Can You Use Bleach on Marble?

Marble is a luxurious and timeless material that adds a touch of elegance to any home. It’s no wonder that homeowners go to great lengths to keep it looking its best.

But when it comes to cleaning, things can get tricky.

With so many cleaning products available, it’s hard to know what’s safe to use on marble and what’s not.

And one product that often raises eyebrows is bleach. It’s a common household cleaner that’s known for its powerful disinfecting properties, but can you really use it on marble?

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this question and explore the risks and alternatives to using bleach on marble.

What Is Bleach?

Bleach is a common household cleaning product that’s widely used for its powerful disinfecting properties.

It’s a chemical solution that’s made up of sodium hypochlorite, water, and other additives.

The amount of sodium hypochlorite in bleach can vary depending on the brand and type, but it’s typically around 5% to 6%.

Bleach works by releasing oxygen molecules that break down the chemical bonds of dirt, grime, and other organic matter, making it easier to wipe away.

Bleach is commonly used to clean and disinfect surfaces, whiten laundry, and remove stains. It’s also used in swimming pools to sanitize water and kill bacteria.

While bleach can be an effective cleaner, it’s important to note that it’s also a highly reactive and potentially hazardous chemical. Bleach should always be used with caution and according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

It’s also important to be aware of the risks of using bleach on certain surfaces, such as marble, which we’ll explore in more detail in the next section.

Characteristics of Marble

Marble is a natural stone that’s prized for its beauty, durability, and unique veining patterns.

It’s made up of calcium carbonate and other minerals, which give it its characteristic look and properties.

Marble is a relatively soft stone, which means it’s more susceptible to scratching and damage than harder stones like granite.

However, it’s still a relatively durable material that can last for decades with proper care and maintenance.

Marble has a number of unique properties that are important to bear in mind when using it for flooring, countertops, and other decorative surfaces.

For one, it is quite porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stains if not properly sealed.

On top of that, marble is sensitive to acidic and alkaline substances, which can cause etching, dulling, and discolouration of the surface. This means that harsh chemicals like bleach can be especially damaging to marble if used improperly.

Despite its sensitivity to certain substances, marble is still a highly prized material that can add elegance and sophistication to any home.

With proper care and maintenance, it can continue to look beautiful and luxurious for years to come.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Bleach on Marble

Bleach is a highly reactive chemical that can cause damage to marble if not used properly.

When bleach comes into contact with marble, it can cause a chemical reaction that breaks down the surface of the stone, leading to discolouration.

One of the most common ways that bleach can cause discolouration in marble is through oxidation.

When bleach is applied to marble, it reacts with the iron present in the stone, causing it to oxidise and turn yellow or brown.

This reaction can be especially pronounced if the marble is not properly sealed, as it can absorb the bleach and allow it to penetrate deeper into the surface.

In addition to changing the colour of your marble, bleach can also cause etching, dulling, and pitting of the surface of the marble.

This is because bleach is a strong substance that can react with certain substances in the marble, causing it to break down and dissolve.

This can lead to a rough, pitted surface that’s more susceptible to stains and damage.

Overall, using bleach on marble is not recommended due to its potential to cause damage and discolouration.

Instead, it’s important to use gentle cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for marble, or to seek professional cleaning services from a qualified stone care specialist.

Alternative Methods for Cleaning Marble

Fortunately, there are several alternative methods for cleaning and maintaining marble that are safer and more effective than using bleach. Here are a few options:

Gentle cleaning solutions

One of the best ways to clean marble is with a gentle cleaning solution that’s specifically designed for natural stone.

Look for pH-neutral cleaners that are free of harsh chemicals and acids.

Using a cleaning solution specifically designed for natural stone is a great way to ensure that you’re using a safe, pH-neutral cleaner that won’t damage the surface of the marble.

Here’s a guide to help you:

Read the label of your natural stone cleaning solution and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Dilute the cleaning solution according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, typically with water.
Apply the solution to the surface of the marble.
Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
To prevent the spread of dirt and grime on the marble surface, make sure to rinse the sponge or cloth with clean water often.
Once you’ve cleaned the entire surface, use a clean, dry cloth to gently wipe away any excess water.
If necessary, repeat the process until the marble is clean and free of dirt and grime.

DIY marble cleaner using washing up liquid

There are many commercial marble cleaners available on the market, or you can make your own by mixing a few drops of mild washing up liquid with warm water.

Try this method:

Begin by mixing a few drops of mild washing up liquid with warm water in a bucket or cleaning container.
Dip a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution, wringing out any excess water.
Gently wipe the surface of the marble, being careful not to scrub too hard or apply too much pressure.
Use clean water to wash the sponge or cloth, otherwise you risk spreading the dirt around on the surface of the marble.
After finishing cleaning the entire surface, use a fresh and dry piece of cloth to softly remove any remaining water.
If necessary, repeat the process until the marble is clean and free of dirt and grime.

By using a gentle cleaning solution like washing up liquid and warm water, you can effectively clean your marble surfaces without causing any harm.

Natural cleaning solutions

Another option for cleaning marble is to use natural, non-toxic cleaning solutions.

These can be made with ingredients like white vinegar or bicarbonate of soda, which are gentle yet effective at removing dirt and grime from the surface of the marble.

Be sure to test any natural cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the marble first to ensure that it doesn’t cause any damage or discolouration.

White vinegar

Try using white vinegar like this:

Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle or a cleaning container.
Spray or apply the solution to the surface of the marble.
Use a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface, being careful not to apply too much pressure.
Rinse the sponge or cloth frequently with clean water to avoid spreading dirt and grime around the surface of the marble.
After finishing cleaning the entire surface, take a clean and dry piece of cloth and gently wipe off any remaining water.
If necessary, repeat the process until the marble is clean and free of dirt and grime.

Note that using vinegar on marble with a polished finish can dull the surface of the stone over time.

Always be sure to follow up with a gentle, pH-neutral cleaner or water to rinse away any remaining vinegar residue.

Bicarbonate of soda

This is how you clean your marble using bicarbonate of soda:

Mix a small amount of bicarbonate of soda with water to form a paste.
Apply the paste to the surface of the marble, using a soft, non-abrasive sponge or cloth to gently rub the surface.
Work in small sections, being careful not to apply too much pressure or scrub too hard.
Keep rinsing the sponge or cloth often with clean water to avoid spreading small bits of dirt around the surface of the marble.
Once you’ve cleaned the entire surface, use a clean, damp cloth to gently wipe away any excess bicarbonate of soda residue.
If necessary, repeat the process until the marble is clean and free of dirt and grime.

Note that bicarbonate of soda is abrasive, so it’s important to use this cleaning method sparingly and only on tough stains or stubborn areas.

Additionally, be sure to rinse the marble thoroughly with clean water to remove any remaining bicarbonate of soda residue, which can dull the surface of the stone over time.

Professional cleaning

For more stubborn stains or heavily soiled marble, it may be necessary to seek professional cleaning services from a qualified stone care specialist.

These professionals have specialised equipment and techniques for cleaning and restoring marble, and can help to remove deep-set stains and discolouration without damaging the surface of the stone.

Professional cleaning can be a more expensive option, but it can be well worth it for preserving the beauty and integrity of your marble surfaces.

Conclusion

Marble is a beautiful and timeless natural stone that requires careful maintenance to keep it looking its best.

While bleach may seem like a quick and easy solution for cleaning marble, it can actually cause significant damage and discolouration to the surface of the stone.

Instead, it’s important to use gentle cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for marble, or to seek professional cleaning services from a qualified stone care specialist.

By using these alternative methods, you can effectively remove dirt and grime from your marble surfaces without compromising their beauty and integrity.

Remember, marble is a valuable investment that adds style and elegance to your home, so it’s important to take care of it properly.

With proper maintenance and regular cleaning, your marble surfaces can continue to shine for many years to come.