How to Clean Italian White Marble
Italian marble, or Carrara marble, is as popular today as it was during the time of Ancient Rome. Some of the most famous buildings and monuments in Italy, including the Pantheon and Trajan's Column, were constructed using this variety of marble. The Tuscany region of northern Italy is home to the quarries that yield the unique stone, surrounding the city of Carrara. White marble, in its pure form, is the result of metamorphism of very pure limestone. It is also a popular choice for sculptures, including Michelangelo's 'David,' but it is also used for flooring, bathtubs and furniture manufacturing. Learn to protect the Italian white marble you own in a few simple steps. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Sponge
- Water
- Several clean, soft cloths
- Neutral nonabrasive cleaner (acetone, hydrogen peroxide or clear ammonia)
- Microfiber cloth (chamois)
- Marble polish
- Whiting powder
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
Instructions
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General Cleaning and Care
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1
Wet a sponge or cloth with warm water and wipe down the surface. Rinse the cloth with hot water and wring it out to remove excess water. Wipe the marble again, removing any residue that remains.
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2
Wet a clean, dry cloth with a neutral, nonabrasive cleaner such as acetone, hydrogen peroxide or clear ammonia. This will remove any dirt or light stains. Rinse with plain water. Wipe the surface dry using a microfiber cloth (chamois); do not let it air dry.
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3
Apply a marble polish. Follow the instructions on the product for correct use. This will restore luster to the marble.
Treatment of Stains
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4
For stains not removed with general cleaning, prepare a poultice using the whiting powder. Mix the powder according to the directions on the package. Make it the consistency of thick paste.
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5
Apply the paste to the stain. Cover it with plastic wrap and secure with tape. Let this set until completely dry. This process may take several days.
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6
Remove the plastic. Using a clean, soft rag, wipe away the paste. If the stain has not dissipated, repeat the process until it does.
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7
Clean and polish as usual.
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