With their captivating beauty and luxury appeal, marble countertops can make any kitchen feel like a million bucks. Who doesn’t love the look of natural stone patterns paired with glassy shine? Of course, we want those marble surfaces to maintain their eye-catching luster. But how exactly is marble countertop cleaning done without damaging them?
In this guide, we’ll share insider tips to make marble countertop cleaning painless. You’ll learn how to remove pesky spots and stains without harming the delicate surface. Let’s delve into all things marble countertop care so you can flaunt those stunning counters with confidence!
Regular Marble Countertop Cleaning
Establishing a regular cleaning routine is key to preventing stains, dust, and water spots on your marble surfaces. Here are some simple habits to integrate into your daily and weekly countertop cleaning:
1. Use coasters under glasses, pots, pans, etc.
This prevents water ring stains and etching from developing on your marble.
2. Always use cutting boards.
Never cut directly on your marble countertop. This can scratch and chip the surface over time.
3. Clean up spills immediately.
Don’t let liquids like wine, coffee, juice, etc sit on or stain the marble. Blot up spills quickly to prevent staining.
4. Wash with mild dish soap and warm water weekly.
According to HGTV, marble countertops should be cleaned weekly using a few drops of dish soap mixed with warm water. This solution helps keep marble surfaces free of dirt, stains, and streaks. Rinsing thoroughly after cleaning prevents soap residue buildup.
5. Reseal marble every 6-12 months.
Reapply quality marble sealer regularly to your floors to protect them from stains and etching.
How to Remove Stains from Marble Surfaces
Even with the best prevention methods, stains still happen! Here are tips for safely removing common marble countertop stains:
Oil-based stains
For stains from foods with oil like pasta sauce, salad dressing, etc:
Blot away excess oil immediately
Apply a few drops of mild dish soap directly on the stain
Let sit for 2-3 minutes to penetrate
Gently wipe and rinse well with clean water
Repeat as needed for stubborn stains
Water-based stains
For rings from wet glasses, water spots, and other water-based stains:
Mix a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water
Apply the paste to the stained area with a damp cloth or sponge
Let sit for 20-30 minutes then wipe clean with a soft cloth
Rinse well with clean water
Organic stains
For food stains, coffee, tea, wine, lemon juice, etc:
Blot excess liquid immediately
Mix 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide with 1 tbsp baking soda and 1 tbsp water into a paste
Apply the paste to the stained area and let sit for 15-20 minutes
Wipe clean with a soft cloth, rinsing thoroughly after
Hard water stains
Pour undiluted white vinegar over the spots
Let acetic acid in vinegar sit for 2-3 minutes
Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently wipe the area
Rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward
Based on guidance from Good Housekeeping, water rings and spots on marble floors can be removed by applying a baking soda paste. Baking soda is a gentle, effective cleaner safe for natural stone.
How to Deep Clean Marble Surfaces
Over time, daily use and cleaning can leave marble looking dingy. To restore the beautiful shine of damaged marble and remove set-in dirt use these steps:
1. Sweep or spray vacuum dirt and dust off the countertops. This prevents scratching the marble during cleaning.
2. Apply a pH-neutral stone cleaner to the clean marble surface. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
3. Use a soft microfiber cloth to gently wipe the countertop clean.
4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean towel.
5. Finally, apply marble polish with a soft cloth and buff to a shine. This polishes and further seals the porous stone together.
Protecting Marble Countertop Finishes
To keep marble countertops looking like new:
Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards religiously
Clean up spills ASAP
Stick to gentle cleansers – avoid acidic or abrasive products
Reseal marble every 6-12 months with a quality penetrating sealer
Avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the marble
Don’t use marble as a cutting surface
Final Thoughts
At first, keeping marble counters spotless forever may seem like an impossible feat. But have no fear – the insider tips you’ve learned make maintaining marble’s crystalline glamour very doable indeed! By making smart preventive habits second nature and acting quickly when spills strike, you can master marble care in no time. Arm yourself with the right non-damaging cleaners and techniques so you can keep etchings and stains at bay.
Remember to reseal those high-maintenance counters regularly as an easy way to defend marble’s delicate beauty. While an occasional poultice treatment or vinegar scrub may be needed for stubborn spots, your routine upkeep will keep major damage away. Just use a soft hand and the helpful tools detailed here, and your beloved marble countertops will continue glistening magnificently for many years of cooking and entertaining to come!
