How To Clean Stained Cultured Marble

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11-08-2009, 12:33 PM

Location: Tucson 42,835 posts, read 83,656,085 times Reputation: 22814

Today I made a great "discovery" - a big yellow stain on my vanity top (cultured marble) under the soap dispenser! I've had these accessories for a few months now and there hasn't been a problem... The surface under the rest is fine. Lately I've been handling oils in this area, though, so it's possible that some oil leaked around the dispenser. Still... we're talking expensive designer accessories, not some junk from the dollar store! Why would even oil make it do that?! It's amazing how some stupid bath accessory can ruin your whole top! Just feel like suing the irresponsible manufacturer! I've been reading some advice about how to remove them, but I'd rather hear about some tried-and-true method. Baking soda doesn't seem to be helping so far. Hydrogen peroxide is recommended, but I've never used it. Afraid not to make things worse... I'd appreciate your help.

11-08-2009, 05:24 PM

20,793 posts, read 57,714,162 times Reputation: 10627

I would be interested to know as well. I have a stain from a candle in one of our bathrooms. For now I have it covered up with a vase-it works pretty well but it would be nice to remove it permanently.

11-09-2009, 07:13 AM

Location: Johns Creek, GA 15,496 posts, read 57,932,217 times Reputation: 19366

From the ICPA (International Cast Polymer Alliance)- For cultured marble, granite or onyx: Use liquid detergent for regular cleaning to remove mineral deposits and soap scum. Restore dull surfaces by using liquid cleaning compound (such as is used for cars), followed by a light application of liquid wax or paste. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring pads, scrapers, or sandpaper on any part of the surfaces. To remove built up hair spray, paint, tar, and difficult stains from the surface, use turpentine, denatured alcohol, or paint thinner. Be careful not to use turpentine or paint thinner on the hydrojets in a spa or plated components- damage to the plastic coatings may result. To remove plaster or construction residue, scrape the surface slightly with a wooden edge and wash with liquid detergent. Never use wire brushes or metal tools on any part of the cultured marble surfaces. If the stain is from hard water or mineral deposits, try using a cleaner for removing iron, calcium, or other such mineral deposits that are in your water supply. Most cleaning chemicals will not damage the gelcoat as long as label instructions are followed. That's what the experts say. The only other advise I would give- Consult with an area manufacturer. They probably have repair tech's on staff to fix problems like yours. Just look for local manufacturers that are ICPA members.

11-09-2009, 07:55 AM

Location: Tucson 42,835 posts, read 83,656,085 times Reputation: 22814

Quote: Originally Posted by K'ledgeBldr From the ICPA (International Cast Polymer Alliance)- For cultured marble, granite or onyx: Use liquid detergent for regular cleaning to remove mineral deposits and soap scum. Restore dull surfaces by using liquid cleaning compound (such as is used for cars), followed by a light application of liquid wax or paste. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool, scouring pads, scrapers, or sandpaper on any part of the surfaces. To remove built up hair spray, paint, tar, and difficult stains from the surface, use turpentine, denatured alcohol, or paint thinner. Be careful not to use turpentine or paint thinner on the hydrojets in a spa or plated components- damage to the plastic coatings may result. To remove plaster or construction residue, scrape the surface slightly with a wooden edge and wash with liquid detergent. Never use wire brushes or metal tools on any part of the cultured marble surfaces. If the stain is from hard water or mineral deposits, try using a cleaner for removing iron, calcium, or other such mineral deposits that are in your water supply. Most cleaning chemicals will not damage the gelcoat as long as label instructions are followed. That's what the experts say. The only other advise I would give- Consult with an area manufacturer. They probably have repair tech's on staff to fix problems like yours. Just look for local manufacturers that are ICPA members. Thanks. Quote: Originally Posted by golfgal I would be interested to know as well. I have a stain from a candle in one of our bathrooms. For now I have it covered up with a vase-it works pretty well but it would be nice to remove it permanently. Yesterday somebody told me she uses Clorox Clean-Up with bleach, but I haven't tried yet. The thing is I don't know what to do with this darn soap dispenser (or any other... unless it's white, I guess ) even if I manage to clean the stain... The stain is exactly in the shape of the bottom of the dispenser, so I have no doubts what caused it! I'm just not sure if the material of this particular one is weird or there was some interaction with oil because there isn't such a problem under the other pieces, unless it happens because of interaction with water because this one tends to get wet. Imagine... water around the sink... how can they think about it! The soap I've been using lately is different as well.

12-11-2009, 11:21 PM

california-jewel Location: OCEAN BREEZES AND VIEWS SAN CLEMENTE 19,894 posts, read 17,238,837 times Reputation: 6460

I know what the experts have to say, talked to many. Read online about things to do, but i have your problem also, and depending on what our stains are, nothing and i mean nothing i can do will take the stains away.I have given it my best effort, hubby done with the pros said, nothing and i mean nothing we can do will take the stains out, it upsets me, because my marble was so beautiful. Now it is ruined.If you find something that does work, please let me know.

12-21-2009, 08:18 PM

Location: Tucson 42,835 posts, read 83,656,085 times Reputation: 22814

Quote: Originally Posted by california-jewel I know what the experts have to say, talked to many. Read online about things to do, but i have your problem also, and depending on what our stains are, nothing and i mean nothing i can do will take the stains away.I have given it my best effort, hubby done with the pros said, nothing and i mean nothing we can do will take the stains out, it upsets me, because my marble was so beautiful. Now it is ruined.If you find something that does work, please let me know. The stain is still there... It makes me so mad! Cultured marble is not supposed to be porous no matter what!

12-21-2009, 10:20 PM

South Jersey Styx Location: In the woods 3,315 posts, read 9,474,383 times Reputation: 1523

I'm not sure about cultured marble but I read somewhere that lemons would take out stains from quarried/natural marble. Haven't tried it yet though.

12-05-2011, 06:49 PM

smartmcs 1 posts, read 75,816 times Reputation: 12

i discovered in my rental that there is something in ths sink i cannot get out. it is raised making the surface bumpy but not really rough. it is very dark, black really. feels a little like wax, but i am unable to scrape anything off. any suggestions.

12-08-2011, 01:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx I'm not sure about cultured marble but I read somewhere that lemons would take out stains from quarried/natural marble. Haven't tried it yet though. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Natural marble has a high content of minerals such as calcium carbonate, which is very sensitive to acids and alkalis. The citric acid in lemons will do a real trick on the marble. (meaning if it was polished, it won't be any more). Cultured marble, on the other hand, is often a mixture of calcium carbonate (marble stone dust), mixed with acrylic or polyester resin with powdered bauxite filler and pigments. It is a little more forgiving. There are plenty of websites that will list an entire array of products you can use.

12-08-2011, 01:52 PM

Location: Grosse Ile Michigan 29,592 posts, read 71,626,462 times Reputation: 36863

Marble is soft. It is not a good choice for a surface that may get stained. The stain is uaully int eh marble itself. If so, the only way to get it out will be to grind the marble down and polish it. Sometimes you have to grind fairly deep to get the stain out. I am nto sure if you can grind and polish cultured marble. I think it may be cheap enough to just replace it.

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How To Clean Stained Cultured Marble

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