I have marble sheets on my bathroom walls that need to be removed. Any ideas?
Topic :Removing stains from marble
I have marble counter tops. Over the last few years they have become stained in places. How can I remove the stains?
You didn’t tell me what kind of stains you?re dealing with, but here?s how to remove most kitchen stains (special thanks to MSU Extension):
Make a poultice from white absorbent material such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue, dampened with the chemical recommended to dissolve that stain; or mix whiting with that 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; mix a second batch if another application is needed.
Organic Stains
Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drop of ammonia.
Oil Stains
Oil stains may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible, spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or even corn starch. After short time brush to remove and reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours.
To remove:
Scrub with hot, sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush. Or wipe with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, then rinse and wipe dry. 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 remover. Follow directions exactly and do not leave on surface very long 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 on marble. Wipe up acid spill immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. If surfaced is etched, polishing may be required.
This article was written by Anne Field, Extension Specialist, Emeritus with references from Georgia Extension bulletin, How to Care for Your Furnishings, and
North Carolina Extension bulletin, Potpourri of Home Care Ideas.
