Marble is a beautiful but expensive stone that is popular for applications throughout the home. Floors, countertops, shower stalls, dining tables and other furniture surfaces, decorative objects and countless other household furnishings that are made of marble give their surroundings a luxurious ambiance. But because it's a porous substance, marble is susceptible to staining. Placing a metallic object on the marble in the presence of moisture can cause rust to form, marring the attractive appearance of the marble. Getting rid of rust on the marble may be difficult, especially if the rust is not coming off promptly.

1
Create a poultice with liquid rust remover and diatomaceous earth in a glass bowl. Make a thick paste. Marble Institute of America writers advise, “The liquid cleaner or chemical will draw out the stain into the absorbent material.”

2
Wet a sponge with distilled water and wet the rust on the marble.

3
Apply the poultice to the rust on the marble with a wood or plastic spatula or scraper. Create a layer over the rust that is ¼ inch to ½ inch thick.

4
Tear off a sheet of plastic wrap. Place the plastic wrap around the poultice to seal it in. Tape down the edges of the plastic wrap with masking tape or other available tape.

5
Leave the poultice on the marble for 24 to 48 hours. Allow the poultice to dry completely. The Marble Institute says, “The drying process is what pulls the stain out of the stone and into the poultice material.”

6
Remove the poultice with a spatula or scraper.

7
Rinse the area with distilled water, using a sponge.

8
Dry with a soft cloth.

9
Repeat the rust removal process if the marble is still stained.