Why acid ruins marble, and what to clean it with instead
Marble looks tough, but it is a limestone. Anything acidic eats a thin layer of its surface, and the shine disappears where it touched. That is why dull patches show up after mopping with a limescale remover or after a splash of lemon juice.
How to tell an etch from dirt
- The patch is dull and slightly rough, and soap and water do not lift it.
- Its shape follows the spill or the path of the mop.
- It shows most with light coming in from the side.
Dirt comes off with cleaning. An etch only goes with polishing or grinding.
What causes it
- Limescale removers and acidic bathroom cleaners.
- Vinegar, lemon and fizzy drinks.
- “Strong” cleaners used to lift cement splash after finishing work.
What to clean marble with
- A neutral cleaner (pH close to 7), diluted in water.
- A soft microfibre mop, and dry the floor afterwards.
- Wipe spills straight away, especially coffee and juice.
Our guide to pH in cleaning products explains acidic, alkaline and neutral.
If the damage is done
A light etch needs a local polish. If a wide area has lost its shine, the floor needs grinding and then polishing. We work wet, so no dust spreads. Prices are on the prices page, and the details are on the marble grinding and polishing service.
FAQ
Will polishing bring the shine back?
For a light etch, yes. Deep scratches need grinding before the polish.
Are “marble-safe” cleaners enough?
If they are neutral, yes. Read the label and avoid anything that promises to remove limescale.