Methods of maintaining and caring for marble

Marble stone

Many homeowners love the look of marble, whether it is marble tiles on the floor, kitchen or vanity countertops. Not only does marble create a sublime look and feel, it can also increase the value of your home. Which is why it is a good investment. Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it susceptible to etching by any acids. Marble is softer and more porous than granite and as a result, you may see more scratches, pitting, cracks, stains, and even dulling of the shine.

Daily Care

Splashes of acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and even vinegar will damage marble. When you use a marble countertop for food preparation, you will need to wipe up any spills immediately. It may be a good idea to put down a protective sheet, such as silicone or plastic while working on a marble countertop. Or, use a large cutting board and do your prep work on it. Marble is tolerant of hot pot and pans, but you should always protect it with a trivet.

Cleaning

Dust at least once a week with a soft microfiber cloth. For wet cleaning, use a damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone. Check with your countertop company for their recommendations. It is common to use mild dish soap and water. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the counter. Wipe and scrub gently with a damp cloth. Rinse the towel and wipe until all of the suds are gone. You can then dry the countertop with a soft towel.

Do not use regular cleaning products that can etch the stone surface over time. Especially avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, orange, or other citrus foods. Never use abrasive cleaners that will damage and dull the finish.

Removing stains

Getting stains out of marble is tricky, but has been done. Generally, to remove discoloured stains, spread a paste made of baking soda and water on the spot. Cover this with plastic wrap, tape down the edges, so it remains in place, and wait 24 hours for the mixture to “pull out” the discolouration. Gently wipe the paste away with a warm and a damp cloth the next day.

Regular Maintenance

Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface. Sealing will help prevent stains and damage and keep the marble countertops looking beautiful. Resurfacing operations are required to remove scratches, uppage (uneven tiles), and wear patterns from foot traffic. The stone is sanded with various grinding grits. This makes the surface flat, establishing a new finish. A ground-in-place floor extends the life of the floor. This is not recommended for the do-it-yourselfer, a professional stone contractor is required.

Marble care solutions

There are several steps you can take to protect your marble from stains:

• Never allow water or other liquids to remain on marble surfaces.
• Swap metal canisters for ceramic or glass to prevent rust.
• Use welcome mats at entrances to reduce abrasive dirt on marble floors.
• Use coasters under glasses and candles on marble tables or vanities.