How to Remove Stains from Marble Countertops

Uh oh. Do you have a stain on your gorgeous marble countertop? Don’t fear. See below for these clean-up recommendations.

Colored Stains

Stain Removal Method #1: Hydrogen Peroxide

Most stains on marble countertops can be easily removed with this method: Place a paper towel atop the stain. Pour hydrogen peroxide onto the paper towel until saturated. Let the saturated paper towel sit overnight. If the stain has not been completely removed, repeat the steps and leave on for another twelve hours.

This works best with light or white colored marble as the hydrogen peroxide may bleach away the color from darker marble.

Stain Removal Method #2: Baking Soda Poultice

Mix together water and baking soda making a thick paste. Spread liberally over the stain. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap and let is rest for 24 hours. Remove with a damp, non-abrasive cloth. If the stain is not completely removed, repeat the process.

Grease Stains

Stain Removal Method #3: Corn Starch

This method works best on stains caused by grease or oil. Cover the stain with corn starch and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.

Water Stains

A pool of water left for long periods of time can leave “fake” stains on your marble countertops. Don’t worry, they won’t stay. Simply wipe up the water and as the stone dries out, the dark spot will disappear.

That being said, accumulation of water (particularly hard water) that is allowed to sit on marble countertops can create a dullness over time. Click here to read our blog on Removing Hard Water Stains.

“Water Rings” and “Water Spots”

As discussed in our Preventing Stains and Etching on your Marble Countertops blog post, glass rings and the appearance of water spots are not actually stains, but rather “etching.”

Etching is corrosive action that occurs when calcite-based stones (like marble, limestone or travertine) comes in contact with an acidic substance—this can be anything from coffee, juice or soda to tomato sauce, salad dressing or vinegar. This contact creates a reaction where the marble’s surface layer is actually eaten away exposing the raw marble underneath.

So when you see water spots, glass rings or scratches, this is a result of etching and not actual stains. While keeping your marble countertops clean and wiping up spills quickly can prevent etching, you can’t remove etches once they occur.