Stain removal

Stain removal

Accidents will happen – food or liquid spillages, ink or rust stains can occur even as you take the best preventive and routine care. You can easily remove them, though, if you act immediately, and will protect your stone from lasting damage. The first step in stain removal is to identify what caused it in the first place; this helps to isolate the most efficient method of removal and the type of stain remover to use. Wipe the stain straightaway, and remove it using the methods prescribed below. These are effective remedies for stubborn, as well as older stains. 

Stain removers

Stain removers like solvents (mineral spirits like acetone or chlorinated solvents) work by dissolving the staining agent and remove most stains, including those from grease. Others like whiting (chalk) or talcum powder absorb grease and most stains, while bleaching agents like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide (hair bleach) whiten the area.

Poultices

Stain removal involves the use of poultices. These are easily available commercially nowadays, but we have described some easy do-it-yourself poultices for your convenience.
To make the poultice, follow the directions given, and mix the ingredients into a thick paste, the consistency of peanut butter, unless specified otherwise. To apply, wet the stained area thoroughly, and apply a 1/4 to 1/2 inch layer on the stain using a wooden spatula. Cover using kitchen wrap, securing it with masking tape. Leave it overnight, or for 48 hours if the stains are stubborn, remove gently and rinse, wiping it dry.

Organic stains

Liquids like coffee, tea, ink, soft drinks, fruit juice, flowers, cosmetics, tobacco, iodine, wet paper text marks and wet textile prints, can stain marble. Sometimes, wiping the stain immediately with a damp cloth, and drying the area will prevent staining. If not, make and apply a half-inch layer of a poultice by mixing whiting (chalk) and 20% hydrogen peroxide (hair bleach) into a thick paste, the consistency of peanut butter. If this does not help, try adding ammonia to the poultice and repeat the procedure.

Coffee stains – Dip a soft cloth in a solution of one part of glycerin to four parts of water and apply to the stain.

Ink stains – Make a poultice made from whiting and a solution made from sodium perborate dissolved in hot water and apply a ¼” inch layer to the stain. If blue ink stains persist, due to the presence of iron compounds in the ink, wash the area thoroughly with a strong soap solution. Remove black stains from the inclusion of silver salts in some inks using an ammonia water bandage.

Tobacco stains – Prepare a solution using 2 lbs of Tri Sodium Phosphate (TSP) crystals in one gallon of water. Add a paste of 12 ounces of chlorinated lime and water. Transfer the two mixtures into an earthenware 2-gallon jar, mix thoroughly and allow to settle before use. To remove the stain, add talcum powder to some of the liquid to make a thick paste and apply on the stain using a trowel. Wait until the poultice dries, and gently scrape it off, using a wooden paddle. Do be careful with TCP though. Always wear rubber gloves, avoiding contact with skin. Wash immediately on accidental contact.

Oil stains

Using ammonia for stains from mustard, butter, milk, peanut butter and hand lotions should do the trick. If stains are stubborn, make a poultice, combining acetone and whiting into a thick paste, and apply a poultice. Do be careful with acetone, though – leave windows open to you don’t inhale its fumes, and don’t use near a flame.

Grease

Wipe grease stains immediately and cover with fullers earth or whiting. Fullers earth is a natural clay that absorbs the stain. For persistent stains, combine equal measures of acetone and amyl acetate and place a clean flannel soaked in the mixture over the stain. Do remember to use rubber gloves, and exercise caution while handling acetone.

Rust

Use oxalic acid with powder and water and apply on the stain. For ease, try “iron-out”, available at most hardware stores.

Copper

A mixture of ammonium chloride and methylene chloride removes copper stains

Paint – water based.

Use a mixture of commercial paint remover and powder to wipe the stains off. Please do not use acids; they could damage your marble.

Paint – oil based

Use methylene chloride if the paint stains are deep, other mineral spirits combined with powder will do the trick. Remember never to use acids on marble.

Blood

Always use cold water to wipe bloodstains, as hot water cooks the albumin in the blood and worsens the stain. To remove bloodstains, first wipe the area with cold water. Mix cold water with tri-sodium-phosphate crystals and scrub the stain. Rinse with cold water and dry-wipe. Wear rubber gloves to avoid contact with skin.

Chewing gum

Rub ice in the gum, hardening it enough to scrape off using a putty knife. Now use trichloroethylene and scrub using a nylon scourer. Do be careful when using trichloroethylene, though. Its fumes and contact with skin can cause unpleasant effects.