cover and use a damp cloth to wipe off the cleaning paste. If the stain on that part hasn't gone away, repeat the process from the beginning.
Step 4. Use hydrogen peroxide
Pour a little hydrogen peroxide on the stained area. Cover with plastic and leave for about 24 hours. Then remove the plastic and wipe off the hydrogen peroxide with the help of a damp cloth. Repeat if needed.
Be careful with this method, especially if your marble is dark in color, as hydrogen peroxide can lighten the marble
Step 5. Use corn starch to remove grease stains
Sprinkle cornstarch over the oil spilled area and let it soak for about 20 minutes. Then, clean the cornstarch with a damp cloth.
Part 3 of 3: Remove Scratches
Step 1. Start by cleaning carefully
Using warm water and a soft cloth, rub the scratched area carefully. Minor scratches will disappear this way, and it's the best way to get rid of scratches.
Add a mild dish soap to the warm water for a stronger scrub if you wish. Make sure you have cleaned the soapy water and dried the marble surface completely
Step 2. Use fine sandpaper
For deeper scratches, try lightly scrubbing the area with very fine sandpaper. Do not use sandpaper with coarse grains, as this can create holes in the marble.
Step 3. If the previous methods have not been able to remove the scratch, consult a professional marble cleaner
They will use specially designed industrial equipment to remove scratches from marble without damaging it.
Tips
- Before using any type of marble cleaner, test it on hidden corners to make sure that the cleaning agent is really safe for marble surfaces.
- Consider coating your marble surfaces and floors with a special coating material to protect them from stains and scratches. This method of treatment is relatively expensive and must be carried out by a professional. However it will help keep the marble looking clean for a long time.