How To Do Proper Care For Marble Countertops?

One of the most stunning stones on earth, marble has magnificent gloss and textures that give vast, open kitchens and those little breakfast nooks that homeowners enjoy the extra “wow” factor. One can only attain this extra “wow” factor by regularly taking care of marble countertops

Marble is renowned for its beautiful appearance, durability, and strength. Hence, they require regular maintenance to shine, remain strong, and preserve their lovely textures to last a lifetime.

Suppose you aren’t aware of the proper cleaning method. Here are some suggestions for maintenance and cleaning tips for taking care of marble countertops.

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Steps to Care for Marble Countertops

You may take care of your marble countertops in the ways listed below to keep up their gleaming polished appearance.

Cleaning stains in the Kitchen

The Kitchen is the most likely place to have stains easily.

Oil-based stains: Stains from cooking oil and grease would degrade the marble surfaces. Consider using a gentle soap detergent that can cut through grease. Utilize a moist cloth to apply the detergent.

Use a mild liquid cleanser using ammonia, acetone, or mineral spirits if the first method doesn’t work. Use these substances in a location with good ventilation. Utilize a small amount of the cleaner, then thoroughly rinse.

Organic stains: The colors of marble are frequently tinted pinkish-brown by stains from fruit, paper, coffee, tea, wine, and other foods. Use a fresh cotton cloth to blot the stain before washing the area with water. Use ammonia and 12% hydrogen peroxide in small amounts.

Mold and mildew stains: Use a mixture of 1/2 cup of hydrogen peroxide, 1 gallon of water, and a small amount of dish detergent in a spray bottle to get rid of mold and mildew. Spray until the stain has been removed from the moldy area. Dry with a clean cotton cloth after rinsing with clean water.

Ink stains: Dip a cotton ball in acetone and dab the ink stain to remove it from your marble surface. If your stone is of a lighter shade, use around 20% of hydrogen peroxide solution.

Make flour and hydrogen peroxide poultice to erase substantial ink stains. Using a plastic putty knife, apply the poultice and spread it over the discoloration. To delay drying, tape a piece of plastic wrap to the moist poultice.

To ensure that the poultice mixture’s moisture can escape, poke holes in the plastic wrap. Scrape off the powdered poultice with the knife blade once it has dried.

Paint stains: Paint stains can be removed with a lacquer or a paint remover. When working with lacquer, always use protective eye and facial gear.

Metal stains: Rust or iron can leave behind metal stains. Rust may form on a marble surface if moisture accumulates there. Iron oxide is present in several kinds of marble.

To remove metal spots, your marble countertop can be cleaned with a liquid poultice composed of flour and liquid soap. Put the wet poultice over the stain and wait for it to dry.

Cleaning stains in the bathroom

The items you use in the shower could tarnish or stain your marble, such as

Shampoo
Conditioner
Soap
Shaving cream
Facial scrub

Gently wipe the solution onto the shower walls using vertical or horizontal strokes, paying special attention to places where mildew or soap scum is present. Clean water should be used to rinse the soapy mixture from the marble shower surfaces.

One should clean shower surfaces with a clean microfiber cloth and dry it completely. After wiping it down with a wet, hot dish towel and cleaning solution, you should dry the countertop with an absorbent towel.

Reminder: You’re only washing the stone’s surface here; don’t try to work the soap into the stone.

Removing dirt and dust from marble floors and countertops

Stones like marble are delicate and prone to etching, stains, and scuffs. To care for marble countertops, you should dust and clean your marble floors and worktops at least once a week to preserve them.

Remove filth and dust from the floor with a natural dust mop that has not been treated. A mop containing harsh chemicals may cause damage to the floors.

Use a soft-bristled dust mop to sweep the floor. The bristles of a typical broom might damage the marble. Likewise, if you wish to vacuum your marble flooring, only use brush attachments because vacuum wheels could harm the floor’s finish.

Clean up the dirt you missed with the dust mop with a damp mop and clean water. To avoid reapplying dirt on your floor, the water should always be clean.

For cleaning and taking care of marble countertops

For light stains

To prevent liquids from penetrating your marble countertops, you should always try to clean up water stains and spills as soon as possible. You can remove any undesirable stains or spills by moistening a delicate cloth in warm water. Never clean marble surfaces with a bristle sponge.

For heavy-duty stains

Use a natural, non-abrasive cleanser for large stains. Never use vinegar or anything acidic. You should remove any stains you notice on the surface by rubbing with a soft cloth in a circular motion.

Things that can harm your marble countertops

Knowing what can damage your countertops is an important step in keeping them from appearing clean and beautiful. To care for marble countertops, one must avoid storing the following things storing:-

Hot objects – Never leave hot mugs or pots that have just come off the burner. The same is true for flat irons and curling irons. These may lead your marble to scratching or staining.

Citric acids – Despite being frequently praised as a natural cleanser, avoid using vinegar on marble surfaces or any other cleaners containing many citric acids. These cleaners can harm your marble.

Wax – To give their countertops a polished and clean appearance, some homeowners like to wax them. For marble, avoid using this technique because the wax may stain your lovely tiles.

Things that can scratch your counter – Marbles are porous, so they can scratch easily, leaving an unsightly appearance. Use a cutting board over your kitchen countertops at all times, and avoid leaving hair pins or nails lying around.

Additional Tips for Care of Marble Countertop

If you prepare food on a marble countertop you must clean any spills immediately. Spills of acidic foods and beverages, such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and vinegar, will damage marble.

When working on a marble countertop, you can also use a cutting board or a protective surface like silicone or plastic.

Even though marble can withstand hot pans and pots, it should always be protected with a trivet. You should place placemats and coasters beneath the plates and glasses while serving on a marble countertop.

FAQs

Can one recover the lost shine?

Yes, by carefully washing the marble, erasing any scratches, and polishing it, one can regain the lost luster.

Why can't marble be cleaned using regular cleaning supplies?

Household cleaning products could cause further damage to the marble floors due to their acidic composition. The only cleaning agents that work are pH neutral.

What spills are likely to damage marble floors?

One should clean up the spills as soon as possible to avoid staining the marble. However, coffee, grease, and cooking oil spills are more likely to be prevented.

How to clean up coffee, milk, juice, and other similar liquid spills?

Use a slightly moist towel to dab on spills that have already left a light stain on the marble surface. Ans. Dab it with a soft towel or tissue to clean up the spill.

Conclusion

Because of its exquisite and distinctively intricate veining in contrasting hues, marble is one of the most abundant natural stone building materials. Therefore, it should not be surprising that it is becoming a common material in houses.

Although marble surfaces can function with little maintenance, their aesthetic appeal will significantly diminish. But we must take care not to destroy the surface while we try to maintain it.

Care for marble countertops requires less maintenance than you may imagine. For the greatest results and to maintain the beauty of your marble, follow the care and maintenance advice provided in the previous section.