How to Polish Marble

A hard crystalline metamorphic rock, marble has been used for centuries. Over time though marble is susceptible to staining and losing its luster. To regain its original look and color it requires occasional cleaning and polishing.

If done on a regular basis also increases the marble's durability. Being fairly durable marble is widely used as floor tiles, table tops, bathroom tiles, etc. Here we are not addressing the need to polish the entire area covered by marble, rather a small area or patch that requires cleaning or polishing.

Among the various options available we shall take a look at some simple techniques to clean or polish marble that does not require professional help. Don't go for chemical detergents because they may cause a permanent damage to the beauty of your marble tiles.

Before you begin polishing the targeted area, it will have to be cleaned first. For this you will need a solution of about 4 cups warm water and 3 tablespoons of baking soda. Using a soft cloth, dipped in the solution, clean the area thoroughly. Let the area dry for about 3-4 hours. Now to polish the area.

• Crush a white writing chalk into a powder using a small mortar and pestle or you can use a hammer.

• Moisten a soft cloth and sprinkle this powder on the wet area. Now wipe the cloth over the desired area of the marble using uniform strokes.

• Let the wet powder dry on the area for 1-2 hours. Take another soft clean cloth, moisten it and wipe clean the area thoroughly.

• The last step is to wipe the desired area clean with a dry soft mop or clean cloth. A point to note here is that mop or soft cloth should only be used. Avoid using scrubs or chemical cleaners.

• Try cleaning with warm water and a fresh cloth. Take care that the water is not too hot, but warm enough to remove normal stains of coffee, tea and dusts. Rinse off with a damp cloth.

• Many people prefer turpentine oils and paint thinners. However, as I've mentioned earlier, first apply the cleaner on a small part of the marble tile and if it shows good results then only proceed further. Stain removal is tough when stains involve meat, oil, butter and wine.

• You can use substances like ammonia,hydrogen peroxide or acetone to clean them. For smoke and soot stains you can opt for non-fat detergents like windex.

• Poultice treatments are also preferred by some people to remove stains. Poultices are the materials that are made by combining paper, whiting, limestone etc. and are mixed with a solvent that is used to polish marble.

Cleaning or polishing marbles require some safety precautions. You must wear hand gloves and aprons to prevent any spilling of chemicals or other cleaners on your body or clothes. Always air dry the marble and prevent it from exposure to moisture. If you follow the guidelines given by your manufacturer you can easily retain the polish of your marble. When completely clean, it dazzles with a brightness that magnifies the appearance of the place.