How to Clean Marble Countertops
You can clean marble countertops with mild cleaners to prevent etching and staining. While beautiful, marble countertops require more gentle care than most materials.
If the sealant wears down on your marble, it can absorb liquid, causing stains and dulling your countertops. That’s why keeping your marble sealed is so important.
You also need to clean your marble countertops every day. Here’s how.
The Best Cleaning Products for Marble Counters
The best cleaner for marble is dish soap and water. Dish soap is a mild, PH-neutral cleaner that can remove dirt and grease without damaging the marble’s sealant.
If you want a spray cleaner, look for one specific to natural stone. Some of the best marble cleaning products include:
- Weiman Quartz and Stone Countertop Cleaner
- Method Daily Granite Cleaner
- Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Cleaner
How to Clean Marble Countertops: Step by Step
To ensure your marble countertops’ longevity, clean them daily to remove lingering food and liquids.
Step 1: Wipe with a Soapy Sponge
Dampen a sponge or soft cloth and add a couple of drops of your favorite dish soap until a lather forms. Wipe your countertops.
Step 2: Rinse
Rinse the soap off your sponge and wipe the counters to remove excess soap.
Step 3: Dry
Dry the counters with a fresh towel.
How to Clean Marble Counters Before Sealing
Marble is a soft, porous stone that needs a sealer to repel liquid and prevent stains. Before you seal your marble countertops, they need to be clean and dry.
Clean your counters with a damp microfiber cloth or a marble cleaning spray. Give plenty of time for the counters to dry before you add your sealant. If the counters are still wet, you can trap water underneath the coat of sealer.
Cleaning Marble with Baking Soda: Do’s and Don’ts
Since marble is a soft stone, it’s easy to scratch. So while you can use baking soda to polish your marble every once in a while, you shouldn’t do it often. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so overuse can lead to a worn-down sealant or tiny surface scratches.
If you still want to polish your marble counters with baking soda, here’s what to do:
- Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda over the counters
- Use a damp cloth and gentle, circular motions to wipe over the baking soda
- Rinse with water
- Dry the countertops
How to Remove Common Stains from Marble
There’s no doubt – marble countertops can give your home a high-end, classic look. But if you leave a substance like ketchup, wine, oil, or soap on the counters, it can absorb, causing stains.
Removing old, set-in stains from marble is difficult. But, if the stains are fresh, there’s hope.
- Food and Drink Stains – According to the Natural Stone Institute, you can remove organic stains, like those from food and coffee, by cleaning the area with 12% hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia. These types of stains have a pink or brown appearance.
- Oil Stains – Oil-based stains make the stone look darker. You need to soak up the oil or dissolve the stain. If the stain is fresh, sprinkle cornstarch over it and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before wiping it away. The cornstarch will absorb the oil.
- If the stain is old, mix a couple of drops of acetone or ammonia with dish soap and wipe the area.
- Water Stains – If you have water rings or stains on your marble counters, the only way to remove them is with 0000 steel wool. (Do not use ANY other grade of steel wool, or you will scratch your counters.)
Cleaners to Avoid Using on Marble
Never use any acidic cleaners on your marble. Acidic cleaners can dull the counter, eat through the sealant, and etch the marble. Common acidic cleaners include vinegar and citrus-based cleaners. You also need to steer clear of bleach, as it’s corrosive and can cause damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)FAQ
Can you oil marble countertops with olive oil?
Only use a sealant made for marble on your countertops. If your sealant is worn down and you try to oil the counters with olive oil or something similar, it can absorb, causing permanent stains.
What cleaner can you use to disinfect marble countertops?`
If you need to disinfect your marble counters, try a product like Weiman Granite and Stone Disinfecting Wipes. You can also make your own disinfectant by filling a spray bottle with water, adding 4 TBS of rubbing alcohol, and one drop of dish soap.
Can you use a Magic Eraser on Marble?
No, you shouldn’t use a Magic Eraser on marble. Magic Erasers are abrasive, meaning they can remove your sealant and dull your counters.
Can you use a steam cleaner on marble?
Don’t use a steam cleaner on marble. Marble is porous, which means if the sealant isn’t intact, it can absorb liquid from the steam.
Can you use Fabuloso on Marble?
Fabuloso is PH-neutral when diluted as instructed. While it probably won’t damage your marble, dish soap and water are safer cleaners.
Can you use Pine Sol on Marble?
Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner; you shouldn’t use it on marble or other stone surfaces.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to design, marble is hard to beat. It can give your home a high-end look and goes with many decor styles. The downside is that it’s a porous stone when not sealed. So, to ensure the longevity of your counters, you need to use a mild cleaner daily.
To keep your marble in the best shape, use caution when handling acidic food like pasta sauce, ketchup, and citrus. A splash on the counter can lead to etching or stains. Always put potholders underneath hot pans, and be quick to clean up spills.