Marble countertops and floors are beautiful and elegant additions to any home, but cleaning them is a delicate process that requires great care and some beforehand knowledge.
The best approach is a preventive one, which includes investing in sealant and using coasters, but it is impossible to keep marble in perfect condition. Before cleaning, it is important to remember that marble is softer than granite, and its porous texture will soak up water and other liquids like wine.
Never let your marble air-dry or let a liquid spill sit on the marble.
The first piece of equipment you will need is a good cleaner. Do not use anything that has acidic properties (never use vinegar), so check the pH balance and make sure it is neutral.
Acid eats away at marble, leaving scratches or dulling the shine. Neutral dish soap or clear ammonia diluted with lots of water are good options, or you can purchase a cleaner specifically meant for marble.
Because marble is prone to staining, it should be cleaned weekly or even daily if desired as dirt and other materials will become ground into the marble.
When it comes to drying, a soft, absorbent dishcloth or towel is best. Be sure that all the water is absorbed so it doesn’t create a mark.
If your marble does have a stain, you have a few options. If the stain is acid-based, you can mix hydrogen peroxide with polishing powder, which will soak up the stain. There might still be damage on the marble, especially dulling, so rebuffing the surface can return its shine.
Marble is often used to decorate fireplaces, so the material can become discolored by soot. Soap, water, and baking soda are generally effective. Another problematic use of marble is in the kitchen, so food oils like butter can soak into the marble and leave ugly dark marks. Warm water and ammonia is a good first step, and if the stain persists, leaving a cleaning paste on the area overnight usually gets rid of the stain.
When installing marble, be aware of the appropriate treatment the stone will require, as well as what cleaners and sealants work best with your chosen colors. Maintaining marble can seem intimidating, but if care is taken and any stains or dirt are dealt with right away, the look of healthy marble is definitely worth the effort.