Is it possible to remove limescale from marble?

Marble remains the most on-trend material for kitchen and bathroom worktops. Its natural elegance and durability make it a design must. It can fit with a range of design concepts, and is practical for keen bakers and busy family kitchens alike. While marble does not require regular maintenance, and is extremely easy to clean, like many other materials it can accumulate limescale. To enjoy your marble worktops for years to come, it’s worth understanding why this occurs and how to tackle it. The good news is that there are some simple techniques to make sure that limescale doesn’t take over your life! 

What is limescale?

Limescale is a crusty white deposit consisting of calcium carbonate and magnesium. It forms when hard water evaporates on marble surfaces, leaving behind mineral deposits that can dull the stone’s lustre. Marble isn’t alone here, you’ll find limescale on many kitchen and bathroom surfaces, from granite to chrome. 

Understanding marble

While limescale occurs on a variety of materials, it’s not necessarily removed in the same ways. So it’s worth understanding the properties of marble which have an impact on how you should tackle limescale. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Naturally cut from the rock face in large slabs, the non-uniform veining is stylish and striking. However, all of this means that the material is porous and must be sealed to protect it from staining and scratching. 

Why we love marble

1. Stunning aesthetic: Marble’s natural elegance adds a touch of luxury and sophistication that few other materials can match.
2. Sound investment: Marble surfaces increase the resale value of your home, offering a timeless luxury that appeals to discerning buyers.
3. Reliable durability: When treated with care, marble can maintain its stunning appearance for a lifetime, making it a sound long-term investment for your home.
4. Natural variability: No two marble slabs are alike, offering a unique charm that gives your kitchen or bathroom a truly unique design.

How limescale builds

While you’ll probably notice limescale all of a sudden, it actually takes a long while to accumulate. Whenever hard water is allowed to evaporate on your marble, mineral concentration increases as the water disappears. This leaves behind deposits of calcium and magnesium. Over time, this process leads to the build-up of limescale and can be especially visible in areas where water is regularly present, such as around taps and in basins.

Limescale removal process

Maybe a busy period in life has led to limescale building up, or you might have moved into a home with beautiful marble surfaces if only it weren’t for the limescale. Cleaning and removing the limescale is an accessible process that doesn’t need expensive products or lots of expert knowledge.

What you need

• A soft, non-abrasive cleaning cloth.
• A spray bottle filled with water.
• A pH-neutral stone cleaner (specifically formulated for marble).
• A soft-bristled brush or toothbrush.
• A squeegee for larger surfaces. 

Prepare

• Pre-clean the surface: Start by wiping down the marble with a damp cloth to remove any surface dirt or dust. This ensures that the cleaning solution can penetrate the limescale without interference.
• Identify the extent of limescale: Some deposits may be superficial and easily wiped away, while others may require a more dedicated effort involving the stone cleaner and a gentle scrub.

Cleanse

• Apply cleaning solution: Spray the pH-neutral solution directly onto the limescale deposits and the surrounding area. Avoid using abrasive chemicals or scrubbers, as they can damage the marble.
• Allow time to act: Leave the cleaner sitting on the limescale for a few minutes to penetrate and loosen the deposits. This time is crucial to ensure the cleaner can work its magic without requiring excessive force from you.
• Gentle scrubbing: Using a soft brush, gently scrub the affected areas in a circular motion to dislodge the limescale. If the limescale is particularly stubborn, you can increase the duration of the stone cleaner application or repeat the process multiple times.
• Squeegee off: Once the limescale is sufficiently loosened, use a squeegee to remove the cleaner and mineral deposits from the surface. This eliminates the residues and prevents streaking on larger areas.
• Rinse with water: After cleaning, make sure to rinse the marble surface thoroughly with water. This step removes any leftover cleaner and the loosened limescale, leaving the marble pristine.
• Dry completely: Use a dry, clean cloth to buff the marble until it’s completely dry. This prevents any water spots from forming and ensures the marble shines like new.

Protection

To prevent future damage, check that your marble seal is intact. Drop small amounts of water on the surface. If the water pools into droplets, your marble seal is in good condition. If it remains spread out, you may need to re-seal the marble. This is most effectively done by a professional. 

Ongoing maintenance tips

While removing limescale from your marble is a useful skill to know, prevention is better than cure. Here’s how to maintain your marble surfaces and keep them looking flawless:

Daily dusting and wiping

Marble is susceptible to scratching, so regularly dusting and wiping it down with a soft, non-abrasive cloth is a must. For daily maintenance, simply use a microfiber cloth to remove dust and spills gently. If needed, dampen the cloth with water to tackle tougher stains.

Weekly deep cleans

For weekly deep cleaning, use a pH-neutral stone cleaner to maintain the marble’s lustre. Apply the cleaner, wait a few minutes, gently scrub with a soft brush, and then rinse and dry the surface thoroughly.

Seasonal refresher

Every few months, consider giving your marble surfaces a more intense treatment. This involves using a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to clean hard-to-reach spots and refreshing the marble’s sealant protection.

We know that our customers choose their marble worktops with care and love. These surfaces will serve your aesthetic and practical lifestyle for years into the future. So it makes sense to protect from and treat limescale when it occurs. Comparatively, marble is extremely easy to maintain and protect from limescale. To browse the ranges that Zenstone have to offer, just get in touch or visit our showroom.