How to Clean Marble Countertops

Many people today are choosing marble for their kitchen and bath countertop installations because of the natural beauty and the elegant, European look that marble provides. While both a durable and versatile material, marble is susceptible to damage when not cleaned and maintained properly.

Recommended Marble Countertop Cleaning Supplies

To maintain and clean marble countertops you should have on hand a soft microfiber dusting cloth, a soft bristle brush, a soft washcloth or sponge and specialized PH neutral (neither acidic nor alkaline) marble cleaner. In the place of a cleaner specifically designed for marble, some mild, phosphate-free dishwashing liquids or powders can also be used as long as the soap is rinsed off completely. A small amount of dry borax may also be used safely. If the dealer who installed the marble countertop did not offer other recommendations, DuPont offers a complete line of marble cleaning and care products that are available from a number of major grocery outlets and home improvement stores.

Normal Care and Cleaning

When it comes to cleaning marble surfaces, less is better. Dust the marble surfaces weekly using a soft microfiber dust cloth. When heavier cleaning is called for, use a soft bristle brush to loosen dirt before applying cleaners or using water. Never use regular, abrasive cleaning products as they can scratch the surface of the stone over time and dull the natural finish. As the old saying goes, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and this certainly applies to the care of marble countertops. The surface is sensitive to acids present in citrus juices and tomatoes, vinegar and harsh chemical household cleaning compounds and exposure to these elements should be avoided. Once a soft bristle brush has been used to loosen any dirt, spray on a specialized PH neutral marble cleaner or apply a small amount of one of the other products recommended and then using a barely damp soft washcloth or sponge, clean the surface thoroughly removing any soap completely. It doesn't take a lot of water to clean marble and less is better. Next dry the surface using a clean, soft cloth. Once dry, the surface can be gently buffed with a dry, soft cloth to restore it to its original shine.

Periodic Maintenance

Marble countertops are usually sealed either before or after installation. They should be resealed periodically with a sealer specifically designed for that purpose. Again, absent any specific recommendations from your marble countertops dealer, DuPont offers a sealer specially formulated for use on marble countertops. Sealing does offer some protection against stains but the biggest benefit sealing provides is to offer you a little more time to clean up spills before something seeps into the porous surface of the stone and results in a stain. Resealing generally needs to be accomplished only once every three years.

To reseal begin by liberally applying an even coat of the sealer which is sprayed on to the surface. Allow about 15 - 20 minutes to allow the sealer to penetrate the surface. Distribute any excess sealer during this time to ensure even coverage. After 15 - 20 minutes have elapsed, wipe the entire surface with a clean, soft, dry towel to remove any excess sealer. If any sealer residue is left behind you can remove it by reapplying a thin coat of sealer and then by wiping the surface again after about 3 minutes. The sealer will be fully cured after about 24 hours but it is generally safe to use the surface again after about 8 hours have passed since resealing the surface.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your marble countertops clean by wiping up spills promptly, cleaning them as needed with appropriate materials and resealing them periodically should preserve the natural beauty of the stone and protect your investment by helping them to last a lifetime.

Sources:

"Maintaining Marble Surfaces for a Lifetime". Marble City Company. July 21, 2009.

"DuPont Stone Care". DuPont. July 21, 2009.