How To Remove Stains From Marble Tiles

Last Updated on January 18, 2026 by David

Unfortunately there is no “catch-all” solution to stain removal.

There are a variety of stain treatment techniques available to remove marble stains.

The chemicals needed to remove stains from marble include solvents, bleaching agents, strong cleaning chemicals, poultices and other specialist chemical treatments.

A poultice is used to draw a stain out of the stone rather than scrubbing it further in. It is made by mixing an absorbent material (the carrier) with a suitable liquid chemical to form a paste, then leaving it in place so the stain can migrate up into the poultice as it dries. Always test first in an inconspicuous area, because some treatments can alter the appearance of marble.

Contact a Professional for Advice

Before starting to remove a stain from marble, you must have a good idea of the chemical make-up of the stain.

Some of these treatments will damage marble if they are used in the wrong way. The last thing you want is to find your attempt at removing the stain has only damaged your marble and you still have an ugly mark.

For this reason, it is often sensible to speak to a marble cleaning specialist before attempting to treat any type of marble staining.

In many cases, simple home remedies may work well. If the staining needs professional attention, a specialist will be able to advise safely.

Has the Stain Etched the Marble?

Before starting any stain treatment, it is important to understand the difference between a stain and an etch mark. Stains soak into the marble, sitting in the pores and voids on the surface, leaving a dark recognisable mark.

Etching can also leave dark marks that resemble stains, but the cause is different. An etch mark is surface damage where an acid has dissolved part of the marble itself.

Stain removal techniques will not remove etch marks. Etching requires surface correction using honing and polishing processes.

Common acidic spills that will etch marble floors include:

• Vinegar
• Wine
• Lemon or lime juice
• Fruit juices
• Tomato juice
• Fizzy drinks
• Milk

These liquids can react very quickly, and even if wiped up immediately they may still leave an etch mark.

Water spills should also be wiped up promptly, as minerals left behind when water evaporates can react with the marble surface.

Simple Steps You Can Take to Prevent Staining

Stain removal on marble can be time-consuming and costly. Prevention is always preferable and includes:

• Deep cleaning and treating marble with an impregnating sealer annually
• Taking care when carrying drinks over marble floors
• Using protectors under metal furniture
• Removing metal objects such as screws or nails promptly
• Placing hand soaps in trays to prevent drips
• Using mats around toilets to catch accidental spills

Below are common stain categories and their general likelihood of successful removal.

How successful stain removal will be depends on how long the stain has been there, how deeply it has penetrated, and the finish of the marble. Fresh, shallow staining is usually far more responsive than older marks that have had time to migrate deeper into the stone. In some cases, especially with deep metal staining or long-standing discolouration, a stain may only partly improve or may remain permanent.

Stain treatment is only one aspect of marble care, which is set out fully in our marble care, cleaning, repair and restoration guide.

Oil Stains

Oil-based stains include cooking oils, grease, make-up and oil-based paints. These usually darken the stone. Small stains often respond well to treatment, but large or deep stains may not be fully removable.

Organic Stains

Organic stains include tea, coffee, food, fruit and urine. These often leave brown or yellow marks and usually fade once the source of the staining is treated.

Metal Stains

Metal stains are commonly caused by iron, rust or copper. They often mirror the shape of the metal object and can be very difficult to remove once deeply embedded.

Ink Stains

Ink stains from pens or markers may be removable if they have not penetrated deeply into the stone. Deeper stains may be permanent.

Water Spots

Water spots are typically caused by mineral deposits left behind after hard water evaporates and are usually straightforward to remove.

Smoke Stains

Smoke and soot staining near open fireplaces can penetrate deeply over time. Older staining may continue to migrate to the surface and be difficult to eliminate completely.

Etch Marks

Etch marks are caused by acidic liquids dissolving the marble surface, leaving dull patches. These cannot be cleaned away and require professional surface refinishing.

Efflorescence

Efflorescence appears as a white powder caused by mineral salts migrating through the stone. It is common on new marble floors and should be removed regularly. Persistent efflorescence should be addressed by the installer.

If staining cannot be fully removed using standard techniques, surface material may need to be mechanically removed and refinished.

If repeated treatments do not noticeably lighten the stain, stop and seek advice, because further attempts can create surface damage, dull patches, or uneven results that are harder to put right than the original stain.

If you have stains on your marble and need advice, contact us for friendly professional guidance.