How to Remove Calcium Water Rings From Marble

Marble countertops are a beautiful addition to a kitchen. Unfortunately, because the stone is porous, it is easily stained. Glasses that are left on the marble perspire and the resulting water ring causes a stain on the marble. It cannot be wiped away because it seeps into the stone. Instead, it must be drawn out of the countertop with a process called poulticing.

Things You'll Need

• 50 to 70 percent hydrogen peroxide
• Diatomaceous earth
• Plastic wrap
• Painter's or masking tape

Instructions

1. Clean the marble with mild soap and water to ensure any and all wax removed from the top.

2. Depending on the stain size, create a pasty mixture of diatomaceous earth and 50 to 70 percent hydrogen peroxide. (This is not the same 10 percent hydrogen peroxide you normally use on home cuts. You may have to order this from your local pharmacy.) Mix this in a cup to the consistency of creamy peanut butter.

3. Moisten the stained area with distilled water (not saturated, just damp). Apply the poultice mixture over the stained area about 1/4-inch thick. Be sure to overlap the stain by about 1/4-inch all the way around.

4. Cover the poultice with plastic cling wrap and tape the edges to the top all the way around so it overlaps the poultice edges by about 1/2-inch. Take a toothpick and poke several holes in the plastic wrap.

5. Let this sit for 24 hours minimum and then remove the plastic wrap. If the poultice is still damp or wet, let it sit until completely dry. The drying process is what draws out the stain.

6. Once dry, remove the poultice with a putty knife making sure not to scratch the surface. Discard the poultice in the trash and check to see if ring has been removed or reduced. If reduced but not removed, reapply a new poultice and try it again. If you have noticed no change, the stain may be permanently set and it will probably never come out.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not reuse a poultice. Mix a new poultice for each application.