Holiday Hosting Hack: The Secret to Cleaning Marble Stains

As we eagerly approach the festive season, with holiday parties and Thanksgiving dinners on the horizon, the last thing we want is to stress over unsightly stains on our porous marble surfaces. 

I recently discovered the ultimate remedy that transformed the way I approach entertaining at home. This game-changer not only saved my beloved marble from stubborn stains but also ensured a worry-free atmosphere for holiday gatherings. 

Below I'll share tips on how to be prepared for those inevitable spills that come with the joy of hosting. So you can embrace the holiday season with confidence, knowing that your marble will remain pristine, no matter the celebratory spills that may come its way. 🍷✨

First let’s get into the types of marble there are out there!

Types of Marble and General Cleaning Solutions

There is no doubt that the marble tops in our homes are one of the features that give it its

beauty but that story changes as soon as it picks up a stain. I’ve been there countless times and

I know how it feels.

So, I’ve taken the time to conduct research on the cleaning needs of some common types of

marble. Trust, you will find all your emergency marble cleaning tips right here.

Carrara marble

The first on my list is the stunning Carrara marble. It is a white marble with gray veins and it can

be absolutely stunning for kitchen countertops. It’s no wonder that Carrara marble is one of the

most popular types of marble, not to mention that it’s known for its beauty and durability.

This marble is relatively easy to clean, but it is important to avoid using acidic cleaners. You can

use a mild dish soap and water solution to clean Carrara marble countertops and floors. Be sure

to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.

Travertine marble

And we have another countertop favorite! Travertine marble. This marble is a cream-colored

marble with small holes. It’s not used only on countertops, though; you can easily find travertine

marble on floors across homes.

This marble is more porous than Carrara marble, so it is important to seal it regularly. Travertine

marble is also more susceptible to staining, so once a spill occurs, you want to cater to it

immediately.

You can use a mild dish soap and water solution to clean travertine marble countertops and

floors. Be sure to rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after cleaning. Also, ensure that

you seal your travertine marble countertops and floors regularly, as this protects them from

stains and damage.

Calacatta marble

If you’re a fan of rare gems, you definitely must have come across this unique Calacatta marble.

This gorgeous marble is white with gray or gold veins. It is one of the most expensive types of

marble, and it is known for its beauty and rarity.

Calacatta marble is no doubt very delicate, so you need to make sure that you’re using mild

cleaners when cleaning it. Let’s keep the beauty intact. You can use mild stone cleaner or a

mixture of water and dish soap to clean Calacatta marble countertops and floors. Then rinse the

area thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.

Removing Common Marble Stains

Now that we’ve talked about some of the common marble types you can find in homes, let’s

take a look at just how you can get rid of specific stains on your marble.

How to Clean Red Wine Stains

I’m sure we can all agree that red wine is a notorious stain, and it can be especially difficult to

remove from marble. The longer you leave the spill on the marble, the more difficult it is to come

off.

The good news is that with quick action and the right cleaning products, you can get rid of red

wine stains without damaging your marble surfaces. And this is how to do it:

Baking Soda Method

● Blot up as much of the wine as possible with a clean, white cloth. Avoid rubbing the

stain, as this can spread it and make it more difficult to remove.

● Mix equal parts baking soda and water to form a thick paste.

● Apply the paste to the stain and cover it with plastic wrap.

● Let the paste sit for at least 24 hours.

● Wipe away the paste with a damp cloth and rinse the area with clean water.

Dish Soap Method

Now, if the baking soda method does not remove the stain completely, you can try the dish soap

method, which goes like this:

● Mix one part dish soap with two parts water to form a solution.

● Apply the solution to the stain and wipe it away with a damp cloth.

● Rinse the area with clean water.

Usually, the baking soda method should be enough to get rid of the stubborn red wine stain but

if it isn’t an addition to the dish soap method will definitely do the trick. You may repeat this

process if necessary.

How to Clean Food and Drink Stains

Another common set of stains on marble surfaces is food and drinks. Coffee, tea, juice, and

soda can all leave behind unsightly stains. But don't worry, these stains are usually easy to

remove with a mild cleaning solution.

Here’s how to do it:

● Blot up as much of the spill as possible with a clean, white cloth.

● Mix one part dish soap with two parts water to form a solution.

● Apply the solution to the stain and wipe it away with a damp cloth.

● Rinse the area with clean water.

If the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the process or using a mild stone cleaner.

How to Clean Oily Stains

Oil on your marble is definitely not the best site. Not to mention that oily stains can be tough to

remove from marble. The key to getting rid of these stains is to act quickly because the longer

an oily stain sits, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Here’s how to get rid of oil stains on your marble:

● Sprinkle cornstarch or baby powder over the stain and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.

● Brush away the cornstarch or baby powder with a soft brush.

● Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth.

Again, if a small part of the stain is still visible, you can try repeating the process or using a mild

stone cleaner.

How to Clean Ink Stains

So, your child was practicing their writing on the table and oops! The pen leaked!

No need to worry. Here is how you can remove ink stains without damaging your marble.

● Dampen a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol.

● Blot the ink stain with the rubbing alcohol until it is gone.

● Rinse the area with clean water.

● Repeat the process if necessary.

An important step you do not want to miss here is testing the rubbing alcohol in an

inconspicuous area. This helps to confirm that it does not damage the marble.

How to Clean Etch Marks:

The last on our list are etch marks. Etch marks are caused by acidic substances such as

vinegar, lemon juice, or tomato sauce. They can be difficult to remove, but with a marble

polishing powder or paste, you can restore your marble surfaces to their original beauty.

You should note that marble polishing powder and paste can be abrasive, so you have to follow

the instructions on the product label carefully.

● Apply a small amount of marble polishing powder or paste to a clean cloth.

● Rub the cloth over the etch mark in a circular motion.

● Continue rubbing until the etch mark is gone.

● Wipe away any residue with a damp cloth.

● Rinse the area with clean water.

If the etch mark is deep, you may need to repeat the process several times.

Additional Tips for Emergency Cleaning of Marble

● Always blot, never rub. Rubbing can damage the surface of the marble and make it more

susceptible to staining.

● Use mild cleaning solutions. Avoid using harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners, as these

can damage the marble.

● Test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area first. This will help you to make sure

that the cleaning product will not damage the marble.

● Rinse thoroughly after cleaning. This is important to remove any residue from the

cleaning product.

● Seal your marble regularly. This will help to protect it from stains and damage.

Conclusion

Marble is an elegant material that can add a touch of luxury to any home, whether it’s on the

floor or on counter tops. This makes it important to know how to clean it properly.

By following the tips in this article, you can easily remove common stains such as red wine, food

and drink, oil, ink, and etch marks from your marble surfaces.

Remember to always blot spills immediately and use mild cleaning solutions. Avoid using acidic

cleaners or harsh chemicals, as these can damage the marble. Test any cleaning product in an

inconspicuous area first to make sure it is safe to use. And don't forget to seal your marble

regularly to protect it from stains and damage.

With proper care, your marble surfaces will last for many years and continue to enhance the

beauty of your home.