How to Remove Stains From Marble Flooring

Marble flooring is made from natural stone.

Marble flooring is made from natural stone mined from the earth. Its unique appearance adds both elegance and beauty to any home or building. Natural stone surfaces, such as marble, are porous and must be handled with care when removing stains. While commercial products and professionals can remove stains from your marble flooring, you can easily remove the stains yourself, using supplies from home, and spare yourself the extra expense.

Things You'll Need

• 20 percent peroxide solution
• Paper towels
• Talcum powder
• Plastic wrap
• Masking tape
• Sponge
• Clean towel

Instructions

1. Fold a paper towel so it covers the stain on your marble flooring, plus one inch more around the perimeter of the stain. Saturate the paper towel with 20 percent peroxide solution (hair bleaching strength) and squeeze out the excess so the paper towel is wet but not dripping. The peroxide-soaked paper towel forms the basis of the poultice to place on the stain.

2. Sprinkle a liberal amount of talcum powder over the peroxide-soaked paper towel. Use enough talcum powder to form a 1/4 inch layer.

3. Lay the poultice of peroxide and talcum powder on top of the stain on your marble flooring. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the poultice and ensure that it is completely covered. Secure the poultice to the marble flooring with masking tape.

4. Allow the poultice to remain on the stain on your marble flooring for up to 48 hours, dependent on the severity of the stain. Check the progress of the stain removal process after a few hours by peeling back one corner of the poultice to examine the stain.

5. Remove the plastic wrap and poultice materials from your marble flooring. Sponge the area down with cool water and remove all traces of the poultice material.

6. Wipe your marble flooring dry with a clean, absorbent towel.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute ammonia for one of your poultice materials if 20 percent peroxide solution is unavailable.

• Keep your marble flooring scratch-free by not using abrasive cleaners for daily care or stain removal.

References

• Marble Institute of America: Natural Stone Care and Maintenance
• Kitchen Countertops: Care and Cleaning of Marble Countertops