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How To Clean Marble And Help It Last Longer

By Simona Ganea | Published on

Whenever we consider getting a marble countertop, table or marble floors there’s always this dispute going on in our heads between the fact that marble looks beautiful and stylish but it’s hard to clean and maintain. This makes anything made of marble seem scary and intimidating. But a lot of that is just an overreaction. Yes, cleaning marble can sometimes be a real challenge or even impossible but it’s not all that bad and if you know a few basic tricks there’s nothing to fear.

Round small coffee table with wood legsView in gallery
Some materials can be easily confused with marble so make sure you know what you’re dealing it before cleaning the surface
Dark marble with brown tonesView in gallery
The most popular finishes for marble surfaces are polished and honed. The second is best for high-traffic areas because it reflects little light and is more enduring

Marble looks hard-wearing and durable and it is but the same things that make it so appealing also make it vulnerable. Those beautiful veins that you love so much and great from a decorative point of view but they’re also a source of weakness and that beautiful polished look can soak up stains in a second leaving you with the difficult task of trying to get them out and make the surface like new again. We’re prepared a few tips that should show you how to clean marble and to maintain its beautiful finish.

Low coffee tables with dark marble on topView in gallery
Rust stains may be permanent and they’re always difficult to get out of the marble so make sure you avoid that
Walk in shower design with marble wallView in gallery
Marble is a good choice for bathrooms given that it’s exposed to fewer types of stains than a kitchen counter. This makes cleaning a lot easier
Bathroom vanity Gray Marble TopView in gallery
Carefully choose your cleaning products when dealing with marble. Damage can be done easily and it may be permanent

There are basically two methods you can use when cleaning marble. There’s liquid cleaning for which you can use things like distilled water, white spirit or 2% non-ionic detergent and there’s also dry cleaning which basically involves a spongy natural rubber product that you just roll over the marble surface. There are a few things you should always avoid when cleaning marble. For example, never use abrasive cleaners and stay away from anything made with vinegar, lemon juice or milk. Always keep hot items off the marble and wipe up any stains right away. Use coasters on marble counters and tables and use clear wax instead of the white kind.

White marble bathroom designView in gallery
Daily or basic cleaning is fairly easily and if you also use sealant from time to time you shouldn’t have anything to worry about
Grey full marble kitchen islandView in gallery
The most difficult part is cleaning and maintaining a marble kitchen counter. Choosing a darker type of marble could make things easier

Marble etching is a real problem. Anything acidic basically eats away a tiny bit of the marble surface and this causes dull spots or etches to appear. These can be caused by things like lemon juice, tomato paste or even milk. So don’t use natural cleaners on marble. Basic cleaning can be done using the following: warm water, gentle non-abrasive dish soap, a cloth or rag and a soft absorbent towel. Mix water with soap and spray the surface. Then wipe it with a hot cloth and dry it with a towel.  You can also use natural stone or marble cleaners and marble polish.

Clean the marble around inductionView in gallery
Always wipe up any spills or stains immediately. The longer they sit the more difficult it will be to get them out
Earth tones kitchen marbleView in gallery
Different types or marble and different finishes may require special care so make sure you know what you’re dealing it
Oval white marble dining tableView in gallery
Polished marble is the most common. It has a glossy finish and is appreciated for its elegant and refined look. It is however more susceptible to stains and damage

Because marble is very porous, you should always avoid rubbing stains. To remove them, you can use powdered whiting, hydrogen peroxide, water, plastic wrap, a cloth or a sponge and a microfiber cloth. Mix the powder to make a thick paste, apply it to the stained area, cover with plastic wrap and tape down the edges. Let it set and dry. This can take up to two days. Then just wipe away with a sponge and rinse with clean water.