If you love marble and you want to incorporate this natural stone into your kitchen, Granite Guy can help. We are expert installers of marble countertops for kitchens and baths. We also place a big emphasis on educating you about how to properly care for your marble countertops. You will enjoy a long-lasting lifespan and beautiful kitchen with marble counters, provided you give them the TLC they require.
Keep in mind that marble is softer and more porous than granite, which means you may get more scratches, pits, cracks and stains if you aren’t careful.
Check out these tips on how to care for your marble countertops:
1. Daily Care
Splashes of acidic foods and beverages, such as like tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and vinegar, can damage marble. Be sure to wipe up any spills immediately. You may even want to place a protective sheet, such as silicone or plastic, on the counters when prepping food, or use a cutting board. When setting hot pans down on your counters, use trivets just in case, even though marble is fairly tolerant of heat.
2. Cleaning
Using a soft microfiber cloth, dust at least once a week. For wet cleaning, use a damp cloth and cleanser designed for natural stone like marble. Often times, it’s fine to use mild dish soap and water. Just put some in a spray bottle and spray down the counter, wiping gently with a cloth. Dry with a soft towel.
Avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, orange, or abrasives.
3. Regular Maintenance
Seal the countertops regularly, typically every six to 12 months, or whenever water fails to bead up when splashing on the surface. Sealing prevents stains and damage, and will help you reclaim the luster of your marble. If you need to erase some mild etching, try a marble polishing powder that is approved for that use.
If you notice stains, mix baking soda with water, spread it on the stain, and cover it for 12 to 24 hours. Then, gently remove the paste and wipe the area.
4. Protect Against Spills
Wipe up all beverage spills immediately. Do not set glasses or bottles directly on marble counters; instead, use coasters in the kitchen and vanity trays in the bathroom to prevent rings. Use dining mats for protection if you have a marble breakfast counter.
Contact Granite Guy
If you would like more tips on caring for your marble countertops, contact us today at 508-460-7900.