Marble is between 4 & 5 on the MOHS hardness scale of 1 to 10 and is quite porous. (Granite is between 7 & 9 and a stainless steel knife blade is a 6 on the scale.) Marble is usually highly polished and is used in fine furniture, buildings, floor tiles, bench tops, splash backs and decorative art such as pottery or sculptures. It can be a variety of colours such as white, black, dark blue, red and green or a mixture of colours some with gold flakes spread throughout.

Marble is easily damaged by acids. Anything spilled on marble should be wiped off immediately. Avoid setting hot beverages or hot pots and pans directly on marble as they can leave heat rings which will need to be polished off.

Regular Cleaning

Depending on the polish and sealer used, you should occasionally wash marble surfaces with lukewarm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Wiping the surface with a damp chamois will avoid leaving streaks. Once or twice a year, depending on soiling, wash with a mild detergent solution (hand dish-washing detergent and warm water), rinse and wipe dry. If your polish and sealer instructions state otherwise do not do the above but follow the directions given.

Prevention and Protection

A light coat of wax will protect the surface of marble although it is not considered essential. Use colourless wax but do not wax white marble as it may cause it to yellow. A marble sealer can be applied to clean marble which will also protect it from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth.

Special Cleaning

Marble which has become dull can be livened up by using a commercial marble cleaner and polish. We sell a very good marble cleaner and polish. Our marble cleaners and polishers can be used on softer marbles and are safe for the harder marble as well. They work faster and easier than the old "marble care kits" which used to be distributed by marble companies.

Putty powder, (tin oxide) can be used to polish dulled or etched surfaces. Rub it on with a damp cloth, folding and refolding to clean damp areas, and use an electric polisher for buffing. This product is, however, very hard to find.

Stain Removal

Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended below to dissolve the stain or mix whiting with the chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 hour up 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; otherwise it will have to be re-dampened with the chemical periodically. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use and mix a second batch later if another application is needed.

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

Oil Stains: Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread the stain with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or corn starch. After a short time remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours. To remove: Scrub with a hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, rinse and wipe dry afterwards. If these alkaline solutions don't remove all the oil, you can try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or with home dry cleaning fluid. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near spark or flame, and do not leave on too long.

Rust Stains: Usually the result of metal items such as a lamp, metal container in which plant is placed etc. Use a commercial rust stain remover. Follow directions exactly and do not leave on surface very long as the acid in many rust removers can etch the surface.

Acids: Fruit juice, carbonated beverages or other acids will etch (remove the shiny surface) if allowed to remain on marble. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. If surfaced is etched, polishing may be required.