Marble and other stone countertops have been in vogue for years and years. Most stone countertops offer timeless beauty, are durable, appreciate in or maintain their value, provide a very unique variety as every piece is just a little bit different, and are readily available. But unfortunately, some stone and marble, in particular, is relatively soft and very porous, which means that certain substances can be extremely damaging. Vinegar, in particular, can create lasting damage if not treated right away.

Removing Vinegar from Your Marble Or Stone Surfaces

Follow these six steps to remove vinegar from your marble or stone surface.

  • Blot away any vinegar that is lingering on the surface. Be sure to do this immediately after the vinegar has been spilled.
  • Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda onto the surface.
  • Gently wipe the baking soda into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. Be cautious to ensure you do not scrub too hard, as that can damage the surface.
  • Rinse with water and dry with a soft towel. Be sure to use water and not another surface cleaner. The water will help to neutralize the pH in the vinegar, which can help prevent further damage.
  • Gently wipe away any remaining baking soda. As a reminder, baking soda is a light abrasive and it is also a natural disinfectant. So, be sure to use caution when wiping down the marble surfaces. Make sure you remove all traces of the baking soda so that any that is left doesn’t scratch the surface.

The Benefits of Cleaning Your Marble Surfaces With Baking Soda

Baking soda is an excellent solution for many cleaning needs due to its affordability. Baking soda also serves as an effective sanitizer, stain remover, and deodorizer. Since it does not contain any harsh chemicals, baking soda is less likely to scratch your marble or stone countertop or other surfaces.

With marble, it is crucial to avoid the use of basic household cleaners as they can inadvertently scratch or leave etchings in the surface of the stone. Either use a marble specific cleaner or a baking soda and water mixture. While vinegar is often recommended as a cleaning product, especially for kitchen surfaces, using vinegar on marble is a bad choice. Since vinegar is very acidic, it will furiously react with your beautiful marble and will create dull white marks (often referred to as etch marks) on your marble.

If you did not catch the vinegar stain early enough, and if the sprinkled baking soda and water combination does not remove the stain entirely, there are other more aggressive options. In some cases, a marble poultice will work. A poultice is a liquid chemical cleaner (such as hydrogen peroxide, acetone, ammonia, or a commercial rust remover) that is then mixed with a white absorbent material (such as baking soda, chalk, or powdered talc), which forms a peanut-butter type paste. The poultice is gently wiped over the stained area with a wooden or plastic spatula and is then covered with plastic and left for between 24 and 48 hours. This thick paste-like mixture well then pull the stain out during the time it is left to penetrate.

The best way to avoid vinegar stains is to avoid the use of vinegar products near your marble or stone surface. Ensure that family members, as well as any professional cleaners, know not to use vinegar in your kitchen for cleaning.

If none of these approaches work, Castles Home Service is always here to help! Our Natural Stone Restoration services and marble Anti-Etch treatments with 10-year warranties are extremely effective and will get your countertops looking like new for years to come!