How to remove cigarette burns from a marble vanity top?
Estimated Reading Time: 1 MinutesQ. Is there a way to remove cigarette burns from my marble vanity top?
A. Cigarette burns on marble can cause two types of damage: a yellow stain from nicotine and actual surface damage from the heat. The yellowing is a result of the nicotine seeping into the stone’s pores, while the heat from the cigarette may slightly melt or dull the surface.
To remove the yellow stain, you can apply a poultice made with 50% hydrogen peroxide and a suitable absorbent powder. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App.
However, if the surface has been melted or etched by the heat, cleaning alone won’t fix it. That kind of damage requires honing, a professional process where the top layer of the stone is gently abraded using fine industrial diamonds or abrasives. This removes the heat damage.
When both staining and surface damage are present, you should consult a professional stone restoration expert to ensure the marble finish is properly restored. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
TIP: 50% hydrogen peroxide can be purchased from a beauty supply store. Hair bleach is hydrogen peroxide. Do not use the hydrogen peroxide that you buy in a drug store. This is only a 3% solution and will not remove the stain.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]