Cleaning Marble

Marble is probably the most famous and beautiful of all stones, and is classed into four categories depending on its hardness. But it is also quite sensitive in some ways, and requires upkeep to maintain its famous appearance. Used throughout the classical Greek and Roman periods for statues and grand buildings, it was used extensively both on the interior and the exterior. In contemporary settings, marble is seen most frequently as a bar surface, as a fireplace, or in the bathroom, where it gives a luxurious finish.

Stains, when left untreated, can really blight marbles appearance. Household products can do damage to delicate marble surfaces though, so regular softwash maintenance is suggested instead.

Before commencing with cleaning your marble, we will first inspect for signs of troublesome damage that need repairing. Then for the marble’s general cleaning and maintenance we will cleanse the surface with a very mild softwash detergent blend, designed for the specific marble type, to remove superficial dust and staining. This is done with warm water, but before residues can mar the surface we lightly rinse the stone. We never allow marble to dry in the air, buffing it dry instead with a special chamois leather. We then use a designated marble polish, applied by hand or machine as appropriate, to really bring forth a brilliant shine.

Marble stains can be very problematic to remove once they penetrate the surface. To restore stained marble, we will first inspect and then perform a general softwash cleanse as described above. Stains will be treated with a softwash poultice paste manufactured to meet the marble’s exact requirements, and this poultice will be left for approximately 48 hours before being carefully removed and any remnants rinsed gently away. This can then be repeated in cases of lingering staining.

Softwashing UK are experienced in cleaning marble in interiors and exteriors, including the treatment of monuments and statues. Our softwash blends can also treat all manner of organic growths, as well as non-organic stains that can lighten marble.

When cleaning marble, indoors or out, call Softwashing UK.