Tips for cleaning a marble fireplace or surround

Tips for cleaning a marble fireplace or surround

Here are some more general tips for getting those pesky stains off your lovely marble fireplace or surround…

● Use a soft microfibre cloth to remove surface dust and dirt.

● Use warm (not hot) water.

● Lightly rub the stain with the cloth, increasing in pressure if the stain is stubborn.

● Regularly rinse the cloth out to keep it clean.

● Use distilled water where possible as any impurities in the water can stain the marble.

● Dry with a soft cloth or towel – do not let it air dry as this can cause water marks.

● Avoid using white vinegar or limescale removers as they contain acids, or baking soda which is abrasive and could affect the finish of the marble.

● Carefully read the directions on any cleaning products you use and start with small amounts to test.

● You can use a marble wax to bring the stone’s shine out.

How to make your own poultice for stains

You’ll need to buy an absorbent base for your poultice which can contain materials such as talc, chalk, kaolin, and diatomaceous earth. Here’s how to make poultice for stains:

Oil-based stains

● Poultice with baking soda and water; OR

● One of the powdered poultice materials mixed with mineral spirits

Copper stains

● Poultice with one of the powdered materials and ammonia. This can be a particularly tough stain to remove so may need to several applications or even help from a professional.

Organic stains

● Poultice with one of the powdered materials and hydrogen peroxide or acetone

Iron stains

● Poultice with diatomaceous earth and rust remover. Again, you may need a professional for this if it won’t come off.

How to apply poultice to stains

The consistency of your poultice should be roughly about that of peanut butter, and when you’re ready to apply it to the stain, follow these directions:

● Dampen the affected area with clean water (distilled if possible).

● Spread the poultice evenly over the stain so it’s about ½ inch thick, overlapping a little around the sides.

● Cover the poultice with plastic sheeting of some kind (a piece of plastic bag would do it) and tape down.

● Let the poultic dry and do it’s magic – this will take around 24-48 hours. After around 24 hours, take the plastic off.

● Remove the poultice, which will have drawn out the stain, and clean the marble with clean (again distilled if possible) water.

● Buff dry with a soft cloth.

● If the stains are particularly stubborn and ingrained, then it may take several applications before it’s completely gone.

Browse our range of marble fireplaces and marble fire surrounds today, or contact us if you have any questions about cleaning and maintaining them.