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How to keep marble clean
• Fusion Living Limited
If your kitchen is laden with Pinterest-worthy marble-top coffee and dining tables, you’re probably wondering how to clean them correctly. Marble is one of the most distinctive natural stones used around the home and makes for a beautiful addition to kitchens, bathrooms and more. However, it is extremely soft and porous and is more susceptible to scratches, stains and damage from acids found in foods and some cleaning products. Thankfully, it can be really easy to keep marble countertops looking their best without causing damage, as long as you take the time to understand the correct care.
Here, we share several daily cleaning tips and tricks you should know to keep on top of your marble maintenance, as well as a few “emergency” tactics which may come in handy if there are any unpredicted spillages you need to tackle. Is there anything worse than a red wine spillage on new white marble? With that in mind, here is everything you need to know about how to keep marble clean, restore its shine and keep it scratch and stain-free.
Table of contents:
How to clean marble top furniture
How to clean stains on a marble table
Shop the perfect marble countertops at Fusion Living
How to clean marble top furniture
If your marble surfaces are starting to look a little dull and lacklustre and you’re looking to reinstate that freshly-bought gleam, using a mild dish soap is the way to go.
Use a damp cloth to apply detergent and wipe away any mess and grime, ensuring you rinse any leftover soap and mop up any excess water from the surface to prevent water staining. Dishsoap is a mild enough cleaning agent to avoid stripping the sealing from the marble but strong enough to lift stains and spillages from cooking oils and grease, making it a great option for everyday maintenance.
For grime and sticky stains that prove to be particularly hardy, you can use a razor blade and light pressure to scrape most of the crud away, then follow with a damp cloth and some dish detergent to wipe away the remainder.
High-traffic surfaces such as countertops, dining tables and coffee tables greatly benefit from protective measures like coasters, placemats and table runners. As much as you might be dismayed at covering your beautiful feature, it can help prolong its shine and longevity.
You should also avoid displaying harsh and abrasive materials or liquids on your marble surfaces, meaning no coarse steel wool scourers, brass trivets or cooking oils. If you wish to display your cooking oils or bottles of vinegar, then stand them on a decorative cutting board instead of directly on the countertop.
What to clean marble with
Several products make for the best options for cleaning and maintaining marble surfaces, the most notable being:
- Dish soap - mixed with a high volume of warm water, dish soap is a perfect option for regular cleaning as it’s mild and non-abrasive
- Soft cloths - cloths such as microfibre cloths should be used to apply soap solution and wipe surfaces dry. Since they’re soft, you don’t risk scratching the marble.
- Liquid cleanser - This is slightly hardier than soap and water, making it great for removing stubborn stains
- Baking soda - hydrogen peroxide, present in baking soda, can be used to clean stains from marble surfaces. Mix it with water to form a paste and rub it onto the affected areas with a soft cloth.
Can I clean marble with vinegar?
Due to their high acidity levels, using any form of vinegar to clean your marble surfaces is not recommended. The acid reacts with the calcium carbonate in the stone and eats away at it. To prevent etching the stone, avoid acid- and citrus-based surface cleaners.
Can I clean marble with bleach?
Like vinegar, bleach is a highly acidic product. It can erode marble surfaces easily, so you should avoid using bleach-based cleaners on your countertops, coffee tables and dining tables.
How to clean stains on a marble table
As with spills and stains on any other surface, you should immediately mop up the offending substance. Use a soft cloth to mop up any spillages, but don't rub the stain further into the porous stone.
For most organic stains, such as food and drink, a cleaner comprised of 12% hydrogen peroxide and ammonia will do the trick. However, any oil-based spillages, such as a vinaigrette dressing, milk or cooking oil, can be lifted using acetone or mineral spirits and rinsed away thoroughly.
Preventing stains on marble surfaces
Alongside the standard method of blotting up spillages as soon as they occur and using protective measures such as coasters, trays and place settings, you might want to invest in some marble sealant.
When applied once a month, marble sealant will strengthen the finish of the marble and act as a barrier. You will still need to clean any spills immediately, but it will give you a little extra time to grab your supplies in a spillage-based emergency.
Shop marble furniture at Fusion Living
If you’re ready to level up your living space, adding a touch of marble is a great place to start. Marble features, such as coffee tables, dining tables and more, can add a touch of timeless elegance to any space with ease and can last an extremely long time with the right care. Shop the full range of our marble furniture at Fusion Living to upgrade your home today.
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