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MARBLE MAINTENANCE
Marble is generally polished and used in fine building
work, furniture, or decorative art and may be white or colored.
It is porous, and easily stained. Marble is easily etched
by acids. Wipe off any spills immediately, as you would on
a wood surface. Avoid setting beverage glasses directly on
marble as they leave rings.
To prevent stains and soil from being absorbed into the porous
surface, seal marble with a paste or sealer. Acids must not
come in direct contact as they will etch the surface. Alkaline
solutions will be absorbed by the marble and break down the
surface leaving it rough.
If properly sealed, damp-mopping should keep it clean. If
soil does not remove easily, wash with a solution of mild
detergent and water, then rinse thoroughly. Remove stains
promptly. Check with Active Marble & Tile for cleaners
recommended for stain removal.
Removing Stains from Marble
Make a poultice using white absorbent material
such as a napkin, blotter, paper towel or facial tissue. Dampen
with a recommended chemical to dissolve the stain; mix whiting
with the chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain.
The poultice should be left on the stain from 1 to 48 hours,
depending on the age and depth of the stain. Plastic wrap,
held in place by masking tape, can be put over the poultice
to keep it damp. Mix only enough poultice for immediate use;
A fresh batch should be mixed if a second application is needed.
Organic Stains:
Tea, coffee, colors bleached from paper, textiles or
soft drinks. Make poultice soaked with 20% peroxide (hair
bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.
Oil Stains: Oil stains
may include butter, hand cream or lotion. As soon as possible,
spread surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting
or even corn starch. After a short time, brush to remove and
reapply more powder. Let stand 24 hours. To remove: Scrub
with hot sudsy (detergent) solution and stiff brush or wipe
with ammonia-dampened cloth. In either case, rinse and wipe
dry. If all the oil alkaline solutions are not removed using
these alkaline solutions, try a solvent. Make a poultice dampened
with acetone or amyl acetate (available at drug stores), or
with a home dry cleaning fluid. Proper ventilation with windows
open to remove fumes is necessary. Do not use near a spark
or flame, and do not leave application on for too long.
Rust Stains: Usually
the result of metal items such as a lamp, metal container
in which plant is placed etc. Use a commercial rust stain
remover. Follow directions exactly and do not leave on surface
for long periods as acid in many rust removers can etch the
surface.
Acids: Fruit juice,
carbonated beverages or other acids will etch (remove shiny
surface) if allowed to remain on marble. Wipe up acid spill
immediately, and wipe surface with wet cloth. If surface is
etched, polishing may be required.
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