How to Identify and Remove Stains from Natural Stone Surfaces

The use of natural stone in your home or office is a great investment that will render years of beautiful service. It accentuates the beauty of our homes and workplaces and requires only timely maintenance practices on our part so as to preserve its worth for a lifetime. 

There are high chances of natural stone getting stained due to regular domestic and commercial use. Stains are of different types and require specialized procedures for their removal. It is absolutely essential that we seek professional help for removing difficult stains to prevent further damage to the stone. However, being avid users of natural stone we should also learn how to identify the common stains and go about removing them ourselves so that our stone doesn't undergo a permanent damage by the time the professionals reach us.

Identify the Stain in Your Stone Surface

• Oil-based Stain- This is mostly created by grease, cosmetics and cooking oil and results in darkening of the stone. Such stain should be cleaned with soft liquid cleansers, ammonia, mineral spirits or acetone.
• Organic Stain- Created mostly by coffee, tea, urine and paper, it leaves a pinkish-brown mark on the natural stone. Sunlight and rain can remove the source of such stain in the outdoors. For indoors, we would recommend use of 12% hydrogen peroxide and little amount of ammonia for removing the source of stain.
• Inorganic Stain- Stains resulting from iron, copper or rust creates a reddish-brown color and takes the shape of the material. Metal stain can be removed by poultice but, for stains created from rust, professional assistance is advised for natural stone restoration.
• Ink Stain- Caused by pens and markers, these stains are easily recognizable. Light colored stones should undergo the bleaching process or application of hydrogen peroxide whereas, for the dark colored ones, application of acetone is recommended.
• Biological Stains- For stains created by algae, fungi or moss, dilute ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide may be used. However ammonia and bleach should not be combined due to its harmful effects.
• Acid Stain- Acids generally create etch marks on the stone and should be removed with great care. Sprinkle marble polishing powder on the wet surface and rub it with a damp cloth or with the help of a polisher till the etch mark disappears. In case of etch marks, one should seek the help of professionals as they employ modern and innovative techniques for stone repair that completely remove these marks from the stone surface.

The Marble Man Advantage

Stains and etches can damage your stone permanently unless you get it removed in a timely and professional manner. The Marble Man specializes in the art of natural stone repair, marble floor restoration, maintenance of stone bench top and other stone restoration jobs. With the help of innovative machines, they will get the stains permanently removed from your natural stone and restore its original freshness and value. 

If you have any difficulty in identifying the type of stain or finding its removal procedure, you can contact The Marble Man stone restorers for effective stone care solution. Make a FREE Call today on 1300 627 626 for a stone restoration quote.