How to Clean Marble Statue Without Damage

How to clean marble statues? Marble Statues are beautifully designed pieces of art, and carry historical significance also. It holds religious values and is displayed indoors, outside in gardens, or in temples. These statues are symbols of grace and elegance. Marble is a porous material and can accumulate dust, dirt, and stains with time. So, caring and maintaining these statues are important.

You should clean these marble statues properly, and avoid using abrasive chemicals to keep them shining for a long time. With the right methods and materials, you can easily clean marble statues and maintain their shine and integrity for a long time. In this guide, we will tell you the best approach and methods to easily clean marble statues without damaging them. We also share additional tips here to help you learn how to clean marble statues.

Why Clean the Marble Statue

Marble is the natural stone, and called for its charm and versatility. It is a porous material and easily absorbs grime, liquids, and stains due to environmental exposure. It makes the cleaning of these statues more important. Without proper cleaning, the dirt accumulates on these Sculptures and loses its shine and structural integrity.

Regular cleaning of these designed cultural pieces gives you various benefits. It keeps the natural luster, prevents discoloration, and reduces risks of erosion or damage. Do not use harsh cleaners, or don’t forget regular maintenance because it causes irreversible blemishes, such as etching, cracks, or discoloration. So, caring and cleaning the statues are important to maintain it for a long time and keep it shiny in your space.

Material Required to Clean Marble Sculptures  

Here are the various materials you need to start cleaning these marble statues

• Mild dish detergent or stone soap
• Bucket
• Sponge or Cloth
• Towel
• Baking soda or clay powder
• Hydrogen peroxide (12% strength)
• Plastic knife or spatula
• Plastic wrap
• Tape

A Guide to Clean Marble Statues

Once you know the importance of statues cleaning, and materials used, you must follow this guide. This step-by-step guide teaches you how to clean marble statues without damage.

Dust the surface

You must remove the dust from the Marble Statue firstly. You can also remove dust and dirt with a wet cloth, but avoid scratching the surface. It is suggested to use a vacuum cleaner or microfiber cloth with a brush attachment to remove dust from statues. You should pay close attention to areas where dust collects, such as cracks, colds, or detailed features of statues, and remove it properly.

Dry Clean it

Next, you have to dry clean the sculptures. For this, you do not need to go to professionals to dry clean it. Dry cleaning means that you have to clean stains from it without using any chemicals. You can easily use a sponge and remove stains without wet it.  

Prepare the cleaning solution

Now, you have to prepare a mild cleaning solution. The solution consists of drops of pH-neutral soap mixed with warm distilled water. Don’t use harsh chemicals, acidic or abrasive chemicals because they affect the beauty of statues and cause permanent damage. Ensure to mix the solution well before using it.

Wipe Sculptures with a cleaning solution

Now, you have to dip clean cloth into a soapy water solution and wring it out so it’s damp, not soak wet. Gently wipe down the sculptures with circular motions and remove dirt, grime, and buildup. Start using this solution at the top of the statue and way down to avoid spreading dirt on cleaning areas. For keen attention to detail, you should use a soft-bristled brush to clean corners.

Note that marble is a delicate material, so you do not scrub it. Gentle handling and patience will keep the look of these statues pristine and maintain it.

Rinse with Distilled water

Once you clean the marble statues properly, you should rinse them with distilled water. You should rinse off soap residue. Fill the box with distilled water and use a damp and clean cloth to wipe it down.

Rinsing is important because leftover soap leaves some streaks or causes a cloudy appearance. Check that the statue is free of any cleaning solution and rinse it properly.

Dry statues

Once you finish rinsing, you should use a dry microfiber cloth, gently blot and dry it. Ensure to remove moisture from the surface, especially from detailed and crevice areas. Leaving water on marble statues results in stains or the growth of mold, especially if you keep it in a humid environment.

How to Remove Stains from Marble Statues

The process of cleaning statues also demands removing stains. There are various types of stains on these statues due to oil-based substances, organic materials (like leaves or flowers), rust, ink, and water spots. There is a unique method to remove every type of stain. Here how you can easily remove stains from sculptures

• Oil-based stains
  • These stains darken the marble statues and occur due to cooking oil, grease, and cosmetics. To remove these stains, you should use a solution of baking soda and water.

• Organic stains
  • Organic stains are caused by organic materials like plants, food, or bird droppings. It is a pinkish-brown stain. To remove these stains, you should use a mixture of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.

• Rust Stains
  • Rust stains are deep and tough to remove. You can use the poultice made with commercial rust remover to clean the statues.

• Ink Stains
  • Ink stains attack the light-colored marbles mostly. To remove it, you should use hydrogen peroxide. If ink stains arise on darker marbles, then you can use acetone.

Additional tips to clean Marble Sculptures 

Here are the additional tips you should follow to properly clean marble statues without damage it

• Avoid Acidic or Abrasive Cleaners
  • Do not use  Acidic substances or Abrasive Cleaners on statues. Avoid using vinegar and lemon juice because it damages the marble statues surface. Only use non-abrasive cleaners for gentle cleaning.

• Sealing Frequency
  • The sealing frequency of marble statues is based on their use and moisture exposure. It is suggested to reapply the sealer every 1-2 years as recommended.
  • You should inspect statues regularly and identify signs of cracks, damage, and chipping. It is suggested to address the issues earlier before they cause permanent damage.
  • Periodically inspect your marble temple for any signs of damage, cracks, or chipping. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage.

• Professional Cleaning
  • If the statutes require extensive restoration and cleaning, then you must hire a professional to do it. The expert cleaning service provider has expertise in using effective cleaning solutions and expertise to clean the statues. They are guaranteed to maintain the original shine and beauty of sculptures.  

Conclusion

Learning how to clean marble statues helps you to keep its beauty and shine for a long time. With the right methods, techniques, and tools, Fiat Religious Statues can remain a stunning addition to your garden or home. Regular cleaning and caring not only maintains the statues’ look but also protects them from stains, damage, and discoloration. By following the step-by-step method above to avoid common mistakes, and following additional tips, you can keep the charm, elegance, and shine of Fiat Religious Statues and other marble statues.

Whether it is a sculpture of art, religious icon, or cherished family heirloom, take time to take proper care of statues and last for a lifetime.