[Anastasia333]

Having had some really helpful replies to a previous query i'd be very grateful if someone could help on this occasion.

My fire surround is a relatively cheap one, in that it is just flat, ie, no graining marks or lines. The bottom part - what I think is called the plynth is stained with various dark dirty marks. I've tried very small amounts of various household cleaners (including bleach) but I can not get rid of some of the marks.

Can anyone suggest what I can use to clean it without damaging the smooth gloss finish.

I've found it difficult to describe the marble and the problem, but hope that someone sort of understands.

Thanks for any replies.

As a sort of PS, I also want to clean some silver photo frames and was wondering if anyone knows of an eco friendly way to clean these. I'm wondering if something like lemon juice will work?

[SeasideLady]

Originally Posted by Anastasia333

The bottom part - what I think is called the plynth is stained with various dark dirty marks. I've tried very small amounts of various household cleaners (including bleach) but I can not get rid of some of the marks.

Can anyone suggest what I can use to clean it without damaging the smooth gloss finish.

I've pretty much tried everything going to clean our marble fireplace, but nothing works I'm afraid. We have a beige coloured plinth, scratched and dinted, and the coal dust will not come out of the hairline cracks. Even marble cleaning stuff from the hardware shop made no difference.

[Anastasia333]

Thanks for your reply. My plinth too is beige, but is completely smooth and has no hairline cracks.

Your mention of marble cleaning stuff from a hardware shop gives me something to go on - I've never heard of it before so I'll give it a try.

[morecowbell]

Can't help you on the marble fireplace I'm afraid but you can use toothpaste on the silver photo frame. It will come up a treat.

[Anastasia333]

Originally Posted by morecowbell

Can't help you on the marble fireplace I'm afraid but you can use toothpaste on the silver photo frame. It will come up a treat.

Thank you. I'll try it.

[lozenger]

Try clear malt vinegar? I used it on our marble plinth and on the brass surrounding the fireplace it seems to work.

You will need to wipe it off afterwards unless you can fight a craving for fish and chips all evening!

[Johnbee]

OP there is an absolutely excellent web page about marble. It is part of the V&A so I reckon they will know their stuff.

Type how to clean marble into a search engine and it will come up.

[smudges dad]

Originally Posted by lozenger

Try clear malt vinegar? I used it on our marble plinth and on the brass surrounding the fireplace it seems to work.

You will need to wipe it off afterwards unless you can fight a craving for fish and chips all evening!

If it's real marble and not resin or something plastic, DON'T use an acid like vinegar or you will disolve it.