Stain Removal from your natural stone bath or sink

Identifying the type of stain on the stain surface is the key to removing it. If you don't know what caused the stain, play detective. Where is the stain located? Is it near a plant, a food service area, an area where cosmetics are used? What colour is it? What is the shape or pattern? What goes on in the area around the stain?
Surface stains can often be removed by cleaning with an appropriate cleaning product or household chemical. Deep-seated or stubborn stains may require the use of a poultice, or if needed, having your stone re-surfaced.
The following sections describe the types of stains that you may have to deal with and appropriate household chemicals to use and how to prepare and apply a poultice to remove the stain.

Types of Stains and First Step Cleaning Actions

Oil Based (grease, tar, cooking oil, milk, cosmetics)
An oil based stain will darken the stone and normally must be chemically dissolved so the source of the stain can be flushed or rinsed away. Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach OR household detergent OR mineral spirits OR acetone. A poultice may also be used. See below under Making and Using a Poultice for a recipe.
Organic (coffee, tea, fruit, tobacco, paper, food, urine, leaves, bark, bird droppings)
An organic stain may cause a pinkish-brown stain and may disappear after the source of the stain has been removed. Outdoors, with the sources removed, normal sun and rain action will generally bleach out the stains. Indoors, clean with 12% hydrogen peroxide (hair-bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia.
Metal (iron, rust, copper, bronze)
Iron or rust stains are orange to brown in colour and follow the shape of the staining object such as nails, bolts, screws, cans, flower pots, metal furniture. Copper and bronze stains appear as green or muddy brown and result from the action of moisture on nearby or embedded bronze, copper or brass items. Metal stains must be removed with a poultice. (See section below for making and using a poultice). Deep-seated, rusty stains are extremely difficult to remove and the stone may be permanently stained.
Biological (algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi)
Clean with diluted ammonia OR bleach OR hydrogen peroxide (1/2 cup per gallon of water). DO NOT MIX BLEACH AND AMMONIA! THIS COMBINATION CREATES A LETHAL AND TOXIC GAS!
Ink (magic marker, pen, ink)
Clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide (light colored stone only!) or lacquer thinner or acetone (dark colored stone only!)
Paint
Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade. Heavy paint coverage should be removed with a commercial "heavy liquid" stripper available from hardware stores or paint centers. Do not use acids or flame tools to strip paint from stone. Paint strippers can etch the surface of the stone; re-polishing may be necessary. Follow the manufacturer's directions for use of these products, taking care to flush the area thoroughly with clean water. Protect yourself with rubber gloves and eye protection, and work in a well ventilated area. Use only wood or plastic scrapers for removing the sludge and curdled paint. Normally, latex and acrylic paints will not cause staining. Oil-based paints, linseed oil, putty, caulks and sealants may cause oily stains.
Water Spots and Rings (surface accumulation of hard water)
Buff with dry 0000 steel wool.
Etch Marks are caused by acids left on the surface of the stone. Some materials will etch the finish but not leave a stain. Others will both etch the surface and leave a stain. Once the stain has been removed, wet the surface with clear water and sprinkle on marble polishing powder (available from a hardware or lapidary store). Rub the powder onto the stone with a damp cloth or by using a buffing pad with a low speed power drill. Continue buffing until the etch mark disappears and the marble surface shines.
Efflorescence is a white powder that may appear on the surface of the stone. It is caused by water carrying mineral salts from below the surface of the stone rising through the stone and evaporating. When the water evaporates, it leaves the powdery substance. If the installation is new, dust mop or vacuum the powder. You may have to do this several times as the stone dries out. Do not use water to remove the powder; it will only temporarily disappear.
Scratches and Nicks
Slight surface scratches may be buffed with dry 0000 steel wool. Or, refer to the above sections on etch marks and follow the polishing procedure. Deeper scratches and nicks in the stone can be re-surfaced and re-polished in our shop.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.         Care & Precautions
2.         Cleaning Procedures & Recommendations
3.         Know Your Stone
4.         Spills and Stains
5.         Making and Using a Poultice
6.         Do's and Don'ts