Aloha & Welcome to the Do-It-Yourself Stain Removal Chart! This section is provided to help home owners remedy common stains on their natural stone. Please scroll to the bottom of the page for directions of 'How to Apply the Poultice'.

If you have any questions or would like one of our stone specialists evaluate your situation, please contact us.

ACNE CREAMS

Types:
Most acne creams on the market today contain Benzol Peroxide which is a bleaching agent.
Problem:
Acne creams which contain dyes can cause staining.These dyes are usually flesh to brown in color.
Solution:
1.Thoroughly clean the area with water and a soap( a mild detergent).
2.Once the area has dried, take some acetone on a clean white rag and rub the stained area.
3.If the acetone doesn't work poultice the area with a poultice powder and 30-50% hydrogen Peroxide.

BLEACH

Types:
Common household bleach, Clorox, soft scrub with bleach, mildew killer like X-14 and similar brands.
Problem:
Bleach contains sodium hypochlorite, which is an acid and can etch soft marbles.It may also lighten certain sedementry type stones like shell stone and coquina.
Solution:
1.Flood the area with clean water to remove any excess bleach.
2. If the stone is etched than repolish the area with a polishing powder such as aluminum oxide and oxalic acid .I recommend using a pre-packaged powder.Apply a small amount of powder add some water and rub the area into a slurry with a white buffing pad.
3.If the stone has lighten there is very little that can be done.An light application of linseed oil may cosmetically darken the area to help hide the discoloration.

BLOOD

Types:
Human and animal blood,raw meats prepared on a marble counterrop can cause blood staining.
Problem:
Blood contains salts and proteins,If cleaned while still fresh it will usually not stain.If allowed to dry blood stains can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a mild detergent(Ivory Soap works well).
2.Prepare a solution of 50% household ammonia and water.Apply this solution and allow to sit for several minutes. Gently scrub the area and rinse with cold clear water.
3.If stain is still present poultice with a powder like diatomous earth and ammonia.

CANDY-NON-CHOCOLATE

Types:
Hundreds of types of candies-All containing sugar and various dyes.
Problem:
Several candy's contain dyes, especially red dye can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Scrap remaining candy from surface.

2.Clean area with acetone and a clean white cloth.

3. If acetone doesn't work than poultice with powder like diatomous earth with one of the following solvents:
Mineral spirits
Toluene
Xylene
Methylene Chloride

TOMATO SAUCE

Types:
Barbecue, steak, spaghetti and catsup.
Problem:
These sauces contain tomato, tannin, oil and dyes.The dyes will leave a red to brown stain.The oil will penetrate the stone and darken.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory works well).
2.If stain is still present clean the area with an alkaline degreaser(Commercial degreasers are available at most janitorial supply houses).Mix with water according to directions and let solution stand on stained area for several minutes. Agitate with a cloth and rinse with clean water.
3.If stain is still not removed than poultice with powder(diatomous earth or similar powder) and an alkaline degreaser.A second poultice may be required using powder and a solvent such as toluene or methylene chloride if there is dye present.

HARD WATER STAINS

Types:
Water stains from irrigation systems, faucets , bathroom fixtures, shower walls, etc.
Problem:
The minerals in water will leave mineral deposits which can appear as a white haze to large deposits of crust like minerals.
Solution:
1.If deposits are large try scrapping off excess deposits with a sharp razor blade.
2. Next apply an solution of weak phosphoric acid and agitate the area applying more acid as needed.This will etch all marble surfaces so plan on re-finishing the marble.
3.Re-hone and polish the stone if necessary.
Some mineral deposits will be immbeded below the surface of the stone and may cause spalling.If this is the case, replacement of the damaged stone is the only alternitive.

COFFEE/TEA

Types:
Instant coffee, hot tea and iced tea
Problem:
Coffee and tea both contain tannin which can leave a yellow to brown stain.If left on stone long enough the stain can penetrate deep and be nearly impossible to remove.If the concentration of coffee or tea is strong enough it can also etch the surface of polished marble.
Solution:
1.Pour 35% hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain and add a few drops of ammonia. Leave until bubbling stops.
Caution: Do not use ammonia only.Ammonia can permanently set the stain.
2.If above procedure does not remove stain than poultice with powder and 35% hydrogen peroxide.
3.If all else fails try poulticing with toluene or xylene.

LIGHT FRUIT JUICE

Types:
Apples, pears, oranges, lemon, lime, grapefruit and there juices.
Problem:
The acids in some fruits, especially lemon will etch polished marble.The sugars in these fruits will turn yellow or brown if allowed to sit too long.
Solution:
1.If the surface is etched re-polish using a commercial available polishing powder.If the etch is very deep, re-honing may be necessary.
2.If the fruit has left a stain than clean the area with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory or Stone Soap).
3.If stain still remains poultice with poultice powder and 20-50% hydrogen peroxide.

RED FRUIT

Types:
Cherry, grape, blueberry, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, strawberry and there juices.
Problem:
All these fruits contain dyes which can be very difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Clean area with cold water. Caution do not use soap, it can set the stain .
2. If stain still remains poultice with 20% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
3.If stain is still not removed , poultice with toluene and poultice powder.

GREASE

Types:
Petroleum type grease like wheel bearing grease, cooking grease(Crisco) and vegetable oils, etc.
Problem:
Can leave a nasty dark stain that can penetrate deeply into the stone.Can be very difficult to remove.Try to remove as soon as grease is spilled.
Solution:
1.Clean area thoroughly with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory or stone soap).
2.Soak stained area with a commercial degreaser for several minutes.If degreaser solution drys, reapply keeping it wet.Remove excess degreaser and rinse with clear water.
3.If stain is still present poultice with commercial degreaser and poultice powder.
4. For stubborn grease stains poultice with toluene or methylene chloride and poultice powder.

FATTY OILS

Types:
Butter, margarine, fried foods, mayonnaise, salad dressings, gravy, etc.
Problem:
Fats and oils can leave a dark stain which can be difficult to remove.Some salad dressings and foods contain dyes which can also cause staining.
Solution:
1. Thoroughly clean stained area with cold water and a good detergent(Ivory or stone soap).
2. Apply a commercial degreaser to the stained area and let sit for several minutes.Remove excess degreaser and rinse with clean, clear water.
3.If stain is still present, poultice with Commercial degreaser and poultice powder.
4. For stubborn stains poultice with a solvent such as toluene and poultice powder.

LOTION

Types:
Baby lotion, body, suntan and hair oil, etc.
Problem:

Lotions contain various oils which can cause dark staining. Can be difficult to remove if left on too long.
Solution:
1.Thoroughly clean area with water and a good detergent(Ivory or Stone Soap).
2.Prepare a solution of a commercial degreaser and water.Apply solution to the stained area and let sit for several minutes.Agitate and remove excess solution and rinse with cold clear water.Repeat several times.
3.If stain is deep apply a poultice of Commercial degreaser and poultice powder.

MAKE-UP

Types:
Mascara, blush, eye shadow, liquid foundation, etc.
Problem:
Dyes, waxes and oils can stain stone.A lot of makeup has a high concentration of dye, which can be tricky to remove.
Solution:
1.Remove any excess makeup, by blotting with a clean white rag.Do Not wipe, this will only spread the stain wider.
2. Clean the stained area with de-natured alcohol and a clean white cloth.Blot, DO Not wipe.
3. If stain still remains than poultice with 20-59% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
4. If stain still remains, poultice with a solvent like Toluene and poultice powder.

NAIL POLISH

Type:
Enamel or lacquer types.
Problem:
Nail polishes will dry very quickly. For this reason the dyes it contains will rarely penetrate into polished stone.Rough texture stone is another problem, the nail polish will penetrate immediately causing a difficult to remove stain.
Solution:
1.Immediately blot with a clean white cloth.
2. Apply acetone to the stain and blot with a clean white cloth. Continue to apply acetone and blot until stain disappears.
3.If stain is old, poultice with a solvent(Toluene,alcohol, etc) and a poultice powder such as diatomous earth.

OIL

Type:
Automotive, cooking and lubricating, etc.
Problem:
Oil can be very difficult to remove on most stone.Oils will penetrate deep into the stone and will spread out throughout the stone.Try to clean up the oil spill as soon as it happens.
Solution:
1.lot up any excess oil with a clean white cloth.If oil has dried on the surface scrap with a sharp razor.
2.If oil is still fresh and has penetrated into the stone sprinkle a generous portion of dry poultice powder on the spill and let stand for 12-24 hours.
3. Remove the dry poultice and prepare a solution of commercial degreaser and water.Apply this solution to the spill and keep it wet for 30 minutes.Vacuum the solution up and blot the remainder with a clean white cloth.
4.If stain is still present poultice with a solvent(Methylene chloride works best) and a poultice powder like diatomous earth.

RUST

Type:
Iron oxide
Problem:
Rust is one of the most difficult stains to remove.It can cause a reddish-brown to yellow stain that can permanently set into the stone.
Solution:
1.If the rust is new try apply a solution of "Iron-Out"(available at home centers) and water.mix into a slurry and lightly agitate the area with a soft bristle brush.Rinse with clear water.
Caution:This product may cause etching, be prepared to re-polish.
2.If stain is old and has penetrated into the stone poultice with Iron Out and poultice powder.
Caution: Do not use clay powders, use diatomous earth.
3. If #2 above does not work poultice with hydrofluoric acid and poultice powder.
Caution;Never use bleach, it will only make stain worst.

SOY/WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

Type:
All brands of soy and worcestershire sauces.
Problem:
Coloring and proteins in these sauces can be extremely difficult to remove.
Solution:
1.Clean the area thoroughly with acetone and a clean white cloth.Be sure to blot only.
2.Poultice with a solvent(Toluene ) and a poultice powder.

WATER RINGS/SPOTS

Type:
Rings from drinking glasses and hard water spots from drips.
Problem;
Water will not usually stain but will leave a white ring or spot.This ring or spot is deposits of minerals from the water. If the drink contains acid(lemon in ice tea) it will etch polished marble in the shape of a ring or spot.
Solution;
1.Try buffing ring or spot with dry #000 steel wool.
2.I fring or spot still remains re-polish with polishing powder.
3.If ring or spot is very deep re-honing may be necessary.
Caution:If the stone has been waxed or colored with dyes the ring may have cleaned the wax or dyes from the surface.To test for waxes or dyes take some acetone and clean an inconspicuous area.If the stone lightens than there is a wax or dye on the stone. If this is the case you will need to re-wax or re-dye.

WINES

Type:
All red wines.
Problem;
The tannin contained in red wine can severely stain stone .
Solution:
1.Clean the area thoroughly with acetone and a clean white cloth.
Caution <!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->o Not use detergent and water-this may set stain.
2.If stain is still present poultice with 20-50% hydrogen peroxide and poultice powder.
3. If stain is stubborn try poulticing with a solvent(Toluene) and poultice powder.

SOAP FILM

Type:
Soap film on shower walls and vanity tops.
Problem:
Soap from showers can build up on shower walls leaving a film that will not wash off with regular cleaning.
Solution:
1.If soap film is thick,scrap with a razor blade.Wet the surface to avoid scratching the surface.
2.Once all heavy build-up is removed clean with acetone and a green scrub pad.
3. There are also commercial soap film removers on the market which work well, but be careful that they do not contain acids which can etch polished marble.
Several poultices may need to be applied to completely remove all staining.

APPLYING THE POULTICE

Once the stain is identified, the following steps can be followed:
1. Identify the stain.
2. Clean the stained area to remove excess from the surface.
3. Wet the stained area with distilled water. Pre-wetting fills the pores of the stone with water -isolating the stain and accelerating the removal by the chemical.
4. Prepare the poultice. If a powder is to be used, pre-mix the powder and the chemical of choice into a thick paste, the consistency of peanut butter. In other words, wet it enough so that it does not run. If a paper poultice is to be used -soak the paper in the chemical. Lift the paper out of the chemical until it stops dripping.
5. Apply the poultice to the stain being careful not to spill any on the non-stained areas. Apply approximately one-quarter-inch thick overlapping the stain area by about one inch.
6. Cover the poultice with plastic (food wrap works great). Tape the plastic down to seal the edges. Allow the poultice to dry thoroughly. This is a very important step. The drying of the poultice is what pulls the stain from the stone into the poultice material. If the poultice is not allowed to dry, the stain may not be removed. Drying usually takes from 24 to 48 hours.
7. After 24 to 48 hours, remove the plastic.
8. Remove the poultice from the stain. Rinse with distilled water and buff dry with a soft cloth. If the stain is not removed, apply the poultice again. It may take up to five applications for difficult stains.
9. Some chemicals may etch the marble surface. If this occurs, then apply polishing powder and buff with a piece of burlap to restore the shine.