How to Remove Stains from Marble Floors (Turmeric, Oil & Wine Stains)| A Complete Guide

Marble floors raise the beauty of any Indian home, it also requires special care. Spills of Turmeric, Oil and Red Wine will create yellow or dark spots that will be absorbed into the Marble and will not come out when you do your normal cleaning. Marble is porous and absorbs liquid easily which will cause deep stains on the material if not taken care of properly.

This blog will show you how to safely and effectively remove spots from Marble floors without damaging the shine, as well as some of the best tips for Indian homeowners. To maintain long-term beauty, Homeowners looking for high-quality Marble Flooring can find a variety of choices at World of Stones India.

Why Does Marble Stain So Easily?

Calcium Carbonate is in Marble and it reacts to an acid like Vinegar/Lemon Juice and Wine/Strong Cleaning Chemicals; therefore if you use the wrong cleaning product, you may make the stains even worse or cause etching of the surface.
So before you start, keep in mind the following Important Safety Rules:

✔ Do NOT use vinegar, bleach, or hydrochloric acid
✔ Avoid harsh scrubbers
✔ Blot (do NOT wipe) Fresh Spills.
✔ Always test cleaning products in a small inconspicuous area first.

1. How to Remove Turmeric Stains from Marble Floors?

Turmeric (Haldi) is a yellow spice used in cooking most commonly but also may be used during pooja ceremonies. If not cleaned right away after spilling turmeric on any surface, it will penetrate deep into the marble floor with a yellow hue.

Method 1: Baking Soda Paste (Safest Method)

You need:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• Few drops of water

Steps:

1. Combine baking soda and water to mix into a thick paste.
2. Apply this thick paste directly to the yellow stained area
3. Allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes
4. Wipe the stain off gently while using a soft cloth.

You can repeat this process as many times as you need in order to remove the turmeric stain.

Method 2: Hydrogen Peroxide (For Tough Stains)

Only for white/light marble

1. Take a cotton ball and soak it in hydrogen peroxide, 
2. place this on top of the stain. With the soaked cotton ball on the stain, use plastic wrap to cover it
3. Leave for 3–4 hours.
4. After the recommended waiting time, clean the stained area with a soft cloth, rinse well with water and dry with paper towels.

Extra Tip

Turmeric stains become darker when exposed to sunlight, making it important to treat them immediately after incidence. 

2. How to Remove Oil & Grease Stains from Marble Floors?

Oils from cooking pans, body moisturizers, hair oils, food spills, etc. can penetrate the marble floors and leave behind dark blotchy areas.

Method 1: Cornflour or Baking Soda (Absorption Method)

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda or cornflour on top of the stained oily area. 
2. Leave for 30–45 minutes so it absorbs the oil.
3. The cornstarch or baking soda will absorb most of the oil. After the recommended waiting time, gently wipe away with a damp cloth and wash with mild soap water. 
4. If there is a deep stain present, be sure to repeat the above steps until all of the oily stain has been removed.

Method 2: Marble Poultice (Strong But Safe)

Ingredients: Create a paste using Baking Soda mixed with Hydrogen Peroxide

Spread a layer approx 0.5 inches thick across the affected area, followed by covering with plastic for protection overnight (for optimal results, please do not disturb). Use warm water to rinse the area after a minimum of eight (8) hours have elapsed.

Regarding the effectiveness of using these two methods together, the marble poultice removed all traces of the stain because it has removed the oils from the pores in the marble stones, resulting in bright-white appointed marble that resembles its original; however, Cornflour/Baking Soda has worked very well for the removal of stains in the past from both Stone and Porcelain Tile surfaces.

Check it Also : How to Choose the Best Marble for Flooring? (Indian Homes Edition)

3. How to Remove Red Wine Stains from Marble Floors?

Red wine, as well as fruit juices and other colored liquids, can leave behind dark or pink stains on marble.

Method: Hydrogen Peroxide + Mild Dish Soap

1. Use equal parts mild dish soap and hydrogen peroxide, then dilute the mixture with two parts hydrogen peroxide. 
2. After you have mixed this solution, take a soft, damp cloth and use it to blot the stain rather than scrub it off. 
3. Be sure that any stubborn stain has been left on the marble for ten (10) minutes
4. before rinsing and drying the area.

Precaution

Do not leave hydrogen peroxide too long on dark marble, it may lighten the surface

4. How to Remove Rust Stains from Marble Floors?

Rusted stains on your marble floor typically originate from utilizing metal based furnishings, as well as flower pots.

Method: Lemon Juice (ONLY on Honed Marble)

1. Apply a few drops of lemon juice.
2. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes 
3. Wipe off immediately.

Do not apply lemon juice to polished marble surfaces as it will etch the surface of the marble! For polished marble surfaces, use one of the commercial available rust removers that are safe to use on marble surfaces.

5. How to Remove Hard Water Stains / Water Rings?

In bathrooms and kitchen floors, the presence of white mineral deposits.

Method: Vinegar-Free Solution

1. Using a vinegar free solution of baking soda mixed with warm water.
2. Make a paste and lightly scrub with a soft cloth until clean
3. Rinse the area completely

NEVER use vinegar because It will damage your marble flooring.

Visit Also: 10 Budget-Friendly Stone Flooring Ideas for Small Homes

Additional Common Marble Stains in Indian Homes

6. How to Remove Acid Etch Marks (Lemon, Vinegar, Cleaners)? Keep in mind acid etch marks occur as a result of using acids :

• Lemon
• Vinegar
• Pickle liquids
• Toilet cleaners
• Bathroom cleaners

Solution: Marble Polishing Powder

1. Apply marble polishing powder.
2. Rub in circular motion.
3. Buff with a soft microfiber cloth.
4. Seal the marble to prevent future etching.

Severely etched surfaces may require the assistance of a professional polisher.

7. How to Remove Food Stains (Tomato, Curry, Gravies, Spices)?

Food stains are among the most common types of stains that occur in Indian kitchens, and the most common food stains are:

• Tomato curry
• Masala gravies
• Coffee/tea
• Spices

Method: Mild Poultice

1. Mix baking soda and water to make a smooth paste. 
2. Apply on the stained area
3. Leave for 30–40 minutes.
4. Wipe clean and rinse off.

8. How to Remove Ink & Marker Stains from Marble?Ink stains from pens, markers, or printers are common in study rooms.

Method: Rubbing Alcohol

1. Put a little isopropyl alcohol with a cotton ball to the stained area
2. Dab gently (don’t rub harshly).
3. Rinse with water and dry.

Read Also : Best Stones for Bathroom Flooring That Won’t Slip

9. Mold & Mildew Stains (Bathroom Corners)?Marble is prone to developing mold and mildew in damp conditions, such as in bathrooms.

Method: Oxygen Bleach

1. Make a solution of oxygen bleach (never chlorine) and water.
2. Apply the solution to the area where mold/mildew is present
3. scrub gently with a soft sponge. Rinse the area with clean water.

10. Rubber & Shoe Scuff Marks on Marble FloorsScuff marks on marble are most often found in high traffic areas (i.e., Entryways / Living rooms / Hallways).

Method: Baking Soda Cream

1. Use a baking soda and water mixture to create a paste with a creamy consistency. 
2. Use a soft sponge to wipe marks.
3. Water to clean the marks.

General Tips to Keep Marble Floors Stain-Free

1. When something spills on your marble floors, it will absorb moisture very quickly, so it is important to clean up spills right away.
2. Be sure to use only pH-neutral cleaners specifically for cleaning marble.
3. Remember to re-seal your marble floor every 8-12 months to help prevent damage.
4. Avoid dragging heavy metal or rough objects on your floors as these items can scratch the surface of your marble.
5. Keep rugs in areas that have a high frequency of spills, such as the Kitchen or Dining Room.

If you choose to install premium Marble at home, consider World of Stone's selection of elegant and durable marble flooring options to see what's available.
✔ Indian Marble
✔ Makrana White Marble
✔ Imported Marble Alternatives
✔ Natural Stone Flooring Options

FAQs

1. Can vinegar remove stains from marble?

No. Vinegar is acidic and can etch or dull marble. Use pH-neutral cleaning products.

2. How do I remove old, deep marble stains?

You can make a marble poultice (a mixture of Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda) by mixing equal parts of the two substances and placing the poultice on top of the stain overnight.

3. Will hydrogen peroxide damage marble?

Hydrogen peroxide will not harm white marble; however, it may cause dark marble to become lighter due to prolonged exposure. Always test before using hydrogen peroxide on a marble surface.

4. How do I prevent stains on marble floors?

Seal your marble annually and clean spills immediately. Avoid harsh cleaners.

5. Which marble is easiest to maintain?

Makrana marble, some Indian marbles, and honed-finish marble are easier to maintain than high-gloss varieties.