Marble countertops are stylish and long-lasting alternatives to Formica, laminate, and wood. Whether you choose marble countertops, rented an apartment with one, or inherited one, cleaning it properly will ensure that it lasts a lifetime — or even longer.
Avoid store-bought cleaners when cleaning your marble countertops, including abrasive cleaners or pads.
Marble countertops look plain and easy, but it requires careful cleaning and maintenance. If you want to know more about the don’ts of marble countertops, make sure to keep on reading.
What Is Bad For Marble Countertops?
Marble is a gorgeous material, but there are plenty of things to know about what could damage it.
Using Generic Household Cleaners of ANY Kind.
Cleaning marble with store-bought products containing acids, alkalis, and other chemicals will etch the countertop or tile surface and erode the sealant, making the stone more stain-prone. In addition, some of the most common and popular household cleaners, including bleach, vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleansers, and hydrogen peroxide, are too harsh for marble and ruin the finish.
Scrubbing with Rough Cleansers.
Grout cleaners of any kind should be avoided. Grout cleaners generally contain abrasives, which are overly abrasive and will scrape and dull the surface, even if it is a “soft” cream or powder. To clean marble countertops, you don’t need any special cleaners.
Mild soap and hot water are already more than enough. With a soft towel or sponge, wipe sudsy water off the counter. It will get rid of dirt, but it won’t get rid of etching or stains.
Placing Toiletry Items.
Hair products, fragrances, toothpaste, nail products, creams, lotions, and colognes should not be used on marble surfaces since they can erode the surface and leave a ring. If you wish to keep these objects on show, we recommend storing them in a stylish tray.
It’s not a good idea to sit or stand on marble surfaces. Since marble countertops lack the flexibility of laminate countertops and lack the support of plywood, placing too much weight on one location might cause the marble to crack.
Letting Spills Sit For Too Long.
If you drop something on your marble countertop, wipe it up once to avoid the liquid penetrating it. Cooking oil, wine, liquids, coffee, and sauces WILL discolor your beautiful marble. To mop up spills, use the same soft, damp cloth you’d use for regular cleaning with warm water and light dish detergent.
Using Marble Countertops as a Workbench.
It’s a recipe for disaster to use a marble countertop (or floor tile) as a staging or work area for various honey do’s or home repair jobs. Marble is a supple material. It gets scratched easily or gouged by nails and screws, hammers, screwdrivers, and other tools. Dropping something hard on marble can leave “stun marks,” which are small white spots that are impossible to remove or restore.
Do Marble Countertops Stain Easily?
Marble is a calcium carbonate that is considerably softer and porous than granite, another popular kitchen and bathroom surface. So, when it dries, it can leave mineral deposits. In addition, certain household cleaners can stain the marble.
So, never use any typical multi-purpose spray. Many common household cleaners contain synthetic elements, such as pigments and solvents, which can break down your marble’s protective coating, resulting in stains, etches, a dulled surface, and costly damages over time. Instead, always use pH-neutral cleaning products designed exclusively for natural stone.
Be careful with acidic drinks.
Coffee, soda, tea, and wine may quickly infiltrate the stone’s pores, eroding the surface and producing a stain. Even a tiny spill might be disastrous due to the extreme acidity of some of our favorite beverages. It includes fruit juices, as well as any other food or drink containing citrus or citric acid.
Always use cutting boards for cooking meals rather than prepping food directly on a marble surface and immediately wipe away any spills. The longer they sit on the surface, the more likely they are to penetrate the protective layer and permeate the stone’s pores, resulting in a stain.
Can You Seal Marble To Prevent Staining?
Since marble is porous, you must seal it at least once a year to prevent water, dirt, and debris from collecting in the stone’s holes. Marble can stain quickly if you don’t seal, especially if exposed to acidic beverages such as coffee or lemon juice.
When food and drink residues stay on marble, the surface becomes degraded. Thus, it reduces the material’s lifespan. Because of its porosity, marble is more prone to etching and scratching. Some experts suggest sealing marble every 6 months to 1 year. Contact your local marble fabricator or installer if you have a specific question about sealing your marble.
How Do You Keep Marble Countertops Shiny?
Here are step-by-step guides on maintaining your marble countertop’s shine throughout time.
Cleaning
- To remove any surface filth and debris, wipe the marble top with a gentle, dry cloth.
- Using a non-abrasive sponge, dampen it with warm water, wring it dry, and wipe the marble top once again.
- Spray a commercial stone cleaner on the marble surface and wipe it away with a clean, soft rag. Alternatively, dampen the sponge with a drop or two of mild dishwashing solutions, wipe the marble top, rinse well with plain water, or use a one-part hydrogen peroxide-to-two-parts-water solution.
- Using a chamois cloth, dry the marble top. By rubbing the entire surface with the towel in small circles, buff it to a shine.
- If you want extra shine after buffing with a chamois, use commercial stone polish or marble-polishing paste. Wipe with a gentle rag if you’re using a spray-on stone polish. If you’re using marble polishing paste, make sure to follow the drying and buffing instructions on the container.
How Long Do Marble Countertops Last?
When compared to other countertop materials, marble can last up to twice as long! According to the National Association of Home Builders, marble is only a few materials that may survive over 100 years.
Manufactured solutions, such as stone-based resin options, have shorter lifespans due to the man-made “ingredients” being more susceptible to heat and sun damage.
After a few decades, these “cultured marbles,” formed by combining stone and other components, are frequently changed. Marble is also an excellent choice because other natural materials, such as wood, require significantly more maintenance to achieve the same longevity as natural stone.
Conclusion
Marble has long been one of the most popular building materials. Marble is ideal for countertops in modern homes and businesses because it is naturally rich in color and texture, strikingly attractive, sturdy, and long-lasting. But, on the other hand, your marble surface is only as good as your design decisions and maintenance habits.
After all, while marble is lovely, there’s a distinction to be made between a good countertop surface and a perfect fit for a specific use. Also, if you don’t take care of marble, it won’t endure forever.
You can always contact us if you have any additional concerns about creating marble surfaces, caring for marble, or marble fabrication & Installation. In addition, you may find out everything you need to know about things to avoid regarding marble countertops.
Quintal’s Granite & Marble Inc.
408-295-8233
1775 Monterey Rd #64a, San Jose, CA 95112, United States
