Natural marble is a great choice for kitchen countertops but these stones scan are easily stained and etched. Because marble is soft and porous they are prone to scratches, cracks and pitting. It takes a little more maintenance and upkeep to make your marble countertops last longer. In fact, marble countertops are about as classy as it gets.
We’ve compiled a helpful guide on how to clean grout in natural stone, essential reading for homeowners looking to preserve the beauty and durability of their marble, quartzite, granite, or quartz stone tiling.
Cleaning your marble countertop
Dust your countertop at least once a week with a soft cloth preferably a microfiber cloth. Clean your countertop periodically with a soft cloth and warm water, especially after contact with food. Marble is prone to water spots, so remember to wipe them dry after the warm water cleaning. Do not use natural and common acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice to clean your marble countertops. These products can etch the surface of the stone over a period of time. Do not use abrasive cleaners as these can dull the finish of the marble.
Marble countertops are prone to etching because of its calcium carbonate make. Acids and chemicals can leave behind stains and spots on your countertops. Any acidic or citric liquid like lemon juice, orange juice, vinegar, soft drink or tomato juice can cause a stain. Even a dash of any of these liquids is enough to leave a scar. So blot up spills immediately. And take care to clean marble stains as soon as possible. Use coasters under glasses bottles and cans that contain acidic liquid.
When using hot pots or pans place them on trivets or heating pads to prevent damage caused from excessive heat.
For shallow scratches consider polishing the surface with a regular stone polishing cream. You may also consider sanding the marble for dealing with scratches. For stubborn stains consider using a poultice.
More about taking care of your marble countertop
Add a marble sealer to prolong the life of your marble countertop. The porosity and make up of marble stone make it prone to staining and damage, if left unsealed. A sealer though not foolproof can offer some protection from spill stains and spalling. Spalling happens when water freezes in the pores of the surfaces.
Taking proper care of your marble countertop will certainly help you maintain its shine and strength for a long time.