Improper cleaning of marble can ruin it! Don’t make a cleaning mistake before it is too late. Use this guide to make sure that your marble stays with you for generations.
Whether you have a marble mantle-piece or a marble table, a marble statue or a marble fireplace surround, you need to care for it properly. Marble is a very delicate product that can be easily damaged, so cleaning it can be especially daunting.
Let’s start with the don’ts first. Marble is porous, meaning that there are tiny little holes in the surface that can absorb water, stains and cleaners. It also has a soft surface that can be readily etched. Never use a cleaner that is only made for non-porous substances. Likewise, never use an acidic product such as vinegar or lemon juice. While I normally advocate using such natural solutions for cleaning, this is one time when it would be a bad idea. Acidic cleaners can destroy the finish of your marble.
You also don’t want to use any type of cleaner that comes in a powder or a scrub. These types of cleaners are great for laminate countertops, but they will etch your marble and ruin it.
The best way to clean marble is with water and a sponge, soft cloth or soft mop. If you do need some type of soap, try a gentle neutral cleaner, such as Murphy’s oil soap. Liquid dishwashing detergent is another great product to use to clean your marble, when you mix a small amount of it with warm water. Just make sure you are using the liquid kind for hand washing dishes, not the kind you use for automatic dishwashers.
For stubborn stains, you’ll have to contact a professional who may be able restore the marble. Usually though, if a stain has gotten into the marble, there is not much you can do to lift it out, other than refinishing it. Protect your marble when it appears on tabletops with a cloth, or just make it a rule not to set food or drinks down on it. If a spill does happen, blot it up immediately.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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