Marble countertops have the ability to elevate any space they are installed in instantly. They can make your home feel more refined and sophisticated in one step. Marble exudes a unique, quiet confidence. It doesn’t need bold colors or patterns to become the centerpiece of the room; it can stand out on its own.
However, many homeowners worry about marble countertop care and maintenance. Will one spill ruin the new countertops, or will they permanently get stained?
With this guide, you will learn more about marble and find out that caring for it is less stressful than it is made out to be. Similar to leather or wood, marble is an expressive material that grows with you and conveys the years of use. Keep reading to find out about how to care for marble realistically.
Understanding Marble
Marble is a natural stone formed in the crust of the Earth through immense heat and pressure. The harsh environment that creates the marble slabs also makes it long-lasting and incredibly resistant to heat. Moreover, this long process also gives the stone its unique veining patterns and distinct colors.
Marble is a porous stone, which means that it has tiny holes all over it that can absorb liquids and react to acidic substances. This is one of the reasons why it can be seen as a high-maintenance option for countertops.
When marble comes into contact with highly acidic ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs that causes the stone to look dull on that spot. However, this is the stone reacting naturally. Proper marble countertop care is about accepting that marble is a material that will develop a character and reflect the time it has spent with you, as much as it is about preventative precautions to minimize unwanted marks.
How to Safely Clean Marble Countertops
Cleaning the countertop daily is a big part of marble countertop care. While it might seem intimidating, taking a few minutes per day plays a huge role in how the countertops look years down the line.
Knowing how to clean marble countertops correctly doesn’t require special tools or expensive routines; warm water and a soft cloth are enough for most everyday messes. Simply wiping the countertops daily will prevent the accumulation of build-up that can be caused by daily cooking or hard water residue.
For deeper cleaning, you can opt for a pH-neutral stone cleaner. While harsh cleaners might give the stone a quick shine, they can really harm the surface over continuous use. They slowly chip away at the sealer and make the stone more vulnerable to stains and discoloration.
As important as knowing what to do is, knowing what not to do is equally as crucial. Avoid abrasive sponges that can scratch the surface. Moreover, make sure the cleaners you are using don’t have ingredients such as lemon, vinegar, bleach, or ammonia.
Marble Sealing and Resealing
Sealing the countertops is one of the most misunderstood parts of the whole care process. Sealing and resealing can seem like it would take a lot of time or money; however, it is a very simple process that you can complete in no time.
One of the first questions homeowners ask is about the marble sealing frequency. How often you should reseal your marble countertops depends on where they are installed and how often they are used. Kitchen countertops need more frequent resealing in general than bathroom countertops. Resealing the countertops once a year is the general recommended guideline. However, depending on the use, more frequent resealing can be necessary.
While sealing the countertops creates a barrier between the stone and the outer world, you shouldn’t think of it as impenetrable. Wiping away spills and avoiding harsh cleaners, even if the stone is sealed, is still essential. These precautions will not only lengthen the longevity of the sealer, but also make sure that the spills can’t seep in through the weaker parts of the sealer.
Etching on Marble
Etching is one of the most common concerns when it comes to marble countertops. Etching can commonly be confused with staining, but they are completely different. Eching occurs when the marble slab reacts to contacting acidic substances. This reaction results in dull or light spots.
Awareness is the key to prevent etching on marble. Don’t slice citrus fruits directly on the marble countertops or use chemicals with acidic ingredients on them; use coasters for drinks, and wipe away spills as soon as possible. Following these simple steps goes a long way in protecting the stone from etching without affecting your daily life or creating extra work for you.
Etching doesn’t always have to be a flaw on the countertops. Some people see light eching as the natural patina of marble. Especially in older homes, marble countertops that show their age can be incredibly charming. Still, prevention keeps the surface looking brand new and polished for longer and reduces the need for professional refinishing.
Marble Stains and How to Treat Them
Unlike etching, stains occur when substances soak into the stone. As mentioned, marble has a porous nature. When food particles or drink spills soak into the tiny pores of the stone, they can be incredibly hard, or even sometimes impossible to fully clean. The most common culprits of stains are oils, coffee, wine, and makeup.
Knowing how to remove stains from marble countertops starts with identifying the cause of the stain. Depending on the substance, you can pick the necessary treatment. Oil stains tend to darken the stone while foods and drinks cause pink or brown discoloration.
Rushing the stain removal process with harsh chemicals usually makes the problem worse; patience is the best way to approach stains on marble. Gentle stain removers are designed to pull the stain out without damaging the surface.
Long-Term Marble Countertop Maintenance
Long-term marble countertop maintenance is about preventive care more than it is about solving issues after they already happen. Small habits make the biggest difference in long-term maintenance. Wiping spills as soon as they happen, using gentle products, and regularly resealing will keep the stone looking its best.
Over time, marble can develop a lived-in look, but that isn’t a flaw; it is one of its best features. It matures over time and tells the story of the space it lives in. With thoughtful care, it can last for a long time.
Marble countertops are still one of the most sought-after design elements for both residential and commercial spaces. It can effortlessly elevate the space with its beauty. The best way to care for marble is to treat it with care and attention daily with small steps, rather than infrequent but harsher cleaning routines.