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Marble countertops can add a touch of elegance and luxury to any kitchen or bathroom. However, with regular use, marble counters can become stained or dirty. Thankfully, cleaning them is very easy and only takes a few things. We cover the best methods for cleaning marble counters and offer tips for keeping marble surfaces looking great for years to come.
How Do You Clean Marble Countertops?
To clean marble countertops, you should use a few squirts of liquid dish soap and warm water. Wipe the surface with a clean, damp cloth, and then dry it with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products, as they can damage the marble. If you need to remove a stain, you can try using a mixture of baking soda and water, or a specialized marble stain remover. Be sure to test any cleaning products in an inconspicuous area first before using it all over the surface.
Supplies Needed:
- Soft cloths, preferable microfiber cloths
- Liquid dish soap
- Spray bottle or bowl
Cleaning Steps:
The steps for cleaning marble countertops are as follows:
- Dust or wipe down the countertop with a dry cloth to remove any loose debris or dust.
- Mix a few squirts of liquid dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle or bowl.
- Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the countertop. Be sure to wring out the cloth so it’s not too wet.
- Dry the countertop with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
- To maintain the shine of your marble countertop, you can apply a marble sealer or polish every few months.
What Is the Best Cleaner for Marble Countertops
While specialized products are available, the best cleaner for marble countertops is actually liquid dish soap. It’s mild, cuts through grease, and will leave your countertops sparkling clean.
Dilute a small amount of mild dish soap in a spray bottle or bowl full of warm water. Then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the countertop. Be sure to wring out the cloth, so it’s not too wet. After cleaning, dry the countertop with a soft, dry cloth to prevent water spots.
Specialized marble cleaners are also available and can be found at most home improvement stores. These cleaners are specifically designed for use on marble surfaces. However, they are much more expensive and work about the same as dish soap.
If you use these cleaners, check the label for any cautions or directions. While they are usually safe, test them in an inconspicuous area before using them all over the surface.
It’s important to avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products, such as vinegar or lemon juice. They can damage the marble, leaving it pitted and discolored.
Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Your Marble Counters
Regular cleaning is just one part of caring for marble counters. Here are some tips for cleaning and caring for marble countertops:
- Regularly clean the surface to keep it looking like new.
- Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners because they can damage the marble. This includes vinegar, lemon juice, and citrus cleaners or any cleaner that contains a lot of grit.
- Wipe up any spills as soon as possible to prevent staining, especially acidic spills.
- Never place hot items directly on marble, as it can discolor or damage the surface.
- Regularly check and reapply the sealer as needed to protect the surface from stains.
- Be careful not to scratch the surface. Avoid using sharp objects or abrasive scrubbers on the marble.
- If you have a crack or chip in your marble countertop, it’s best to have it repaired by a professional to avoid further damage.
By following these tips, you can help keep your marble countertops looking beautiful for years to come.
How Do You Remove Stains From Marble Countertops?
To remove stains from marble countertops, you can try the following methods:
- Use a mixture of baking soda and water. Mix a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off with a slightly wet cloth. This method works on most stains, including food, water, and ink stains.
- Use a specialized marble stain remover. These can be found at most home improvement stores and are safe for use on marble surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use.
- For oil-based stains, you can try using a mixture of cornstarch and water. Apply the mixture to the stain and let it sit for a few hours before wiping it off with a clean cloth.
- For tough stains, you can try using a poultice. A poultice is a mixture of absorbent material and a cleaning solution. Common absorbent materials include talcum powder, flour, or baking soda. The cleaning solution can be hydrogen peroxide or ammonia. Mix the absorbent material and cleaning solution together to make a paste, apply it to the stain, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit for at least 24 hours before removing it and wiping the area clean with a damp cloth.
It’s important to test any cleaning products in an inconspicuous area before using it all over the surface and to avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaning products, as they can damage the marble.
If the stain does not come out or if you are not sure how to proceed it’s always best to seek professional help.