Removing Oil Stains from Marble

Written by April Reinhardt (last updated February 28, 2022)

Marble is stone and, like other stones, it is porous by nature and liquids will seep inside. Always wipe up spills from marble immediately. If you don't catch a spill in time before it sets, however, there are ways to rid the marble of the stain. Follow these tips to remove oil stains from marble:

  • Using lukewarm water, clean the surface with a soft sponge that is barely damp, and then gently rub the marble with a soft cloth to dry.
  • Make a paste of powdered whiting (available at most hardware stores) and hydrogen peroxide, and use it as a poultice to draw the oil away from the marble.
  • Fill the stain with distilled water, and then fashion a poultice from marble-cleaning chemicals to draw the oil away from the marble.
  • When using chemicals as poultices, cover the area with plastic wrap and allow the poultice to dry completely – preferably overnight – and then wipe the poultice away the following day.
  • Once you've removed an oil stain from marble, polish the area with a dry cloth until the surface is glossy.

Consider applying a marble sealer to help provide a barrier against future stains. Very dirty marble can be cleaned with a borax paste, but be careful amount changing the color of the area you're cleaning. Consult with a marble-cleaning expert for more tips on how to clean oil stains from marble. Never use vinegar to clean marble, as the acidity of the material will etch the marble.

Author Bio

April Reinhardt

An admin­istrator for a mutual fund man­age­ment firm, April deals with the writ­ten word daily. She loves to write and plans to author a memoir in the near future. April attend­ed More­head State Uni­ver­sity to pursue a BA degree in Ele­men­tary Edu­ca­tion. ...

MORE FROM APRIL

Replacing a Thermostat

Although replacing a thermostat is a relatively simple task, it can be quite dangerous since you're dealing with ...

Discover More

Prom Fashion Basics for Girls

The number one rule to remember when choosing accessories for your Prom ensemble is never to overpower your dress. The ...

Discover More

Choosing Attractive Sportswear

While the obnoxious tracksuits of the seventies were anything but sportswear for exercise enthusiasts, they were the ...

Discover More

Tough Tools for Tough Cleaning Jobs O-Cel-O sponges and Scotch Brite scrubbers are truly a fashion-meets-function success story. The highly absorbent and durable sponges in this handy six-pack make quick work of tough cleaning problems in any kitchen, bathroom, or garage. Check out Scotch-Brite Heavy Duty Scrub Sponges today!

More Cleaning Tips

Cleaning Granite

Granite can be a beautiful addition to your home. Read here for information on how to clean it without hurting it.

Discover More

Restoring Yellowed Cultured Marble

Cultured marble can provide a wonderful touch of elegance to any room, and greatly enhance the charm of any home. ...

Discover More

Getting Rid of Marble Streaks

Marble countertops are a beautiful addition to any kitchen or bathroom. However, they do have a tendency to streak if you ...

Discover More
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 8 + 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)


Newest Tips
Subscribe

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in Cleaning Tips from Tips.Net. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

(Your e-mail address is not shared with anyone, ever.)

View the most recent newsletter.