Frequently Asked Questions about Stone Care

Yes — and fast. Bleach is too harsh for natural stone. It reacts with the calcium in marble and can cause dull patches, streaking, or chalky white spots where it sat too long.

Where this happens:

• In showers (trying to kill mildew)

• On countertops (sanitizing food prep areas)

• Around toilets (disinfecting)

Fix it: If bleach left a dull mark or changed the color, no cleaner will fix it. The damaged layer has to be gently removed and repolished. A marble repair or polishing service can usually bring the surface back to what it looked like originally.

It’s not dirt — it’s a reaction. Yellowing usually means moisture got underneath the stone or that iron in the marble is starting to oxidize (rust). It happens more in wet areas like bathrooms, laundry rooms, or anywhere the marble sits over a concrete slab without good ventilation.

Common causes:

• Water from a shower or mop getting trapped

• Metal (nails, screws, or brackets) rusting under the surface

• Dirty mop water repeatedly soaking into corners

Fix it: The marble has to dry out completely, which can take time. If it’s surface-level staining, a professional can attempt stain removal and deep cleaning. If it’s caused by iron oxidation or moisture from underneath, full marble restoration may be required — and sometimes, replacement if it’s too deep to fix.