Marble is like a sponge and absorbs grime from smoke, dust, and furniture polish. This cleaning method uses ordinary, acid-free household products.
Steps Remove all metal fittings from the object to be cleaned. Get a plastic or glass container large enough to hold the object. Put the object in the container and add half a standard scoop of laundry powder. Add more if the object is large. Cover the object with warm water and stir the detergent into the water. Allow it to soak for several days. Stir every now and then. You can place the container in a microwave oven and heat it slowly until short of boiling. This will speed up the process. Soak the object in in clean water for a day or more, after it is clean. Be sure to change the water at least once. Dry and refit any metal parts, as needed.
Tips Note that this is most useful for removing dust, smoke grime, furniture polish, and the like. This process will not remove rust marks.
Warnings Don't put cold marble into hot water or vice versa, as it may crack. Never use acid on marble as it will dissolves the surface, removing any polish and eventually pitting it. This includes vinegar, citric acid, muriatic acid, spirits of salt, battery acid and most toilet cleaners. Highly coloured material may stain the marble.
Things You'll Need: Plastic or glass container; Laundry detergent; water; Microwave oven (optional)
