Marble care and maintenance tips. Marble is a calcareous stone and is composed mainly of calcium carbonate. Marble is much softer than granite and consequently will scratch, dent, chip and cut much easier than other stones. Marble is porous and will stain and watermark easier as well as acid etch with acidic foods and drinks. With proper marble care, maintenance and applications, marble will stay looking new for many years. To get the longest life and preserve the beauty of your natural stone, please follow these tips:
Coasters: Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices.
Trivets: While many stones can withstand heat, the use of trivets or a hot pad is recommended.
Spills: Blot the spill with a paper towel immediately. Flush the area with water and mild soap. Rinse several times. Dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Repeat as necessary for best marble care results.
Cleaning:
- Clean stone surfaces with a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water or a marble care stone cleaner.
- Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth.
- Change the rinse water frequently.
- In the bath or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover.
- The most important step in keeping your marble in tip-top shape is immediately wiping up any spills.
Cleaning Products:
- Many suppliers offer marble care products used for stone cleaning.
- Avoid products containing lemon, vinegar, ammonia or other acids. These cleaners may dull or etch calcareous stones.
- Scouring powders or creams often contain abrasives that may scratch certain stones.
Sealing
Marble care starts with us sealing your marble countertops during installation. We recommend that you reseal your marble once a year with a commercial sealant. This is something that you can easily do yourself. Please follow the manufacturer directions on the bottle. Sealers are available from us or from a supplier of your choice.
Marble Applications
We do not recommend marble on your kitchen countertops. Marble can be used for a number of various applications. For example, fireplace surrounds, vanity tops, Jacuzzi surrounds and shower paneling. Generally you can safely use marble in low-traffic areas.
Please follow these Marble care and maintenance guidelines and your Marble countertops will provide you with many years of trouble free use.
Please click on our Free estimate page for further questions about Marble care and maintenance or for a free estimate at the best price. Thank you so much!