How To Clean and Care for Marble
We often get asked how to care for marble countertops. We’ve compiled tips to help you keep your marble clean. Marble will never remain exactly like it was on the day of installation. Marble will show the life that is lived on it, and that is part of the beauty of marble.
Daily Maintenance
A good philosophy to follow when cleaning marble: less is more. Be gentle with your marble. Always dry off standing water on your marble countertop to ensure streak-free countertops.
Step 1 – Water Only
It is amazing what a microfiber cloth with water can do. Clean up the fingerprints, smudges, crumbs, and spills with a rung-out wet microfiber cloth. Blot spills with a paper towel. Don’t wipe the area, it could spread the spill. Flush the area with water, and mild soap, and rinse several times.
Step 2 – Water and Dish Soap
If a little more attention is needed, use a little dish soap mixed with water. Grab an empty spray bottle and make your own mixture. Make sure you wipe any remaining dish soap with water as the residue left behind may cause a cloudy appearance.
Step 3 – If a Stain Occurs
Stains and etching will occur on marble. If you cannot remove the stain with steps 1 or 2, a poultice paste may help draw out the stain. There are a variety of poultice pastes on the market, or one can be mixed with common household products.
If you prefer to use a pre-mixed cleaner, there are many safe natural stone cleaners on the market. It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Things to Avoid
- Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other cleaners containing acids or abrasives such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners on granite.
- Read the labels on your hand soap and dish soap.
- Don’t leave oil, coffee, wine, or dark pigmented liquids on your granite, as they may eventually stain your granite.
- Common food and cooking items can stain and etch your marble, such as vinegar, citrus, tomatoes, juices, alcohol, wine, and oils.
- Avoid using metal knives and utensils directly on the granite countertop, as the metal may wear down the sealer applied and dull your knives. Use a cutting board when cutting.
- Prevent stains by wiping up spills in a timely manner. Remember, sealer works well to resist stains from penetrating, but will absorb after a period of time since marble is more porous than other stone countertops.
