Marble is a natural stone known for its elegant looks. Marble has been quite a popular material for centuries, whether used as building materials, statues, or various other indoor applications such as countertops. To keep their beautiful looks, you will need to clean them regularly and properly. So, before you start using your usual cleaners, read more to learn how to clean your marble countertops.
Essential Tools and Materials for Cleaning Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are renowned for their timeless beauty. They can instantly add a touch of elegance and luxury to your home, elevating the décor. The intricate veining of marble countertops will add character to your rooms, adding sophistication to the space. That is why it is essential to keep them cleaned regularly. Here’s a list of items you need to keep your marble countertops looking beautiful.
- Mild dish soap
- Warm water
- Soft microfiber cloth or sponge
- Paper towels
- pH-neutral cleaners (optional)
- Spray bottle (optional)
- Baking Soda (optional)
- Razor blade or plastic putty knife (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Marble Countertops
Marble countertops are sealed during installation to protect them against stains. However, the sealing process only makes your countertops resistant to stains, not immune. Luckily, the sealing process also makes cleaning easy. Once you know the proper way of cleaning your marble countertops, you will see how easy it is to keep your countertops looking at their best. Follow these steps for regular cleaning;
- Clear Your Countertop: First, remove everything from your countertops, such as kitchen appliances, utensils, dishes, or any other objects. Having an empty area will make your cleaning easier, and you will be able to clean all the surfaces.
- Wipe: Start wiping away the dust and dirt with a damp cloth. Remember to wipe gently so you won’t scratch your countertops.
- Prepare a Mixture: Add a few drops of dish soap to warm water and apply it to the surface of your marble countertops. You can also use a spray bottle to cover the whole area easily. Remember to use a soft microfiber cloth or a sponge to wipe down the entire surface. Alternatively, you can use specialized marble cleaners instead of the mixture. However, most of the time, the mixture will be more than enough.
- Rinse: Rinse with enough water to remove soap residue from your marble countertops. Don’t forget to use a new, clean microfiber cloth while rinsing.
- Dry the Surface: After rinsing, dry the surface of your marble countertops with a dry cloth or paper towel to prevent water spots.
Stain Removal Techniques for Marble Countertops
Since marble is a porous stone, we can’t stress enough the importance of cleaning spills immediately. The longer they stay, the more difficult it will be to remove them from your marble countertops. If such a stain happens on your countertops, follow these steps to remove it;
- Prepare a Poultice: Prepare a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and water and mix it until it becomes a uniform putty.
- Apply the Poultice: Wipe the area for any loose dust or dirt, then apply the poultice. Wait for a few minutes and wipe away the poultice from the area. If the stain persists, move on to the next step.
- Cover the Poultice: Apply the poultice to the stained area and cover it with a damp cloth. Leave it overnight; the poultice will move into the pores and stick to the stain. Wash or scrape it off with a razor blade or plastic knife to get rid of the stain. Remember to use the razor blade at a low angle to prevent scratching your marble countertop.
- Rinse and Dry: Just like we’ve explained earlier, rinse the surface with lots of water. Finally, dry the surface to prevent water spots.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Marble Countertops
Marble has a porous nature, just like other natural stones. That is why marble countertops are sealed during installation to create a protective layer on the surface. Even if your countertops are sealed, routine cleaning and proper maintenance are required to keep them looking their best. Here are some common mistakes people make while cleaning their marble countertops;
- Acidic Cleaners: Since marble is a delicate stone, it is not resistant to acid at all. Using acidic cleaners or bleach can cause etching on your marble countertops, resulting in discolorations and dulled looks.
- Abrasive Cleaners: Marble is relatively softer when compared to other natural stones like granite or quartzite. That is why your marble countertops are prone to scratches more. Using abrasive cleaners like hard sponges or steel wool can end up with scratches on the surface.
- Letting Stains Stay: We can’t stress enough how important it is to clean any spills or stains right away. Liquids can seep into the stone’s pores, resulting in permanent stains or bacterial growth. It is essential to blot these spills when they happen.
- Boiling Water: Avoid always using boiling water on your marble countertops. The sudden changes in the temperature can lead to cracks in your marble countertops.
- Not Drying: You should always dry your marble surfaces after cleaning them. Excessive water can cause moisture to seep into the stone’s pores, which can turn into stains, bacterial growth, or even structural damage in time.
