Marble has this timeless appeal that makes it a coveted feature in many properties in Singapore. But its beauty comes with a challenge, its susceptibility to stains.
We understand the anxiety when you feel when you discover a coffee spill or wine stain on your precious marble floor. It’s the porous nature of marble that makes it vulnerable to staining, but the good news is that most stubborn stains can be removed — only with the right approach and expertise.
Learn how to keep your floors looking their best for many years to come.
Types of Stubborn Stains
The wisest first step is to know the kind of stain you are dealing with so you can effectively remove the stain. Here is a closer look at the different stains you might encounter.
Organic Stains
These stains result from natural substances and are among the most common challenges.
Food and Beverage Stains
- Coffee and tea leave brownish spots and you can find them in dining areas and living rooms. Teh tarik and kopi stains are frequent issues at home.
- Wine creates pinkish-purple or dark red marks that can deeply penetrate the marble.
- Fruit juices, particularly from citrus fruits like calamansi and orange juice, which not only stain but can also etch the marble surface.
- Sauces, which are common in Singapore cuisine, can create dark and stubborn marks.
Oil-Based Stains
You can discover these stains in kitchen areas and dining areas, and they are as challenging as organic stains.
- Cooking oil creates dark spots that slowly spread through the marble.
- Butter and margarine leave greasy marks that penetrate deeply into the stone.
- Beauty products create stubborn, oily patches.
- Hand lotion leaves subtle but persistent darkened areas.
Oil-based stains make the marble appear darker in the affected area and may spread if you don’t address them quickly.
Chemical and Metal Stains
These stains are caused by some household items and products used in cleaning.
Metal Stains
- Rust usually appears around metal furniture legs and decorative items.
- Metal cleaner residue can create yellowish or orange discolouration.
Chemical Marks
- Ink from markers, pens, or printer cartridges
- Paint from home renovation or art projects
- Cleaning products, particularly from acidic cleaners or bleach
They have distinct colours. Rust appears orange-brown while ink can be blue, black, or red.
Stains Caused by the Environment
- Mould and mildew (greenish or black spots)
- Plant and flower stains
- Water marks
- Outdoor debris
Identifying the Stain
Before you remove the stain with the cleaning technique that you know, it’s best that you know what kind of stain you’re dealing with. But the question is, “Do you know how to identify one?”
Let us help you with this one. Refer to the table below.
| Colour and Pattern | |
| Light brown/tan | Usually organic stains |
| Dark brown/black | Often oil-based |
| Orange/brown | Usually rust |
| White/etched areas | Acid damage |
| Location | |
| Kitchen | Likely food, oil, or acid stains |
| Bathroom | Usually cosmetic products or soap scum |
| Entryway | Can be water marks or outdoor debris |
| Living areas | Typically beverage stains |
| Texture | |
| Rough surface | Might indicate etching |
| Darkened area | Usually oil-based |
| Visible residue | Could be organic material |
Essential Supplies for Stain Removal
It’s only wise to use appropriate cleaning agents so you won’t damage your marble or generate harmful fumes. Here is your guide to the needed supplies.
| Safe Cleaning Agents | Tools to Use |
Gentle Cleaners
|
Cleaning Tools
|
Professional Products
|
Safety Equipment
Additional Tools
|
Harmful Cleaning Agents (Avoid these!)
|
Damaging Tools (These are a no-no!)
|
How to Store and Organise Your Supplies
You must organise a cleaning kit to contain your dedicated storage box where you will keep all marble cleaning supplies together. And then label them so you can easily identify them when you plan to use them.
In storing, store the chemicals out of children’s reach in a cool, dry place.
Emergency Kit
Keep the following items readily available to immediately address stains.
- pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Clean microfibre cloths
- Paper towels
- Plastic wrap
- Rubber gloves
Removing Stains from Marble Floors
We detailed the steps so you can easily and effectively tackle various types of stains and ensure that you don’t damage your marble’s finish while cleaning.
Immediate Response Protocol
When a spill happens, time is of critical importance. Blot it immediately using clean paper towels or white cloths, as gently as possible. Work from the outer edges toward the centre, and continue until the cloth absorbs all the liquid.
Thereafter, you must identify the spill and check if etching has occurred. To do this, look for dull spots.
General Cleaning
This part is for fresh stains and regular maintenance.
The first step is to prepare the surface. Clear the area of furniture and other obstacles and sweep/vacuum loose debris. Then ventilate the area and put on the protective gear you have.
The next step is to do basic cleaning.
- Mix a pH-neutral stone cleaner with warm water.
- Test the solution first on an inconspicuous area.
- Apply the solution sparingly with a spray bottle.
- Let it sit for 3-5 minutes.
- Wipe with a clean, damp microfibre cloth.
- Dry thoroughly with a fresh cloth.
Advanced Stain Removal
Use the Poultice Method if you are dealing with stubborn stains that have already penetrated the stone. The appropriate poultice mixture is as follows:
- For organic stains, baking soda + hydrogen peroxide
- For oil-based stains, baking soda + acetone
- For rust, commercial rust remover + poultice powder
To apply, clean the stained area with pH-neutral cleaner and then mix poultice to toothpaste consistency. Apply ¼ inch thick layer extending beyond the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and tape down the edges. Poke small holes in the plastic and let it dry for 24-48 hours.
When the poultice is completely dry, remove the plastic and gently scrape off the dried poultice. Clean the area with a neutral stone cleaner, and dry thoroughly. Repeat the process if necessary.
Specific Stains, You Say?
For coffee and tea stains on your marble,
- Mix hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia.
- Apply using the poultice method.
- Allow 24 hours dwell time.
- Rinse and dry.
For oil-based stains,
- Apply acetone-based poultice.
- Cover for 48 hours.
- Remove and clean thoroughly.
- Repeat if needed.
For rust stains,
- Apply commercial rust remover designed for marble.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Monitory closely to avoid etching.
- Rinse.
For water marks and rings,
- Gently buff with dry #0000 steel wool.
- Apply marble polishing powder.
- Buff in circular motions.
- Then clean and dry.
Post-Stain Treatment
After treating the stain, clean the area with a neutral cleaner and dry it with clean cloths. Leave the area to air dry for a day, and inspect if there are remaining traces of the stain. (immediate aftercare)
You should also check for etching or dull spots, and apply marble polish if needed. In severe cases, use the expertise of professional floor polishers.
When Should You Seek Professional Help
When you are faced with any of the following circumstances, it’s high time to call in the experts and let them do the work.
- The stain persists after two removal attempts.
- Etching is severe.
- The marble appears damaged.
- You are unsure about the type of stain.
- The area is large or prominent.
Professional help from Avalon Services is always available for challenging stains or if you are in doubt about any step in the process above.
Talk to us to get a detailed quote for your stained marble floors. We also have professional office cleaners for any office cleaning needs these holidays.
