Stain & Halo Removal from Floors | GFS Italy

Eliminating Every Trace

Natural stone is inherently porous. Marble, travertine, limestone and even dense granite can absorb liquids that penetrate below the surface and leave permanent discolouration. Common culprits in hospitality environments include red wine, coffee, olive oil, citrus juice, rust from metal furniture legs, and hard water mineral deposits. These stains often appear as dark patches, rings or “halos”—shadowy outlines that remain even after the surface has been cleaned.

GFS stain removal uses a poultice technique: we apply a paste composed of an absorbent carrier (diatomaceous earth, talc, or kaolin clay) mixed with a chemical agent specifically chosen for the stain type. The poultice is spread over the stain, covered with plastic film, and left to dwell for 12–48 hours. During this time, the chemical agent dissolves the stain within the stone pores, and the absorbent carrier draws it to the surface through capillary action.

For organic stains (wine, coffee, food), we use hydrogen peroxide-based solutions. For oil and grease stains, we use acetone or mineral spirit blends. Rust stains require specific iron-chelating compounds. Water marks and mineral deposits are treated with mild acidic solutions that dissolve the calcium carbonate buildup without damaging the surrounding stone.

Acid etch marks—the dull spots left by citrus juice, vinegar or acidic cleaning products on marble—are not true stains but rather surface damage. We treat these with localized re-polishing using diamond hand pads, restoring the gloss to match the surrounding area.

After stain removal, we recommend applying an impregnating sealer to prevent future staining. This sealer penetrates the stone pores and creates an invisible barrier that repels liquids while allowing the stone to breathe. We offer this as a combined service for maximum protection.