Marble Countertops: A Comprehensive Maintenance Guide
Home renovation projects are always very exciting and offer creative homeowners the opportunity to express their artistic flair and decorate their home the way it reflects their taste and preferences. However, it’s also a costly endeavour, especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms, so it’s best to be prudent and savvy when choosing materials and designs.
Most homeowners look for high-quality, durable materials that will give their kitchens and bathrooms a classic, high-end look. Marble is one of very frequent choices and picking colour, size, shape and finish is the easier part. What you need to be cautious about is deeper characteristics of this material. Marble is composed of calcium carbonate and is naturally porous so it’s prone to staining and etching. It’s softer than granite and can develop a patina over time.
If you’re bound and determined on getting marble for your countertops, here’s a comprehensive maintenance guide to help you keep it in top condition.
Daily care tips
Acids are a big enemy of marble and spilling acidic drinks and foods such as coffee, wine, vinegar, fruit juice, sodas, tomatoes and citrus fruits can cause damage to the marble surface. When you prepare food on a marble countertop, have a kitchen cloth nearby to wipe off the spills immediately. To be on the safe side, use a protective plastic or silicone sheet, or a good old wooden cutting board.
Marble is very tolerant to heat, but still it’s clever to protect it with a trivet. Also, use coasters and placemats under your glasses and plates when serving food and drinks, and make sure you thoroughly clean the entire surface immediately after every meal so there is no residue that might damage the marble.
Cleaning 101
For dry cleaning your marble countertops, use a soft microfiber cloth and dust at least one a week. For wet cleaning, damp your cloth with a pH-neutral stone cleaner, but make sure you previously check with your countertop manufacturer for recommendations.
The best way to go is with a mild dish soap and water in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture on the counter, wipe and scrub gently. Rinse it off with a towel and wipe so no suds are left, then dry it off with a clean towel.
Experts are firmly against using any harsh cleaning products that can etch the marble surface, such as the ones containing vinegar, ammonia, bleach or any citrus extract. Moreover, never use abrasive cleaners as they can also damage the surface and dull its finish.
Polishing your marble countertops is another way to go but it can be quite a long and tiresome task. You’ll need ready-made polishing, a sealing kit and adequate tools. Therefore, the job of proper marble polishing might best be left to professionals who are already experienced and well-equipped for the task.
Regular maintenance routine
Your regular maintenance routine should include sealing your marble countertops as the manufacturer recommends. There are certain types of marble surfaces that don’t require sealing so new layers will only pile up on the surface. If that’s not the type you have, make sure you reseal your countertops if the water fails to bead up when spilled on the surface. Sealing prevents damage and stains, but it also gives the countertops a flawless appearance.
If you notice any etching marks, use an approved marble polishing powder and follow instructions. For stain treatment, the method depends on the type of the stain, but one generally successful solution is using baking soda poultice. Mix baking soda and some water and cover the stain with it. Allow to stay between 12 and 24 hours, then gently remove it and wipe off the area with a damp cloth.
Marble countertops are a fantastic choice for any modern kitchen and can give the space a luxurious look. Hopefully, with tops listed here, you’ll be able to maintain that look and keep it in pristine condition for many years to come.
