Marble maintenance guidelines

Marble is a beautiful natural stone that comes in unique colours and patterns found in no other material. Preserving this natural beauty is a matter that tends to worry homeowners, given that marble requires a special cleaning routine. Indeed, preserving marble surfaces takes more time and effort than maintaining other types of surfaces such as laminate or ceramic since the material is significantly softer and more delicate. However, once one learns how to do it correctly, preserving marble in pristine conditions is really not that complicated.

Here are a few guidelines on how to safely clean this elegant stone.

Prevention

Prevention is indispensable. Use coasters or trivets to protect the countertop from hot pots, scratches and stains.

Do not expose marble to acidic substances

Marble is non resistant to acids and these will cause the material to etch. When the material is etched it will have visible, dull spots, where the acid has eaten away at the material. Acidic substances which are frequently found in homes include wine, fruit juices, citrus and vinegar. If a spill occurs, it should be wiped up as soon as possible. The longer a spill stays on a countertop, the more damage it will do and the harder it will be to remove it. If a marble surface has been stained, contact a marble restoration professional.

When it comes to cleaning marble, don’t use abrasive detergents or cloths because marble can be scratched and etched. This also goes for natural cleaners such as vinegar and lemon which are also acidic substances and will dull the stone as they will eat into the marble surface. Marble countertops are ideally cleaned with a mild soap or a dedicated stone cleaner, and water using a soft sponge or cloth.

Keep marble surfaces dry

Always dry marble surfaces after washing. Marble is a porous material and if it absorbs water, it will dull the surface. This is especially true for bathrooms which should ideally be cleaned after every use.

Do not put excessive weight on the surface

Marble is a hard material, however it is not flexible and can crack under excessive weight. Avoid dropping heavy objects onto the surface.

Seal marble

Marble should ideally be sealed once or twice a year.