How to Clean and Care for Your Marble Countertops

Marble is an unmistakably opulent material. Its high-end reputation continues into houses, with timeless beauty found in details such as floors, bathtubs, and counters. Marble has been introduced into more relaxed décor styles in recent years, so you don't have to decorate like an Italian pope to have marble worktops in your home. It can even feel ageless and unfussy when used with other organic materials like wood.

If you decide to go with marble countertops, keep in mind that they will require regular upkeep to keep them looking nice. While marble is highly impervious to scratches, it is still a natural stone that can be scratched or damaged. To keep your marble looking excellent, you'll need to clean it often and do some minor maintenance on occasion. Even if you have a major stain or injury, there is still treatment available. Continue reading to learn how to maintain your marble counters looking great no matter what occurs.

How Often Should Marble Countertops Be Cleaned?

Wipe down countertops as needed with a light cleanser or soap and water. This will most likely be once a day in a kitchen, or as often as you cook. This may be less common on restroom counters. In the event of spills or scratches, spot cleaning can be done as needed.

You may need to reseal marble every 3-6 months, or at least once a year, depending on how it is used. Bathroom counters and kitchen counters, which may be splattered with stain-causing substances, should be sealed on a regular basis.

Things You’ll Need:

• Clean cloth

• Soap and water

• Gentle counter cleaner or marble/granite cleaner

• #0000 steel wool

• Baking soda or gentle abrasive cleaner

• 12% Hydrogen Peroxide

• Scraper or razor

• Marble sealant

Step 1: Begin with a mild cleaner.

Marble has a reputation for being finicky, but keeping acid away from it is a big no-no. Cleaning it means wiping it down with mild soap and water on a regular basis. Avoid disinfectants that are often too caustic if you use a spray cleaner on your counters. Method and Mrs. Meyers Clean Day produce plant-based all-purpose cleansers that are gentle enough for marble.

Step 2: Wipe Counters Thoroughly

Wipe off the counters using a spray bottle or a cloth dipped in soap and water, focusing on any dried-on food or debris. Dry your counters completely with a clean, dry cloth to ensure they sparkle. This is where microfiber cloths come in handy. Rep as needed: daily in high-traffic kitchens, and once or twice a week in restrooms.

Step 3: Go for the tougher stains

Deeper dirt or stains might occasionally destroy your marble. You can usually avoid stains, severe scratches, and stains if you clean regularly, but a large spill may occasionally leave behind undesired colors. Most stains can be removed using common household chemicals and cleansers, according to the Natural Stone Institute. 1 The challenge is to figure out what kind of stain it is first because that will determine which equipment you need to employ.

Break up oil-based stains with a detergent, mineral oil, or acetate, then wipe clean with a cloth. Use 12 percent peroxide bleach (hair-bleaching strength) and a drop of ammonia to remove organic stains from food, alcohol, and other sources. On darker marble, these stains are unlikely to show, but bleach and peroxide can brown them. For especially deep stains on dark marble, look for a lacquer thinner.

Use a razor or a flat scraper to gently remove caked-on debris, such as spilled food or even paint. To minimize more gouging, move parallel to the counter rather than into it. Lifting the spill out of the way prevents the use of potentially dangerous caustic solutions.

Step 4: Remove any possible impurities

It's also possible that dull areas in marble aren't stains at all. Acidic, chemical spills can eat away at the marble, leaving a discoloration behind. If your countertop has nicks, gouges, or dull places, use #0000 steel wool to buff them out. However, if the scratch is particularly deep, you may need to hire a professional to sand it. If in doubt, contact the manufacturer or firm from where you acquired the item.

Marble Countertop Sealing

To avoid discoloration and etching, marble surfaces can be sealed. Sealing the marble prevents it from absorbing liquids, which can cause it to brown and stain over time. Perform a "puddle test" to discover if your marble needs to be sealed. Check to see whether a few drops of water absorb on your counter.

Look for a sealant made specifically for porous stones. If you're going to seal polished marble, make sure the sealer states it'll work on polished stone because it's far less porous. Clear your counters and wipe them clean before applying a sealant. Using a clean paintbrush or spray bottle, apply the sealant to the cleaned countertop. Allow for the necessary amount of time to pass before reapplying if the sealer begins to dry. Wipe it clean after that. Many sealers will need to "cure" for up to 24 hours before they are completely sealed.

Marble Countertops: How to Keep Them Clean

Marble is a lovely stone, but it can be costly and requires special maintenance. A patinated marble counter, scratches, and all is part of the appeal for many. Others may not have a problem sealing and cleaning marble on a regular basis.

Consider quartz, a mixture of polymer resins and quarried stone, if you want the look of marble without the hassle. This created material is very non-absorbent, less expensive, and easy to maintain. Quartz that looks like marble or granite can also be purchased for a fraction of the cost.

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