In a previous blog I provided tips on how to clean marble countertops. While there are a number of repuatble commercial cleaners that do wonders to revive dulled or scrathced marble surfaces, there are also a few very inexpensive alternatives that can help get your countertops looking new again.
Cornstarch: Standard cornstarch is a saving grace when you have marble countertops. The household staple works wonders to absorb grease and oil spills before they stain your marble counters. Simply use a dry rag or some paper towels to soak up excess grease or oil, then sprinkle cornstarch liberally over the spill. Allow the cornstarch to sit for at least an hour, and then gently wipe the affected area with a damp cloth. Just remember not to let puddles of water sit on marble surfaces for too long, as doing so may compromise the intergrity of your countertops.
Hydrogen peroxide: Food spills and other protein-based stains can be removed from marble countertops with a little hydrogen peroxide. Again, you don’t want to leave liquid hydrogen peroxide on your marble surfaces for too long. A couple of minutes should be more than enough to remove the stain. Once the stain is gone, wipe the area with a clean damp cloth, and dry the marble surface thoroughly.
Baking soda: This popular household ingredient can be combined with water to make a marble cleaning paste for acidic stains, such as fruit juices and vinegar. Simply, blot the spill with a clean, dry rag before applying the paste. Then, allow the baking soda mixture to dry on the stain, then gently wipe with a damp, soft cloth. This method is not only effective, but also given how cheap baking soda is, you will be able to clean a large surface area with a single box.