How to remove rust stains from marble

how to remove rust stains from marble

Marble is one of the most beautiful and elegant materials to use for flooring, walls and countertops. It gives a luxurious feel, but unfortunately, marble surfaces are very delicate and susceptible to stains.

One type of stain marble is prone to getting are rust stains. The good news is with the right products you can restore the beauty of your marble in no time.

The best rust stain removal process for marble surfaces

What you will need:

  • A small bucket of water
  • A microfiber cloth/ towel
  • 100 ml of liquid dish soap
  • A soft-bristled brush

Follow these steps:

  1. Spread liquid dish soap on the stains
  2. Splash a little water to wet the soap
  3. Take the soft-bristled brush or dish sponge and scrub on the brown, rusty spots. Don’t scrub too hard and never use a wire brush or scouring wires on marble.
  4. Pour clean water and check if the rust stains have gone
  5. If the rust stains are still present after cleaning with dishwashing soap and water, then use a ” marble poultice.”

How to make a marble poultice:

You can make a DIY marble poultice at home using just two ingredients: baking powder and hydrogen peroxide.

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You’ll need:

  • 2 cups of baking soda
  • 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide
  • Plastic cling wrap
  • Duct/ masking tape

Follow the procedure:

  1. Add one cup of hydrogen peroxide into a mixing bowl (you may require more than a cup if your stain is large, the measurements depend on the size of the rust stain)
  2. Mix the baking soda in the bowl with the hydrogen peroxide using a wooden spatula.
  3. When done, the consistency of your marble poultice should be like that of peanut butter or frosting.
  4. Next, spread a generous amount of the marble poultice onto the rust stains. 
  5. Once done, use plastic cling wrap to keep the marble poultice intact and moist. Wrap the entire area using several layers of the cling wrap and then use masking tape to keep the mixture in place
  6. The masking tape should be placed on the paper wrap only and should not touch the marble because it will cause more stains.
  7. Leave the poultice to work on the rust stains for 24-48 hours; depending on how old the rust stain is. Give it enough time and don’t rush the process.
  8. After the 28/48 hour mark, remove the plastic wrap and confirm if the stain has dissolved.
  9. If the rust stains are still present, you may have to repeat mixing and applying the marble poultice until happy with the outcome.
  10. Once you are satisfied that the rust stains have completely come off, wash with the area with soap and water.

Video: How to remove rust stains from marble

Frequently asked questions about rust stains on marble

What causes rust stains on marble?

Rust stains on marble are caused because of an interaction of metal and water. If you leave things like spoons lying on your marble countertop, or any metallic object like a bicycle on your marble floors, they can cause rust stains if they get wet.

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Hard water also causes rust stains because of the minerals, especially iron, it contains. So if you have marble in your bathroom or kitchen area and you live in a place with hard water, eventually you will see the rust stains appearing. This is due to the water leaving mineral deposits behind after it evaporates.

Read here to learn more about dealing with hard water stains on your marble surfaces.

Is vinegar or lemon juice good for removing rust stains from marble?

Vinegar and lemon juice should never be used to remove rust stains on marble. Marble material is very delicate and the acids will eat away at the calcium carbonate in the stone. This can cause damage like corrosion and fading.

Lemon and vinegar can be used for removing rust stains on other things like clothes, carpets, or toilets, but never on marble surfaces.

Is baking soda suitable for removing stains on marble?

Baking soda is an alkaline powder, which makes it a gentle cleanser. It is also mildly abrasive, which makes it excellent at removing stains. You can combine baking soda with water to make a marble poultice to get rid of stains on your marble. If the stain is more intense, mix a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste. This should get rid of most rust stains.

Can you use bleach to remove stains on marble?

Bleach should never be used on marble, regardless if the marble is white. We understand that the stains look bad and you desperately want them out, but bleach will only make matters worse. Try to remove the stain first using milder ingredients.

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Attempt to remove the rust stain on your marble first using the most gentle method like liquid soap and water. If that doesn’t work, move on to baking soda paste with liquid soap. Lastly, try baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

How do you maintain marble to keep off rust stains?

Maintaining a marble surface is not as hard as it seems. Clean it with soap and water daily and ensure the area is always dry. This will prevent mineral and mold build-up. Have a dry rug or mop around to always keep your marble floors dry. You can also seal the marble to prevent etching and stains.

Wrapping up

Marble is beautiful, but with the beauty comes the delicateness and need for extra care to maintain it. If you have marble on your kitchen counter, avoid acid spills like lemon juice or vinegar. Don’t clean your countertops with any DIY acidic cleaner. Distilled water with liquid dish soap alone should be enough. Always ensure to keep the area dry.

If you have marble in your bathroom, clean regularly and keep it dry. If rust stains on your marble happen, then make a baking soda poultice to get rid of them. If you want to maintain the shininess of the marble, you can polish it up using a marble polish once in a while.

how to remove rust stains from marble

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