Leaving lemons on a marble surface can seem harmless initially, but the acid in the fruit can mar the beauty of the stone, resulting in etching that appears as dull, lightly colored spots where the lemon juice or peel sat. If you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having left lemons on a marble table and are now facing the unsightly aftermath of etching or staining, don't despair.

There are steps you can take to try and remedy the situation before your sister returns, potentially saving the day and your marble table in one fell swoop.

First things first, understanding the extent of the damage is crucial. Etching is the result of an acidic reaction that corrodes the marble, which causes dull spots. Stains, on the other hand, are discolored areas where the juice has been absorbed into the stone. It's important to ascertain whether you're dealing with a surface etch or a deeper stain as the treatment will differ.

If the marble is etched, you can try the following steps to restore its appearance:

1. Gently clean the area. Using water and a soft cloth, clean the etched spot to remove any lemon residue. This will not repair the etch, but it is an essential initial step for any following remedies.

2. Prepare a DIY polish. Mix baking soda with water to create a paste with a consistency similar to toothpaste. Baking soda is mildly abrasive, which can help in polishing the etched area.

3. Apply the paste. Cover the etched marks with the paste and leave it to sit for a few hours or even overnight, depending on the severity of the etch.

4. Buff the area. Using a soft cloth, gently rub the paste over the etch in a circular motion. The gentle abrasive nature of baking soda may help diminish the etching.

5. Rinse and dry. After extensive buffing, thoroughly rinse away the baking soda with water and dry the area with a clean, soft cloth.

6. Assess the surface. Look to see if the etching has been minimized. It may require another treatment or might have improved enough to be less noticeable.

If you're dealing with a stain, here are some steps to attempt a removal:

1. Mix a poultice. Create a paste using baking soda and water (just like for etching) but with a slightly thicker consistency.

2. Apply the poultice. Lay the paste over the stain, ensuring it extends beyond the edges of the stain.

3. Cover with plastic wrap. Place a piece of plastic wrap over the poultice and tape down the edges to keep it moist. The poultice needs time to draw out the stain from the marble.

4. Let it sit. Allow the poultice to sit for 24 hours or longer, depending on the size and severity of the stain.

5. Remove and clean. Once the stipulated time has passed, remove the plastic wrap and let the poultice dry out before scraping it away with a plastic spatula or wipe it off with a soft cloth. Clean the area with water and dry it thoroughly.

6. Repeat if necessary. If the stain is still visible, you may need to reapply the poultice and repeat the process until the stain lightens or disappears.

If after applying these tips, the etch or stain still remains prominently visible, or if you have concerns about causing further damage, it might be wisest to consult a professional. Stone restoration experts are experienced in dealing with all types of marble problems and can often repair damage that home remedies cannot.

It's worth noting that marble is a porous stone that ideally should be sealed regularly to prevent staining and etching. If your sister's table was not sealed, it may be more vulnerable to damage from acidic substances. After addressing the immediate issue, it's recommended to seal the marble to protect it from future accidents.

Remember, the faster you act, the better the chances of minimizing damage. Good luck!

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