Tested Picks
Best Poultices for Marble Stains
A poultice is not magic. It is an absorbent paste that pulls staining material out as it dries.
Use poultice for stains, not etches. If the spot is dull and colorless, polishing or honing is the fix.
Best options by stain
| Stain | Poultice approach | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Oil | Baking soda + acetone or a commercial oil poultice | Ventilate well and test first. |
| Wine or coffee | Baking soda + water | Repeat if the color improves. |
| Rust | Stone-specific rust remover | Rust is difficult and can worsen with the wrong product. |
| Organic food stains | Baking soda paste | Safe first attempt for most kitchens. |
How to apply
Spread the poultice about 1/4 inch thick, cover with plastic, tape the edges, and leave it for 24 hours. Then uncover and let the paste dry fully before removing it.
The drying stage matters. That is when the poultice pulls material up from the stone.
When to stop
If the stain does not improve after two attempts, stop and reassess. You may be dealing with etching, a deep oil stain, or a mineral issue that needs a different product.
Aggressive repeated treatments can create a bigger finish problem than the original stain.