Cleaning Marble Countertops

Marble countertops will always be huge in the kitchen design trend world, as it is timeless and a true marvel of nature. Due to its naturally cool nature, most people in warmer climates and those who enjoy baking choose marble counters over any other material. Marble does come with its pros and cons, so it is important to understand the material in order to clean it and maintain it to last a lifetime. 

While beautiful and easy to clean, marble is incredibly porous and soft, making it sensitive to acidic foods and solutions. These acidic products can leave irremovable stains and blemishes that will live in your countertops forever. Some of these include vinegar, lemon juice (or fruit in general), tomato juice, and harsh cleaning products. So, how do you protect your marble countertops and keep them clean from daily cooking routines? We are here to break it down for you!

Cleaning & Maintaining 

General cleaning of your marble countertops is very simple and easy to do, which is part of what makes it so popular. There are a couple of different things you can do on a regular basis to keep your countertops sparkling.

• Use a mild, non-abrasive, pH-neutral soap mixed with water and wipe the marble down with a soft dishcloth. 

• Use a non-abrasive stone cleaner specifically tailored to marble. Always check the ingredients to ensure it is not made with products that are damaging to your surface. 

• Quickly clean any spills and accidents as soon as they occur. 

• Avoid bathroom cleaners and other products that contain acid or harsh cleaning elements. 

Prevention & Protection 

It is always better to prevent and protect than to save or repair when it comes to most things in life. This philosophy most definitely applies to marble surfaces and countertops. The best way to protect your countertops is to regularly apply a sealant (every six months or so). Sealants can break down over time and lose their strength, so resealing the surface helps create a more durable, user-friendly surface for everyday kitchen activities. 

Cleaning up your mess as soon as it happens is another key factor in ensuring marble’s longevity. Even with protection, harsh foods can leave a residue that is not easy to clean and could quickly begin breaking down the base of the countertop. 

Don’t let the fear of ruining luxury products keep you from enjoying them. Learning how to care for your kitchen is half the battle, so once you know how to maintain your marble countertops, you can easily make them last a lifetime!