How to Clean Marble?

Marble has been a famous natural stone throughout the ages. Whether used as building blocks, indoor and outdoor appliances, or artwork, marble’s beauty and elegance are a sight. However, marble isn’t as hard or durable as other natural stone materials. Thankfully, marble isn’t difficult to clean. All it requires is a bit of maintenance and preventative actions to keep its beauty and elegance.

In this guide, we will explain how to clean marble surfaces to keep them looking as beautiful as the day they were installed.

What You’ll Need

Marble is a wonderful material for your home. However, marble isn’t as hard or durable as granite or quartzite. That is why cleaning and protecting your marble surfaces is essential. Usual cleaning products can be harmful to your marble surfaces. Here’s a list of cleaning products you need.

• Soft cloths such as cotton, microfiber, or sponge.
• Mild dish soap or special marble cleaner.
• Warm water.
• Spray Bottle.
• Dry towels.

Cleaning Your Marble Surfaces

Marble is a soft yet aesthetically pleasing natural stone. To keep them looking good, regular cleaning is a must. Because of its porous nature, marble surfaces are sealed during installation to add an extra layer of protection. This sealant prevents liquids from seeping into the stone, making your marble surfaces resistant to stains. This process also makes your marble surfaces easy to clean. Here are some simple steps you should follow while cleaning your marble surfaces.

1. Dust and sweep: First of all, start by dusting and dry cleaning your marble surfaces with a soft microfiber cloth or a soft broom. Doing so will remove any dust or dirt particles to scratch your marble surfaces during wet cleaning.
2. Prepare a cleaning solution: Adding a few drops of dish soap into warm water becomes a great cleaning product for your marble surfaces. If you are using a specialized marble cleaner, remember to follow the instructions on the label.
3. Clean the surface: You can now start cleaning your marble surfaces by dipping a soft cloth or sponge into the cleaning solution you’ve made. Gently start wiping your marble surface while doing gentle and circular motions. Always work in small sections to prevent your solution from drying on the marble surface.
4. Rinse: Rinse the surface with clean water and a new soft cloth to remove any residue. Do this until no cleaning solution is left since it can leave streaks or spots on your marble surfaces.
5. Dry: Finally, dry your marble surfaces with dry towels to remove excess water. Doing so will prevent water spots or streaks from happening.

How to Remove Stains from Marble?

Even if the marble surfaces are sealed, stains are likely to occur. You should always try to remove stains as they happen. Use a clean and soft cloth to blot the spills. Remember to avoid wiping since it can spread or go deeper into the stone. Next, clean the area with dish soap and water. Finally, rinse the area with enough clean water to keep your marble surfaces looking beautiful.

You may need to make a poultice for tougher stains. Various types of stains require different poultices. Mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia for organic materials like food, coffee, or wine. Oil-based stains can be removed with acetone and water mixture. For rust stains, use a commercial rust remover. Remember to stay away from acidic cleaners since they can worsen rust stains. Ink stains can easily be removed by a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. A mixture of baking soda and water should be enough for water stains. Spread the poultice or mixture evenly over the stained area and wait for some time to settle. Some stains might require the poultice to be covered with plastic wrap and sit for 24 hours. 

After waiting for the appropriate time, remove the poultice or mixture with a soft cloth. Rinse the area with clean water until no residue remains on your marble surface. 

How to Protect Your Marble Surfaces?

Preventative measures are a great way to keep your marble surfaces beautiful. When maintained properly, your marble surfaces will keep looking fabulous and last for a long time. Here are some tips to keep your marble surfaces in tip-top shape.

• We can’t stress enough how important it is to clean spills immediately. Remember to blot the spill instead of wiping.
• Always use coasters under glasses or cups. Cleaning some liquids that seep into the marble can be tough.
• Remember to use hot pads or trivets when placing hot objects. Hot pots or pans can end up damaging both the sealant and the marble, resulting in discolorations.
• Since marble is a soft stone, it can easily be scratched by sharp objects. Use cutting boards to protect your marble kitchen countertops.
• Acidic and abrasive cleaners are highly discouraged. They can end up etching your marble surfaces.
• Resealing your marble surfaces regularly is the most effective way of protecting them. You can simply do a water drop test to see if your marble surfaces need resealing. Place a few drops of water on your marble surface. If the water drops bead up, that means the sealant is intact. However, if the water gets absorbed, it’s time for resealing.

Marble is undeniably the most beautiful material you can get for various appliances. Their beauty comes at a price, though; marble isn’t as durable as other natural stones. That is why taking care of your marble surfaces is extremely important. Regular cleaning of your marble surfaces is a great way to keep them both looking good and protected.

What Else to Know?