Damaged Bleach On Marble

Work in a well ventilated area.

Damaged bleach on marble.

This includes brand name cleaners as well. Almost every guide for the care and maintenance of marble warns that you should not use bleach vinegar or other harsh cleaners. If the hydrogen peroxide was unable to remove the staining diluted bleach may be the only product able to do so. I escalated from diluted simple green to undiluted simple green to a vinegar water solution to a diluted bleach situation to pure uncut bleach on a toothbrush.

Wear old clothing and rubber gloves when working with bleach. In general we recommend against using any of our tilex bathroom cleaners both with and without bleach on marble so i wouldn t advise bleach usage here. Bleaching stains removes most discoloration from unsealed marble. I started to scrub.

The damage from bleach stems from an entirely different characteristic. First i tried a mild solution of dishwashing soap and water. When marble is damaged by an acid it is called etching. Etching is corrosion that eats away at the marble which will cause dull and light colored or clear spots.

Bleach is alkaline so it doesn t pose the big risk of acidic cleaners which dissolve sensitive stone including marble. A marble poultice is first applied to the surface of the marble above the stain the liquid part of the poultice will be partially absorbed by the marble and will slowly draw out the stains from the marble pours into the white paste material. Calcium carbonate the primary compound in marble can be highly reactive to both acidic and alkaline cleaners. On light colored marble you can dilute one quart of bleach with one gallon of hot water or for a small area a size appropriate 4 1 mixture to remove the stain.

To protect marble surfaces from stains scratches etches and watermarks always use coasters and trays with felt lining. Only use bleach on light colored marble and do not use the poultice method on sealed marble surfaces. This is because these cleaners contain acidic materials or chlorine both of which can permanently damage your marble countertops or marble floors. Unfortunately most common and popular household cleaners like bleach vinegar ammonia citrus cleaners and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for use on marble and will cause damage to the finish.

Your tiles may end up etched pitted or discolored. I don t recommend this unless like. This is a lengthy and slow process so the poultice needs to sit on top of the stain for at least 48 hours.