Protect the beauty of your natural stone
Marble is a natural stone known for its unique veining, movement, and timeless beauty. With proper care and maintenance, your marble countertops can stay beautiful for years to come.
Because marble is a natural stone, it can be susceptible to etching, staining and scratching.
Understanding how to care for your surfaces and which products to avoid can help preserve their appearance over time.
The Dos of Marble Countertop Care
1. Clean spills promptly
Wipe up spills as soon as possible, especially wine, coffee, soda, tomato sauce, citrus juice, and other acidic substances. Prompt cleanup helps minimize the risk of staining and etching.
2. Use a gentle, stone-safe cleaner
For everyday cleaning, use warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid products that may damage the marble's surface.
3. Use cutting boards
Always use a cutting board when preparing food. Cutting directly on marble can scratch the surface, dull the finish, and damage your knives.
4. Protect the surface from hot cookware
Place hot pots, pans, and other cookware on a trivet or heat-resistant pad rather than directly on the countertop.
5. Use coasters and placemats
Coasters and placemats help protect marble from spills, beverage rings, and everyday wear, particularly in areas used for dining and food preparation.
6. Protect marble from personal-care products
In bathrooms and vanity areas, place trays or mats underneath cosmetics, lotions, perfumes, and other personal-care products. Some products contain ingredients that can stain or etch marble.
7. Maintain the sealer as needed
Depending on the type of marble and its use, periodic sealing may help reduce the risk of staining. Follow the recommendations of your stone professional, as sealing does not make marble stain-proof or protect it from etching.
The Don’ts of Marble Countertop Care
1. Don’t use acidic cleaners
Avoid vinegar, lemon juice, citrus-based cleaners, and other acidic products. Acids can react with marble and cause etching, leaving dull spots or marks on the surface.
2. Don’t use abrasive cleaning products
Avoid abrasive powders, scouring pads, and rough cleaning tools that can scratch or dull the finish.
3. Don’t allow spills to sit
Even sealed marble can be vulnerable to staining and etching. Clean spills promptly rather than allowing liquids or food residue to remain on the surface.
4. Don’t cut directly on the countertop
Knives can scratch marble and leave marks on the finish. Always use a cutting board to protect the surface.
5. Don’t place hot cookware directly on marble
Although marble is a natural stone, sudden temperature changes and direct contact with hot cookware can potentially damage the surface. Use trivets or heat-resistant pads as a precaution.
6. Don’t use harsh or unapproved chemicals
Avoid bleach, ammonia, and other harsh cleaning products unless they are specifically approved for your marble and its finish. When in doubt, check the product label or consult a stone-care professional.
7. Don’t apply unapproved polishing products or treatments
Before using a polish, sealer, or other treatment, confirm that it is suitable for your specific marble and finish. The wrong product may leave residue, alter the appearance, or damage the surface.
Keep Your Marble Looking Its Best
Marble countertops offer natural character that makes every surface unique. With gentle cleaning, prompt spill cleanup, and a few everyday precautions, you can help maintain their appearance and enjoy them for years to come.
For questions about caring for your marble countertops, consult a qualified natural stone professional for guidance specific to your material and finish.