Keeping countertops clean is a challenge when you live in a house with a bunch of kids. I always thought that having marble countertops would put an end to my cleaning concerns. Whereas I know marble doesn’t clean itself, I thought its color and texture would mask a multitude of stains and spills. Turns out marble countertops, while attractive and durable, need to be maintained vigilantly.
The downside to having marble cover your counters is that the material is porous and extremely sensitive to stains. This makes cleaning marble countertops somewhat tricky. Since marble will soak up everything from water to salad dressing, you need to be on guard and act fast when spills happen. In addition, you never want to rub a stain on marble. Instead, you should blot at the offending area with a soft cloth and use a sealant to protect the marble from future stains.
Marble is not cheap, so knowing how to preserve its integrity will help sustain your investment. Marble countertops should be cleaned regularly. Daily cleanings should be done with warm water and a dry, clean cloth. To remove surface dirt, use a soft bristle brush and gentle dish washing detergent. After you apply the liquid soap on your marble surface, rinse with lukewarm water and dry thoroughly.
For deep cleaning consider using a commercial cleaner, such as DuPont Granite and Marble Countertop Cleaner or Tough Guy Marble Counter Cleaner. Most store bought marble cleaners contain tin oxide which helps revive dulled or scratched surfaces.
Regardless of which brand of cleaner you use, be sure to read the label carefully. You never want to use an abrasive cleaner on marble surfaces. Commercial cleaners that contain acids, such as ammonia or vinegar will damage your marble countertops. Likewise, don’t give in to the temptation of using heavy-duty bathroom tile and grout cleaners on marble, as they are apt to scratch your countertops and could cause fine lines that won’t go away.