Marble surfaces can become vulnerable to etching (tiny surface scratches) and staining if left uncovered for too long. Therefore, a sealer should be applied every six to 12 months in order to keep marble looking its best.
Wiping down countertops with warm water and a soft sponge is the easiest way to keep them looking their best, but sometimes more intensive cleaning techniques may be required to rid yourself of stubborn stains in marble surfaces. Although more intensive techniques require additional time and effort, they could help eradicate those stubborn marks on marble.
Use Warm Water
Marble countertops make a beautiful design statement in many homes, yet require special care due to being porous and staining easily. To protect against staining, it is recommended that daily mild cleaners be used alongside immediate cleanup of spills; additionally, sealing may add another protective layer over time.
Keep your counters clean by regularly washing them with warm soapy water. For an extra dose of disinfection power, mix isopropyl or rubbing alcohol into your cleaning solution for added disinfection – this will kill germs and bacteria without harming the surface of your counter. Avoid bleach-containing cleaning solutions which contain harsh chemicals as these could potentially damage stone. Instead opt for non-abrasive pH neutral soap that won’t abrade its surface!
General cleaning requires only non-abrasive sponge or cloth and water; for stubborn grime on your counters, try mixing non-abrasive, pH neutral soap with warm water in a spray bottle and liberally misting over your countertops before gently scrubbing with soft brush or sponge to scrub gently before rinsing and drying it thoroughly using soft cloth.
As acids like vinegar and lemon juice can etch the surface of your countertop, it is wise to choose products containing pH neutral cleaners designed specifically for your type of countertop, or purchase marble polish designed to clean and protect them. Scouring powders or abrasive scrubbers that could damage them should also be avoided, and avoid any rust removers with trace levels of hydrofluoric acid that contain trace levels of hydrofluoric acid as they could scratch them as well.
Few steps are all it takes to keep your countertops beautiful and stain-free for years. Keep a soft, clean cloth on hand to quickly wipe up any spills as soon as they occur, use cutting boards or bowls when prepping food on marble surfaces, coasters/placemats on countertops to help shield from hot dishes/liquids and placemats on them for additional protection from hot dishes/liquids etc.
Mild Detergent
Marble is an exquisite material that adds luxury and style to any kitchen, matching well with any style of decor. However, it must be remembered that it’s porous stone which requires sealing to prevent staining and damage over time. Daily cleaning with mild chemicals should help minimize this possibility.
Acidic cleaners should also be avoided when cleaning marble countertops, as they may erode away at their sealant and leave your counters looking dull and etching. Common acidic products include vinegar and citrus-based cleaners; for optimal results it would be wise to opt for mild dish soap that won’t damage the stone surface.
Stain removal is another key element of keeping marble counters looking their best. Wiping down with a damp cloth after each use should help avoid stain accumulation; but should one appear, take swift action as leaving untreated stains unattended can damage your marble permanently. Depending on its source and severity, there are multiple strategies you can employ for treating it: hydrogen peroxide is great at getting rid of food-grade spots while applying baking soda/water paste might work just as effectively;
Rubbing alcohol may also be useful when treating marble stains caused by organic substances like rust or wine, though only for light spots that have not yet set in. For more stubborn stains, it may be beneficial to invest in an appropriate commercial marble stain remover product.
Your mild detergent will enable you to safely clean marble countertops without risking damage, providing the ideal way to do it without resorting to harsh cleaning agents that could deteriorate them further. Before proceeding with cleaning all over, be sure to test any new cleaner on a small area first before beginning all-out. Additionally, avoid using any abrasive sponges or scouring pads as these could scratch and dull marble’s surface further. For especially stained or damaged counters it may be advisable to consult a granite and stone restoration specialist.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide mixed with water can be an effective and safe solution to eliminating mildew and other organic stains on marble countertops. Thanks to its low acidity level, hydrogen peroxide won’t damage them as long as not exposed for too long or at full concentration; in fact, it works great as both a natural cleaner and stain remover on lighter-coloured marble! For stubborn spots, apply small amounts directly onto stubborn stains for 12-24 hours before gently wiping away.
Baking soda is an ideal and safe solution for cleaning marble countertops with light colors, including light hued marble countertops. Baking soda can remove stains and discolouration spots while lifting stubborn spots like those caused by hard water stains; however it should not be used on darker marble as this could alter its hue. For best results when cleaning marble surfaces use either baking soda in combination with mild soap or as a standalone cleaner when cleansing your countertops.
If you require something stronger than soap and water, rubbing alcohol is one of the few products which can disinfect marble without harming it. Create a solution of warm water mixed with 1 drop of liquid dish detergent, 4 tablespoons of isopropyl alcohol for every 8 ounces of water in a spray bottle before spraying onto marble countertops then wiping with a damp microfiber cloth after use.
Avoid vinegar-based cleaners like Pine-Sol, as their high acidic levels will damage marble countertops over time, etching it irreparably and necessitating resurfacing of them. Instead, opt for soap and water, followed by disinfectant rubbing alcohol mixture as a gentle yet effective cleaner that can keep your marble looking brand new.
Dish Soap
Marble countertops add sophistication and luxury to any kitchen, but it is important to understand that it is porous material which may stain or etch easily when exposed to certain substances. Though regular routine cleaning should help avoid such issues, learning how to treat stains as soon as they occur is key in keeping marble looking beautiful for as long as possible.
If your marble countertops exhibit water stains or light etch marks, use a sponge with warm water and some mild dish soap to scrub the area with. Rinse away any suds with warm water before wiping down with a dry towel – this simple method should help erase those unsightly marks and return its luster!
For severe etch marks, try mixing baking soda and either water or hydrogen peroxide into a paste and applying directly onto the mark. Cover it with plastic wrap and tape down any edges; let it set for several days and see if your mark has vanished before repeating this process if necessary.
Organic stains like food, oil and ink may also be lifted with this technique. Simply apply paste directly on the spot for 24 hours before rinsing off and washing with warm water. If this doesn’t work, scrubbing more vigorously or using stronger solutions like vinegar or ammonia may be required to achieve success.
Though commercial cleaners exist to clean and protect marble surfaces, household solutions that are safe can also work effectively – such as isopropyl alcohol for disinfection purposes and general cleanup of your countertops. Just be sure to test a small area first as some acidic cleaners could stain it permanently.
To preserve the beauty of your marble, it is recommended that it be resealed every few months to prevent water, dirt and stains from seeping into its surfaces and damaging it over time. A professional can recommend suitable options based on your countertop design.
