How To Clean Yellow Stains On White Marble Floors?

There is nothing quite as gorgeous as marble flooring. Marble tiles aren’t just about aesthetics – they are hard-wearing, resistant and great for insulation. But what happens when your white marble floors start turning yellow and looking worn? Marble tile cleaning isn’t as easy as it seems and needs to be done properly or the consequences can be disastrous.

With these things in mind, we will answer the following questions in this blog to help keep your marble floors looking exquisite for longer:

• Why do white marble floors turn yellow?
• What can be done to prevent yellow stains on white marble?
• How can you clean yellow stains from white marble floors without damaging them?

Why Do Marble Tiles Turn Yellow?

The good news is that you probably haven’t done anything to cause the stains. The culprit is iron. Iron is a naturally occurring metal that is present in most stones including marble.

Over time, this element begins leaking into the marble through the process of oxidation causing it to have a yellow appearance. Exposure to water, bleach and other chemical agents can speed up this leaching process resulting in yellow stains that are difficult to remove.

Even the highest quality tiles are prone to yellowing with age. However, sealed or polished marble is less likely to stain as the protective layer prevents liquids and other agents from acting as a catalyst to iron leaching.

How Can I Prevent Yellow Stains From Forming On White Marble?

Good maintenance is key to preventing yellow stains from forming. Regular cleaning and polishing of the stone’s surface are crucial. However, prevention is always better than cure and, so we recommend the following cleaning measures:

• Avoid cleaning your tiles with any acidic agents. These will destroy the sealed surface layer allowing oxygen and liquid to enter the marble and the iron to create yellow stains.
• Never use bleach on white marble. Not only will this increase iron leeching but the bleach itself can turn the marble yellow.
• Always use soft mops and brooms to sweep and wash marble floor tiles to prevent surface scratches. Mirco-fibre is the ideal choice.
• Ensure that floors are properly dried after cleaning. Clean up liquid spills immediately – especially tea, coffee and wine.
• Don’t use abrasive cleaners. Alkaline stone cleaners are best and will help preserve the sheen on your marble floors.
• We also recommend having your tiles professionally cleaned at least once a year to extract dirt and polish the surface and to also consider using professional stone restoration services to offer full protection of your precious marble floors.

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How To Clean Yellow Stains From White Marble Floors?

Speed is of the essence when it comes to cleaning yellow stains from marble floors. The longer a stain is left untreated, the more difficult it will be to remove. If you have had yellow marbled flooring for a while, then it is recommended to have them professionally cleaned.

Alternatively, you can try the following to remove the yellow stains from white marble:

– Mix a few drops of ammonia with 12% hydrogen peroxide and treat spot stains. Hydrogen peroxide is an extremely mild acid and when used correctly should not damage the protective seal on the marble tiles. The peroxide will bleach the yellow stain instead of removing it. Be careful when using this technique because it can result in greater iron oxidation and make the problem worse.

– Mix bicarbonate of soda with water to form a soft paste. Apply the paste to the stains and leave it to work for 15 to 30 minutes. Do not rub or scrub with the bicarbonate of soda as this will create small scratches on the polished surface of the marble. The bicarb will draw the stain out of the tile. The process may need to be repeated multiple times for the best results.

– Alkaline stone or marble cleaner is ideal for removing yellow stains and protecting the marble from damage. Use as directed by the manufacturer. These cleaners should be available from your local hardware store.

The most likely cause of yellow stains on white marble floors is iron oxidation. However, poor maintenance, improper cleaning techniques and spills can also contribute to the formation of stains. For more information on maintaining white marble floors, preventing stains and cleaning yellow stains, contact the experts in marble floor maintenance.

For all your marble floor cleaning and polishing needs in Sydney, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry on our contact page.