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Marble is one of those materials you fall in love with instantly—and then spend the rest of your life being slightly nervous around.
One misplaced glass, a splash of water left to air-dry, and suddenly there’s a faint ring or cloudy patch that wasn’t there before. If you’ve ever stared at your marble countertops wondering if you’ve already ruined them, you’re not alone.
Water stains are one of the most common issues with marble surfaces, especially in homes with hard water.
The tricky part is that marble is a natural stone, which means it doesn’t respond well to aggressive cleaning or quick fixes. What works on granite, tile, or other hard surfaces can actually make marble stains worse.
The good news is that most water stains—hard water marks included—can be removed safely with the right approach and a bit of patience!
Find out exactly how to remove water stains from marble, what to try first, and how to clean and maintain marble surfaces without damaging them in the process.
First, Identify the Type of Water Stain
Not all water stains on marble are the same, and knowing this upfront saves time.
- Light or cloudy water stains are usually mineral deposits left behind by hard water.
- Darker stains mean water has penetrated the stone and carried minerals deeper below the surface.
If the mark looks white or dull, you’re likely dealing with surface-level hard water stains. If it looks darker than the surrounding marble, you’ll need a deeper treatment.
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How to Remove Light Water Stains From Marble
For most everyday water stains, start here. This method is safe for marble, granite, and other natural stone surfaces.
What you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft cloth or microfiber towel
Steps:
- Mix baking soda and water to form a smooth paste (think toothpaste consistency).
- Apply a thin layer over the water stain.
- Gently rub using a soft cloth—no scrubbing, no pressure.
- Rinse with clean water and dry the surface immediately.
This works well for hard water residue on marble countertops, tile, and other polished stone surfaces. If the stain lightens but doesn’t fully disappear, repeat once more before moving on.
How to Remove Deeper Water Stains Using a Poultice
If the stain remains—or appears darker—you’ll need a poultice, which draws moisture and minerals out of the stone over time.
What you’ll need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Plastic wrap
- Tape
Steps:
- Make a thicker baking soda paste.
- Spread it over the stain, about ¼-inch thick.
- Cover with plastic wrap and tape down the edges.
- Let it sit for 24–48 hours.
- Remove, rinse gently, and dry completely.
This method is especially effective for stubborn hard water stains in marble, granite, and stone countertops. Patience matters here—rushing the process can leave residue behind.
What Not to Use on Marble
This part is just as important for long-term home maintenance:
- Vinegar or lemon juice (too acidic)
- Abrasive cleaners or scrub pads
- Bleach or ammonia-based products
These can etch marble surfaces, turning a simple stain into permanent damage.
Aftercare: Keep Water Stains From Coming Back
Once the stain is gone, a little prevention goes a long way.
- Wipe up water spills right away
- Dry marble surfaces after cleaning
- Use coasters and trays near sinks
- Reseal marble countertops as needed
Marble will always need a bit of extra care—it’s part of the trade-off for having such a timeless surface. But with gentle cleaning and the right techniques, water stains don’t have to be permanent.
If you catch them early and treat the stone with respect, marble stays just as beautiful as the day it was installed.
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