How to remove soap marks on marble vanity?

Question

Hey! I recently moved into a unit that has a bathroom marble vanity (probably not properly sealed). It reflected light at first but with the use of liquid soap to wash my hands, it has started to dull and in areas go white. It won't wipe off at all. I found out that all soaps are slightly acidic. I tried wiping the vanity with a stone cleaner product but it made the whole vanity look duller. What can I do to improve this without regrinding it? Grateful for any ideas!

ALSO, as the marble is porous, what products can you suggest to use to get rid of the mold on the silicon edge on it, without any harsh product getting onto the marble adjacent to it and damaging the surface.

Thanks so much!!

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @hardwarefan,

Sandpaper would be too rough, and you'd likely do more harm than good. The same would be true for any abrasive products that we supply.

Professionals use specialised, ultra-high grit, cutting and polishing compounds that are designed specifically for use on marble and similar stones. Unfortunately, I am not sure of the exact process or products, which is part of why I would recommend it is best left to the professionals.

For sealing and protection, you would use a sealer like this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/crommelin-1l-diamondtough-stone-shield-clear-sealer_p1560547

, but ultimately doing it before professional grinding and polishing would mean wasted product.

I think the best thing you can do in the meantime is do your absolute best to prevent water from getting on the marble, and if it does, wipe it up quickly.

Let me know if there is anything else I can do to assist.

Jacob

hardwarefan · Answer

Thanks Jacob. In the meantime, would a fine grade sandpaper help? (for inspections) and how do you protect it so it doesn't get worse before getting it professionally reground again.

JacobZ · Answer

Hi @hardwarefan,

There's a good chance what you are seeing is etching, which is where the surface has been chemically dulled by soaps and cleaners. Once that happens, it won’t wipe off because the finish itself has been affected.

Unfortunately, there are no real options that don't involve grinding it back and repolishing as the top layer of the stone has been etched. Due to the risks involved with grinding and polishing stone, particularly the potential for airborne silica dust, I wouldn't suggest this is something that should be done D.I.Y.

My suggestion would be to contact a business that specialises in stone polishing and restoration for their assistance.

For the mouldy silicone, the best option is to remove the silicone, then physically remove any remaining mould using a gentle marble friendly cleaner such as this

https://www.bunnings.com.au/hillmark-375ml-stone-kleen-and-protect-marble-granite-cleaner_p4460274

and a brush, flushing with clean water after agitating. You can then replace the silicone once the mould has been removed. Check out

https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/diy-skills/tiling/how-to-silicone-a-gap

for some guidance on the process.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob