There are a lot of misconceptions about marble. However, one thing that isn’t a false belief is that water can indeed stain your precious marble wall cladding.
While this occurrence is rare, it's not impossible. And if you are not careful, it can even lead to etching.
Find out in the below section!
How Water Can Stain Your Marble Wall Cladding And What Can You Do About It?
So, how does water stain marble?
Marble contains calcium carbonate, and when it comes into contact with acidic water, it forms tiny stains. The formula can lead to etching. Another way water can stain your marble cladding exterior is due to its mineral deposits. It is what experts call a hard water stain, and it often appears when water evaporates, leaving the minerals behind.
How Can You Remove Hard Water Stains From Marble Wall Cladding?
Hard water stains are common on exterior and bathroom wall cladding tiles. And fortunately, these stains are removable. Using any gentle marble-specific cleaner on the stains can easily break down the minerals, revealing your beautiful white marble wall cladding. Besides cleaning products, here are a few other things you can use to remove hard water stains.
• Dish soap: A gentle dish soap, diluted in warm water, can remove hard water stains from marble.
• Steel wool: You can use a soft bristle brush, a plastic scraper or steel wool to scrub off the mineral deposit. However, avoid using anything too aggressive. Otherwise, it may scratch your exterior marble wall cladding in Australia.
• Baking soda poultice: If the previous methods fail to remove the stains, create a baking soda poultice. Mix baking soda with a solvent like a marble cleaner, water, acetone or hydrogen peroxide. Create a thick, creamy paste and let it sit on the stain covered with plastic wrap overnight. The next day, remove the plastic wrap, scrap off the soda and use a damp cloth to clean the area.
How To Remove Etch Marks From Marble Wall Cladding?
If you have honed marble wall cladding or the etches are too deep, you will require professional help to remove them. However, if it’s light etching on polished marble, use this method to get rid of it.
• Put a small amount of marble polishing powder on the mark and mist it with clean water. Use a soft cloth to buff the spot until it’s dry. Repeat the process until you notice fading.
• Once you have removed the etch, use a marble cleaner to tidy up the area and apply a coat of acid-resistant impregnating sealer.
How To Prevent Etches And Hard Water Stains On Your Marble Wall Cladding?
If you have installed natural stone cladding in a commercial space, like a hotel, consider applying a chemical coating. Most professionals don’t recommend coating as it can compromise the look of marble stones and require additional maintenance. Still, it’s better than nothing if you don’t have any other option.
Another way to reduce the risk of etching is to apply a durable sealant. Seal the stone once in six months or a year. Additionally, keep acidic liquids and products away from your natural stone walls and floors.
Consider using stone-specific pH-balanced cleaners or mild cleaning solutions to clean the stone wall. And try not to let water sit on your marble walls for too long.
Endnote
Like any other natural stone, your marble wall cladding is prone to stains and scratches. Luckily, most stains are removable with quick actions. So, if you notice water stains on your wall, follow the above tips. Also, keep the stone away from acidic ingredients like ammonia, chlorine bleach, vinegar and lemon juice.
