A rolling stone gathers no moss, but a stone table gathers a lot of value. The American dimension stone industry made $400 million of sales in 2020. Marble comprised roughly 4% of sales.
Marble countertops look great and support a lot of weight. But you need to know how to clean marble before you buy marble for your house.
What are some tricks for how to clean marble countertops? What sorts of tools should you avoid using? What do you have to know about marble showers?
Answer these questions and you can keep your marble spotless without breaking a sweat. Here is your quick guide.
Find a Mild Soap
You do not need a very strong soap for marble cleaning. A mild soap that is pH-neutral and non-abrasive is all you need. Dish soap is fine, as is soap made specifically for marble surfaces.
For a basic cleaning solution, you can mix a few drops of dish soap with a cup of warm water. Dip an absorbent cloth into the solution and then wipe down your marble surface with it.
Under no circumstances should you use anything acidic. Marble will dissolve quickly when exposed to any kind of acid. You should also avoid using rust-removing solutions and gritty cleaners.
If you rely on a house cleaner, find one experienced with marble surfaces. You can start looking for house cleaning here and then compare options elsewhere.
Focus on Prevention
The easiest way to clean your marble is to never have to clean it. Never cook or eat anything acidic on or near your marble surface. This includes citrus fruits, vinegar, and carbonated foods or beverages.
If you must work with food near your marble, you should place padding around your marble. You can use a marble sealant as a protecting substance against spills, but some marble surfaces cannot absorb sealants.
You should also be careful with very hot objects. You should wrap hot dishes with pieces of cloth before setting them down on your marble.
Abrasive materials like sand and dirt can damage your marble and warp its appearance. You can use a moist cloth to remove these materials before they damage the marble too much. Try to avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as the wheels can dig the sand into the marble further.
Blot Out Spills
In the event that liquid does spill onto your marble, you need to remove it right away. Do not scrub at the liquid with a rag or towel.
You should find a paper towel or another material that can absorb the liquid. You should bunch the towel up and then blot at the liquid with small and careful gestures. Do not push on the marble too hard, or it may start to absorb the fluid.
Once you’ve blotted the spill, you should clean the area off. Use some warm water with drops of soap in it to clean. Rinse the marble several times over so you remove the staining liquid entirely.
If your spill is caked-in, you can use a steam cleaner to remove the substance. Do not apply too much steam to other parts of your marble. Dry the area thoroughly after you are done with your cleaner.
Remove Stains
You can remove stains from your concrete, though you need to be careful. If you spilled wine or organic food on your marble, you should clean the stain with hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.
Do not inhale these substances while you are using them. Open the windows and make sure you have good ventilation as you are cleaning.
If you spilled oil on your marble, you should find a liquid cleanser with mineral spirits or acetone. You may be able to use a household cleaner, but you must find one that does not use acid.
Do not apply too much cleaner to your marble. You can pour a few drops on a towel and then rub the towel over your marble.
Buff Scratches From Surfaces
One or two scratches on your marble will not ruin the integrity of your surface. But any scratch can be unsightly and allow liquid to seep into your stone.
For a light scratch, find a piece of fine steel wool. Then apply the wool to the scratch using circular motions. You can push a little bit if the scratch is at an angle or deeper than you think.
If you have a very deep scratch, you may need to call a natural stone professional. They can polish the surface again and make repairs to the marble. They can also give you some marble care tips.
Be Careful With Showers
Learning how to clean marble showers can be a challenge. Showers can contain soap scum, water spots, and scratches from years of use. Talk to someone who knows how to clean old marble before you start cleaning your shower.
You may have to use a squeegee or rag to remove soap off your walls after every shower. You can also use a steam cleaner or run the shower at a high temperature to produce steam.
Try to keep your shower dry as well. You can air your bathroom out by opening up the windows and doors.
Master How to Clean Marble
You can learn how to clean marble surfaces in little time. You should use mild soaps with warm water when you are cleaning. Anything acidic will destroy your marble.
When a spill does happen, you should blot it up with a paper towel. Use an ammonia solution if your marble develops a stain.
Fine steel wool is your best tool to remove scratches. A steam cleaner will help you remove soap scum in your shower, though a squeegee can help.
House cleaning is difficult, regardless of what stone you have. Read more house cleaning guides by following our coverage.
