Last week, we talked about two of the four main countertop materials: granite and quartz. Today, we’ll continue the discussion with marble and travertine, and how you can care for these materials.
1. Marble
If you love the look and feel of marble and you’re looking to incorporate this natural stone into your kitchen, you’re in for a treat. Proper care will lead to a long-lasting lifespan and beautiful kitchen. But keep in mind that marble is softer and more porous than granite, which means you may get more scratches, pits, stains, and cracks without the proper TLC.
Daily Care
Splashes of acidic foods and beverages can damage marble, so be sure to wipe up spills immediately, whether that involves tomato juice, citrus fruits, wine, soda, coffee, fruit juice, or vinegar. When preparing food, add a protective plastic or silicone sheet on your counters or use a cutting board. Set hot pans down on trivets even though marble is heat tolerant in general.
Cleaning
Use a soft microfiber cloth to dust the surface once a week. When wet cleaning, use a damp cloth and cleanser designed specifically for marble. You can even use a mild dish soap and water. Don’t use products that include vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, ammonia, orange, or abrasives.
Regular Maintenance
Seal your marble countertops every six to 12 months to prevent stains and damage. If you notice mild etching, use a marble polishing powder to erase it. For stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Spread on the stain, covering it for 12 to 24 hours. Remove the paste and wipe it down.
1. Travertine
If travertine is more your style, check out these care tips to help your counter retain its luster for years to come.
Seal Counters Frequently
Travertine is a more porous stone compared with marble so it’s essential that you seal it often. Do this twice a year or more frequently when you notice water isn’t beading like it should.
When preparing food, don’t set hot pans directly on the counter; use trivets, placemats, and coasters instead.
Use the Right Cleaners
Travertine is a form of limestone, which means it may become soluble in hyperacidic conditions. Stay away from common household cleaners that have chemicals, as these can have caustic or corrosive properties. Instead, use a stone-safe travertine cleaner that does not have ammonia and phosphates in it.
If you do want to use ammonia or bleach, look for ones that say “safe for natural stone.” This assures you that the cleaner is safe to use because it is pH neutral.
Use Soft Cloths and Scrub Pads
Use microfiber cloths when cleaning your travertine countertops, as well as when applying sealant and polish. For stubborn sticky messes, use scrub pads to remove them – but first make sure they’re safe for use on natural stones like travertine.
Deep Clean Periodically
Do a deep cleaning day of your travertine countertops once in a while by cleaning them with a cleanser and waiting for the surface to dry. Then you will want to apply sealant, allowing it to cure for 24 hours before polishing and buffing.
Contact Granite Guy
To learn more about how our marble and travertine installers in Brookline can help, contact us at 508-460-7900 or fill out our online form.