Although the popular belief is that rust only affects metal objects and surfaces, materials like marble that are soft and porous are also prone to iron deposits and rust stains, even though it’s a rock composed of minerals. White and other light-colored marble surfaces often develop rust when they have been exposed to moisture for a prolonged period of time.
To remove rust stains from marble, you can use rust removing poultice, which works on both smooth and porous surfaces of marble. Additionally, you can also make use of store-bought rust removing pastes, gels, and sprays that have been specifically designed to remove rust stains from marble surfaces.
Using rust removers or chemicals that are not suitable or made for marble can greatly damage the surface, such as removers for metal objects, which can be too strong for marble and can end up corroding it. Let’s look at some of the safe options you can use instead.
Why Does Marble Rust?
In most cases, prolonged exposure or contact with moisture or metal objects can lead to strong rust stains on marble floors and counters. However, there are different chemicals you can make use of when dealing with light or heavy rust stains. Some people recommend using DIY products made of lemon juice and baking soda, but the acetic acid present in it can affect the marble, too.
But before you proceed, take note that it is highly recommended that you use a pair of gloves when dealing with all these cleaners and removers. Though most of these chemicals don’t do much damage even if you come into direct contact with it, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, given that they contain strong chemicals and might affect you if you have sensitive skin.
Use Rust Removing Poultice
Rust stains on marble can be difficult to remove, even if they’re detected at an early stage. Additionally, normal rust removers that work great on most surfaces may not be the best option for marble, as it can easily damage and ruin the surface layer of the marble. Hence, it’s essential to use chemicals that are not reactive with marble.
A poultice is one such ingredient that removes most rust stains from marble objects. It is a mixture of kaolin, whiting, fuller’s earth, diatomaceous earth, powdered chalk, white molding plaster, and talc. It is usually in the consistency of a paste and removes rust stains from marble after it has been applied for a few hours.
While some people make their own poultice paste at home, you can also find manufactured poultice rust removers that work just as effectively. Just make sure that it is usable on marble when buying it and not unknowingly damage it.
TeRust Rust Remover is a rust removing poultice powder that works on both granite and marble surfaces, without having any adverse side effects. The only drawback is that it may not work as effectively on tough rust stains as it does on light ones. If your marble surface is only slightly discolored due to rust, then this remover will be a great choice.
How to Use It
- Take an adequate amount of powder (depending on the surface area of the stain) and mix it with water to form a paste. Make sure the paste isn’t too runny and resembles the consistency of toothpaste.
- Apply this paste on the stained area.
- Cover the paste with plastic wrap and make a few holes on the wrap using a toothpick.
- Let this remain undisturbed for 24 to 48 hours (one or two days).
- After this, remove the dried powder. The rust stain should’ve been absorbed by the paste, and there won’t be a need to scrub the area.
- You will need to reseal the marble after this process is complete to make sure rust does not form there again.
Use Rust Removing Gel
Rust removing gels are slightly stronger than the poultice rust removers. So if the stains on your marble are exceptionally adamant, you can consider using a gel that’s meant for marble surfaces.
Row NO RUST Stain Remover is one such gel that removes stubborn rust stains from marble floors, tiles, countertops, and any other object or surface that is made out of marble, granite, or stone. Another advantage is that it does not take more than 20 minutes to remove the stain, making it slightly more convenient than the poultice remover.
How to Use
- Since the remover is already in the liquid form, you simply need to apply an adequate quantity to the stained area.
- Allow the gel to sit on the area for at least 15 minutes.
- After 15 minutes, rub off the mixture and check the stained area. Some tough stains might require a second round of cleaning, so repeat the process if the stain persists.
- After removing the rust stain, be sure to repolish or reseal the marble surface to prevent rust from affecting the area again.
Use Rust Removing Powder
Rust removing powders are usually stronger than all other removers. They also tend to contain quite a few chemicals that allow it to remove heavy-duty rust stains. So if the stain doesn’t go even after using the products that were previously mentioned in this article, then you can definitely trust a rust removing powder to do the job instead.
Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Powder is a heavy-duty rust remover in the form of a powder. It can be used on both metal and stone surfaces, and also works on marble as well. The powder contains chemicals that change rust and iron into a clear soluble state, which removes the need for scrubbing.
If you are not convinced yet, you might want to check out the customer reviews and pictures on Amazon, which show the effectiveness of the product.
How to Use
- Wet the surface of the rust affected surface with water.
- Apply the powder on a cloth or sponge and rub it gently onto the surface of the marble.
- Let the powder sit for about 15 minutes. Leave it a little longer if the stains are difficult to remove.
- Rub the surface a little more and wash it clean.
- Remember to use a sealant once you have removed the rust stains using this chemical.
Use Rust Removing Paste
Another option you can consider using is a rust removing paste, which does the same job but with a different method. The EcoGurus is a multi-purpose cleaning paste that also removes rust stains and can also be used to clean other appliances or objects in your home. It’s in the form of a paste and comes in a container with a sponge along with it.
In addition to this, it doesn’t have a strong chemical odor like most cleaners and is made out of plant-based products, making it a natural cleaner. Also, remember that since this is a natural product, it may not be very effective on tough stains.
How to Use
- Take the sponge that comes along with the paste and moisten it with water.
- Take a sufficient amount of paste with the sponge and squeeze it until it becomes foamy. Make as much foam as you can, as this will help the process become easier.
- Next, use the sponge to apply the foam on the affected area.
- Rub the rust stain for a few minutes until you notice it disappearing.
- Wash the area with water and clean the remaining foam.
- Remember to use a sealant once you have cleaned the rust off completely.
Use Rust Removing Spray
This is another type of rust remover which comes in a spray bottle and is generally water-based. This can be easily sprayed on any surface and is slightly less strong than rust removing powders.
Iron OUT Rust Stain Remover Spray is a rust remover that comes in a spray bottle and can be used on almost any surface inside or outside your household. It is a heavy-duty rust remover and can work on tough stains as well.
In addition to this, it’s spray nozzle allows its liquid to reach areas that might be hard to clean by rust removing powders and pastes. I highly recommend checking out the customer reviews of this product on Amazon as it will give you a better understanding of just how easy to use and effective this product is.
How to Use
- Spray the stained area with a generous amount of the liquid.
- Allow it to sit for a minimum of 20 minutes. You can let it stay for a few more minutes if the stains are excessively hard to clean.
- Wipe the liquid off with a cloth. There is no need to scrub the surface as the chemical will dissolve the rust and turn it into a liquid that can be rubbed off quite easily.
- Be sure to reseal the marble with a good sealant once you have finished cleaning the rust affected area.
Use a Good Sealant to Prevent Rust on Marble
Now that you have figured out how to get rid of rust stains from marble, it is important that you take some preventive measures to make sure the rust does not return after a while.
Marble is quite porous and can easily accumulate iron deposits, which will later lead to rust. When you use a marble sealant to seal the surface of the marble, it basically clogs the pores of the surface and prevents foreign substances from penetrating the pores. Sealants are typically made out of resin and liquid-based solvent.
Miracle Sealant is a marble sealer that can be used on a few other surfaces that are similar to marble as well. It is made up of a formula that is resistant to oil and water will not allow moisture to penetrate the pores of the marble. It is colorless and can also be used on kitchen countertops and food-prep areas.
How to Use
- Clean the surface of the marble thoroughly. Make sure there are no rust stains, dirt, grime, dust, or residue from the previous sealant.
- Once you have cleaned the surface, allow it to dry before applying the sealant.
- Then, proceed to apply the sealant evenly over the surface of the marble until you have covered it completely. Make sure not to miss any part.
- While applying the sealant, be sure to use a lint-free cloth.
- Allow the sealant to sit on the marble for about 5 minutes. This is to ensure that the sealant penetrates the marble surface completely.
- After 5 minutes, remove the excess sealant using a cloth.
- You can also use a lint-free cloth to buff the surface of the marble.
- Allow the surface to dry for 3 to 5 hours before you touch it.
The only thing you absolutely need to remember when using sealants is to clean the surface thoroughly before applying the sealant. If the surface is not cleaned well, it ruins the purpose of using a sealant as the dirt and moisture present in the marble will lead to rust formation eventually.
Also, be sure to give the sealant time to dry completely once you have applied it. It is advisable to let it sit for at least 72 hours before it comes into contact with any agents that might potentially stain it.
Summary
Having read this article, you now know of the different methods and products you can employ when removing rust stains from marble. Here is a short summary of the article below.
To remove rust stains:
- Use a rust removing poultice powder for light stains.
- Use strong store-bought powders for heavy-duty stains.
- Rust removers in the form of gels and pastes can be used to remove stains that are not very adamant.
- Rust removing sprays are perfect for strong stains on surfaces that are not easy to reach.
To prevent rust stains:
- Make sure to use a good quality sealant to seal the surface of the marble once you have cleaned it thoroughly.