Marble Changing Color | Causes & Fixes

Are you wondering why my marble is changing color?

Then you’ve come to the right place because that’s exactly what I’ll be going over in this post. I like to keep things short and sweet, so let’s get into it!

Marble turning brown

Why is my marble turning brown

Your marble is turning brown because a metal object such as a shaving cream can or another piece of metal has been left in a pool of water. The brown discoloration is probably rust. If the seal on the marble is not in good condition there is a chance that the rust will be difficult to clean. 

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How to take out staining

Baking Soda and Water

Making a mixture of baking soda and water and applying it to the brown stain is one option for taking out the stain. You can mix the baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, put a piece of plastic wrap over the mixture and let it sit for 24 hours. 

After the time period has passed you can remove the plastic and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.  

Marble Cleaner

Marble cleaners are specifically designed to remove stains from marble surfaces. They can be found in most home improvement stores or online. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and use.

Marble turning yellow

Why is my marble turning yellow

Your marble is turning yellow for a variety of factors, including sun exposure, reaction to chemicals, and acidic liquids or improper waxing. A yellowing stain is a form of oxidation. Age may be another reason your marble is turning yellow if proper care and maintenance have been neglected.

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How to take out staining

To remove the yellow staining from your marble due to old age or sun exposure may require a professional service to resurface your marble and reseal it. However, there are some marble cleaners specifically designed to take out yellow stains. 

A mixture of liquid soap and flour can be used to remove a yellow stain from your marble. Mix the ingredients into a paste and apply it to the stain. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap after the allotted time and wipe clean with a damp cloth. 

Marble turning green

Why is my marble turning green

Your marble could be turning green because of a process called patination. When your marble has a reaction and oxidation occurs and develops a patina this can cause a greenish color to form. This can be a disadvantage if you are not wanting a vintage look to your marble. 

How to take out staining

To remove the green stain you can follow these steps:

  1. Mix a solution of equal parts water and hydrogen peroxide.
  2. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Scrub the stain with a soft-bristled brush or a white scrub pad. Be sure to use a gentle touch to avoid scratching the surface of the marble.
  4. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
  5. Dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

It’s best to keep your marble clean and well sealed to avoid having to go through the extra steps of removing stains. Wiping up spills immediately can help in this process. 

Marble turning white

Why is my marble turning white

There are two possible answers to why your marble is turning white. One is a process called efflorescence and the other is called etching. Efflorescence is the leftover deposits of salt caused by evaporation and etching is caused by acidic substances.  Both can turn your marble white.

How to take out staining

Efflorescence can be cleaned with a solution of muriatic acid, while etching requires professional polishing and restoration. To prevent etching, acidic substances such as lemon juice, wine, and vinegar should be cleaned immediately from the marble surface and use coasters or placemats under acidic drinks.

Efflorescence 

  1. Mix a solution of 1 part muriatic acid to 10 parts water. Wear gloves and eye protection when using muriatic acid.
  2. Apply the solution to the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
  3. Scrub the white with a stiff-bristled brush or a white scrub pad. Gently scrub to avoid scratching the surface of your marble.
  4. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
  5. Neutralise the acid by rinsing the area with water and dry the area thoroughly with a clean, dry cloth.

Important Note: muriatic acid should be used with care as it can damage the surface of the marble if left on for too long, or if the concentration is too strong. It’s best to test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on the whole surface.

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Marble turning pink

Why is my marble turning pink

Your marble is turning pink because of a mold called Serratia Marcescens. This pink mold is a slimy substance that grows in moist areas like showers, sinks, and groutlines. It feeds on the fatty and phosphorus materials found in soap and shampoo. If allowed to grow this bacteria can spread quickly.

How to take out staining

Regular cleaning with a mildew cleaner specifically formulated for use on natural stone and tile surfaces can also help prevent the growth of pink mold. If left untreated, it can cause permanent discoloration and staining, so it’s important to address it promptly.

Marble turning orange

Why is my marble turning orange

Your marble is turning orange because of rust. The orange color is oxidation of the iron in your marble. It’s a good indicator that you need to reseal your marble. Marble is a porous material that must be sealed to protect it from absorbing materials that will stain it.

How to take out staining

To remove the rust stains from your marble you can use a mild abrasive and water to create a paste. Rust stains are a bit more difficult because they are going to be deeper in the marble. Scrubbing the area gently to avoid damage to the marble is recommended.

It’s possible that the DIY methods might not completely get rid of the orange stain and professional help will need to be called in to avoid damaging your marble. You can also try a marble cleaning product specifically made for removing orange stains caused by rust. 

Marble turning purple

Why is my marble turning purple

It’s possible your marble is turning purple due to a discoloration process. It may be reacting to a certain chemical. Make sure you are only using a proper cleaning product for everyday use and always use the proper sealant for your marble.

Regular cleaning with a pH-neutral cleaner, and using coasters or placemats under acidic drinks may prevent any further discoloration, but if a DIY cleaning method doesn’t work you may need to look for a professional service to clean and reseal your marble. 

How to take out staining

The purple stain is probably an oxidation issue and you may be able to use a mixture of a diluted Hydrogen peroxide and water.

  1. To make the paste, you can mix equal parts  3% hydrogen peroxide and water. 
  2. Apply the paste to the purple stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. 
  3. With a soft-bristled brush or a white scrub pad scrub the area, being sure to use a gentle touch to avoid scratching the surface of the marble. 
  4. Wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
Greg

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From College to rented apartments, to now my own house, I've decorated them all. I'm a huge home improvement enthusiast and I share my knowledge with you here.

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