Avoid These Types of Stains on the Natural Stone and Marble Surfaces
Natural stone is a timeless addition to homes, businesses, boats, and outdoor landscapes. This investment is worthwhile because it adds a sense of class, beauty, and sophisticated design, and provides exceptional durability. It has been used to build everything from famous landmarks to renowned sculptures including the Parthenon marbles, Aphrodite of Milos, and the Taj Mahal.
Marble is a popular choice for countertops, backsplashes, bar tops, and floors. It is versatile and visually appealing in numerous locations, including kitchens, living rooms, and bathrooms. Natural stone is not, however, for those who do not want to take the time to maintain their investments.
Natural stone is porous, which causes a proneness to stains. It is crucial to the life and beauty of natural stone to properly clean, maintain, and restore it when necessary. There are natural stone and marble experts who can handle all of the work involved with this investment.
Natural stone in your home, business, or boat is a responsibility that cannot be taken lightly. Stains can threaten not only the visual appeal but can also threaten the integrity of the natural stone construct. Some stains are more damaging to natural stone than others. It is important to avoid these harmful and hard-to-remove stains. The following reveals the worst stains to avoid on marble and natural stone.
How to Avoid Stains on the Natural Stone Surfaces
The best course of action, as with any porous surface and spill, is to clean up any mess on your natural stone immediately. Never leave a spill sitting on a surface because it can result in permanent stains on the natural stone.
It is also important not to leave items on your marble or natural stone that can cause staining to occur. It is wise to cover your marble or natural stone when using chemicals, paints, or harmful cleaning agents.
Sealing your marble and stone surfaces is part of properly maintaining your investment and avoiding stains. Sealing prevents liquids from damaging the surfaces as quickly or extensively, but surfaces do need to be resealed periodically. This is a task that needs to be done correctly and regularly. Many people turn to professional contractors to ensure that their stone and marble are regularly and properly sealed.
Water Stains
Unlike many other stains, water stains cannot be cleaned. Water spots or stains are a result of deposits in water that build up on your marble surfaces over time. This is more common in areas like South Florida where the water contains large amounts of mineral deposits like magnesium and calcium, also known as hard water. Some cases of water stains on the natural stone can be prevented, such as leaving water on a surface, or a glass on a countertop. Other cases, such as in the bathroom, around sinks, and in showers can be more difficult to prevent.
To clean the water spots, the Marble Institute of America recommends the use of 0000 Steel wool. A word of caution- steel wool can be extremely abrasive and should be used with a light touch. If you’d rather not risk further damage to your marble surfaces or other natural stones, it’s best to hire an expert.
Rust Stains
As one of the most difficult to remove marble stains, rust stains are copper to brown in color and occur when metal objects oxidize. The most common culprit of rust stains is metallic objects left to sit on the marble surface for long periods of time. Things like nails, bolts, cans, screws, metal furniture, and metal flower pots can all cause rust stains.
Not only are rust stains unsightly, but they’re also difficult to remove. If you try to use your regular cleaner to remove the rust stain, it may not be effective because it doesn’t contain the active ingredients that help to remove rust. The most common marble cleaner most homeowners may opt to use is an acidic marble cleaner. However, this type of cleaning solution is not recommended because it can make the problem worse. To remove the rust stains, you may have to call a professional marble restoration technician.
Oil-Based Stains
Oil stains are common in the home kitchen and bathroom. Oil-based products include cooking oils, lotions, body oils, etc. You can identify an oil stain by the color of the damage, it is typically light brown or a yellowish hue.
Etch Marks
Etch Marks is one of the worst stain occurrences that damage the look and construction of natural stone and marble surfaces. When acidic substances are spilled, damage occurs to the top layer of the natural stone, literally causing it to disintegrate, and leaving behind etch marks. The top culprits for etch marks are wine, fruit juice, and other acidic fluids.
Other Types of Stains on the Natural Stone Surfaces That You Must Avoid
There are a few other stains that must be avoided to protect your natural stone and marble. These stains include:
- Mold Stains
- Paint Stains
- Ink Stains
How To Remove Biological Growth Build-Up Stains Using RainWater?
Biological growth like algae, lichens, moss, and fungi is common on marble surfaces that are outdoors- especially walls and flooring. When the biological growth is present on your marble surfaces, it will attract moisture to the surface and retain it there causing discoloration- along with other issues.
To remove the biological growth build-up, experts recommend the use of rainwater. Why rainwater? It contains fewer mineral deposits compared to tap water. Before cleaning, prepare a mixture of rainwater with non-ionic soap and add this to a sprayer to begin cleaning. When brushing your marble, remember to use a soft-bristled brush and orbit motion. Rinse with rainwater and check the results. If the problem persists or if your marble surface still looks dull or discolored, consult a professional. Here are step by step guide:
- Gather Materials: Rainwater (preferred for low mineral content), Non-ionic soap, Sprayer, Soft-bristled brush
- Mix Cleaning Solution: Combine rainwater and non-ionic soap to create a gentle cleaning mixture.
- Apply the Solution: Spray the cleaning solution onto the biological growth on your stone surface, ensuring even coverage.
- Brush Gently: Use a soft-bristled brush in a circular or orbiting motion to agitate the surface.
- Rinse and Inspect: Thoroughly rinse the treated area with rainwater and check for clean, restored stone. If issues persist, consult a professional.
The best course of action is to be proactive in the care of your natural stone and marble. This means that it is crucial to clean, polish, and maintain these surfaces. Proper maintenance of your natural stone and marble is the key to avoiding stains and biological growth that cannot be removed without professional assistance.
Permanent Stains on the Natural Stone Surfaces
Stains are avoidable, but sometimes they happen regardless of our efforts. When stains do occur, that are too difficult to remove on your own, you must then seek the services of qualified and trained marble and natural stone experts.
A highly trained stone and marble expert is needed to ensure that your surfaces are protected, and insured and that the job will be done successfully. Marble and stone restoration is a skilled trade that requires extensive training.
Never hire an inexperienced contractor to work on your natural stone and marble surfaces. This can damage the integrity of the stone, and result in costly, extensive repairs.
South Florida’s Premier Stone Experts
Home and business owners in South Florida turn to the natural stone experts at Just Call Classic for all of their restoration and maintenance needs. Just Call Classic, specializes in natural stone repair, cleaning, and restoration.
They happily provide services in and outside homes, boats, yachts, and for a range of business owners, including hotels, bars, and restaurants.
Just Call Classic, employs only full-time salaried workers and has been family-owned and operated since 1997. Never hiring subcontractors ensures that their experts are properly trained and provide consistent results and quality services.
This attention to family and values is the reason that South Florida trusts no other company to maintain their marble countertops, floors, or other natural stone constructs. Reach out to the natural stone experts at Just Call Classic for more information about their services in the South Florida area, including Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade counties.
Don’t wait! Contact us now at (866) 628.0424 for expert natural stone care and maintenance. Your stone deserves the best!
