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How To Clean Marble Countertops

But this beautiful, popular kitchen and bathroom countertop option is pricey—and for all its durability, it’s got a delicate side. Some folks consider etches part of a countertop’s character, while others opt to grind down the top layer and re-polish the surface when enough etches accumulate. Though you can buy non-abrasive stone cleaner specifically tailored to marble, still read labels carefully to avoid damaging your surface. Note, too, that the sooner you address a stain, the better your chance of getting rid of it. Before cleaning, always test the cleaning agent on an inconspicuous location to determine its suitability and make certain it does not damage the surface. Mist the surface thoroughly and repeat application until the stain disappears. Keep a soft cloth or sponge dampened with water handy to wipe away the cleaning agent promptly after the stain has been removed. Clean the area where the stain was and remove soap residue with a clean dampened sponge. Be sure to ventilate the area and wear rubber gloves and eye protection. That same pad may do the trick for smaller scratches and nicks. In most cases, application is a matter of pouring the sealer directly onto the surface and spreading it evenly with a clean white cloth. Use a clean dry cloth to remove any sealer that has not soaked in. That’s why it’s crucial to protect your investment by caring for marble correctly. Just be sure to avoid products containing acid, including lemon juice and vinegar. Scrub gently and wipe soapy solution off with a clean wet cloth. The key is correctly identifying the origin of the stain and then applying the appropriate chemical or poultice (a paste-like cleaning agent). For lighter colored stone, use a 20 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Treating large volume ink stains or those that have set in requires a poultice. Rinse the area with distilled water and buff with a soft cloth. To use a blade, hold it at an angle and lightly pass it over the marble.

How To Polish Marble Counter Tops By Hand | Duration 4 Minutes 24 Seconds Leave it to soak for the time specified in your products directions, usually around three to four minutes. This will allow you to easily collect and gather excess sealer during cleanup.

How To Clean Marble Countertops by doityourself.com

Regular water is not a good choice because if not dried properly, salt is left as residue. If the counter top is regularly cleaned lesser deposits result in a shinier cleaner marble surface. These eat up marble surface, leaving white engravings on the point of contact. The water should be wiped off with the help of mirror wipers. In case of white marble, a small amount of mild bleach can help restore the brightness of marble. Leaving bleach will result in the marble surface becoming rigid and rough. A dilute solution of baking soda with water is used to clean residue. Later the cloth is used to rub the liquid in by clockwise strokes. Use of baking soda not only removes stains and slightly bleaches the surface but it also removes odors that linger for days otherwise. Chalk used on black boards is crushed and spread in a trough. The cloth is then dabbed with chalk powder from the trough and is pasted over the counter. The cloth is occasionally dipped in water to form a paste of the chalk applied. When it dries, a dry cloth is used to clean the marble surface. The use of marble in house constructions gives the house a very posh and elegant look. Chemicals too harsh can damage the surface polish similarly cleaners too mild can leave a misty finish. This also increases marble life and helps cut down on maintenance bills. Using bleach takes a lot of care, as it needs to be cleaned properly. A very small amount of wax polish is used to seal the marble surface. The solution is splattered on marble surface with the help of a cloth and left for an hour.

How To Clean And Maintain Granite Countertops | Duration 2 Minutes 15 Seconds Access water is drained and the counter is washed with fresh water. Every step should be finished by drying and buffing with dry flannel. A clean flannel rag is dipped in water and excess of fluid is squeezed out. Rubbing the marble surface with a dry cloth causes a buffing affect.

Marble Cleaning Do’S and Don’ts Guide by countertopspecialty.com

Practice the marble cleaning do’s & don’ts presented below and you’ll avoid damage, the expense of marble repair, and keep your marble always looking its beautiful best! The time and cost involved are really inconsequential when compared to how fabulous marble counter tops and floors look in your home — not to mention the added value when compared with other surfaces. Worn parts or grit jammed by the wheels may scratch the surface. Foot traffic will also wear away the shiny surface of polished floors over time creating trails. However, rugs and mats must be cleaned regularly to eliminate dirt and dust that builds up within the rug that could then also scratch the marble. Unfortunately, most common and popular household cleaners (this includes well-known name-brand cleaners) are too harsh for use on marble and will cause damage. Use only cleaners specific for marble and you’ll cheerfully avoid the majority of marble cleaning troubles. Protect your countertop by placing these products on a decorative tray like they do in fancy hotels! And dropping anything heavy on marble can create little white dots called “stun marks” that cannot be removed or repaired. Damage to stone is rarely permanent like it is with most other surfaces. Label everything and off you go–no problems or guesswork. You’ll never have to worry that you or the housekeeper might accidentally use the wrong product. Many fuss and fume over their marble countertops and floor tile wondering what the heck happened and why. You just need to learn how to clean marble the right way! In such cases, it’s best not to try and apply a sealer since it won’t absorb correctly, may just dry on the surface, and then you’ll have to strip it off with toxic chemicals. Using a mild soap for cleaning marble won’t harm the stone, but consistent use will lead to a dull film covering the surface like soap scum in a shower or bath. Using cutting boards will protect against scratching and direct contact with food juices that may etch. So make marble cleaning easy and avoid expensive marble polishing and restoration by treating your marble tops like fine wood furniture. It will look warm and inviting and hide dust, dirt, and stains very well. Runners or rugs in high-traffic areas will minimize this wear on the surface finish. Trying to save money by using a cheap, generic surface cleaner only ensures that you’ll spend a lot more time and money on your marble maintenance in the long-run performing expensive repairs or marble restoration. As noted above, a sponge with hot water is all you need on a daily basis and a marble cleaner weekly or as needed day to day. Nails and screws, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools will scratch or gouge marble. If damage does occur, a nd you need marble repair, you can rest easy knowing that restoration is possible in most cases. The best advice is to get a separate cleaning tote for your marble cleaning products, so you have everything in one spot. Note that marble is time-tested over hundreds of years as a highly-functional and durable surface. Now, with these helpful tips and a little attention you’ll maintain and enjoy its luxurious beauty for years to come.

Cleaning Marble: How To Clean Marble Counter Tops and Floor Tile by countertopspecialty.com

However, it’s more sensitive to certain foods and chemicals. Marble is very durable and will last forever, however, marble cleaning and maintenance is definitely a different game than cleaning granite countertops. While in general that is not bad advice, it is not true in many cases and can be dead wrong. When sealing would be beneficial, we suggest using one of these recommended impregnating sealers. Sealing has nothing to do with etching and will not prevent etching. Marble floors typically aren’t as much a problem in the kitchen or elsewhere in the home. Again, proper marble care & cleaning is not a big deal once you know how , but it is different than other surfaces and correct procedures are essential for maintaining your countertops and floor tile in top condition. It’s important to know that cleaning marble with generic and/or most typical and brand-name household products is a common cause of marble damage. The house has a black and white marble tile floor in the kitchen. The flooring of the stall is tumbled marble and is dull in color. After about two months some of the marble tiles developed green stains on the surface. The traffic area where this floor is is by the public elevators. Without the correct knowledge, you will make mistakes and cause damage. Marble is a stone, of course, but it’s not impervious and not nearly as hard or resistant as a granite counter top. Marble is sensitive to acidic substances and many common household cleaners, so it can “etch” (corrode and dull the surface) rather easily. The acid sensitivity is a factor you need to consider when purchasing and installing marble countertops especially in the kitchen (not recommended) where etching is most troublesome. Etching can usually be repaired by the homeowner, but it depends on several variables. Using only products formulated specifically for cleaning marble will save you all the hassle and headache of time-consuming and costly repairs or re-polishing. We love the looks of the marble and the beauty of it.

How To Clean Marble Surfaces by howtocleananything.com

Marble is basically limestone that has combined and metamorphosed with other natural elements, making it a relatively soft rock that’s filled with veins of various colors and patterns. It’s more sensitive to certain foods and chemicals, and is not as impervious or as hard and resistant as granite. So don’t think a sealer will prevent all stain and damage to your marble. Sealing will not prevent scratches or etching (chemical etching often occurs due to acidic substances, such as household cleaners and acidic foods). There are many out there, and it might be hard to know which ones will do the best job at penetrating the stone or which lasts the longest. For kitchen counters, be sure your sealer is non-toxic and safe for use in food preparation areas. You may have to do this many times until the stone permanently dries out, but if the efflorescence problem persists for more than two months, contact the installer to determine if there isn’t something else causing the moisture. This not only prevents scratches, but prevents damage from heat, or etching caused by spills of acidic drinks such as orange juice or alcohol. Too much weight can cause a crack on thinner marbles, like that used for countertops. Such a bathroom vanity tray will not only protect your marble bathroom sink counter area, but you’ll feel like you’re in a fancy hotel with p osh decor. And definitely don’t use the average bathroom, grout cleaner, or tub and tile type cleaners. Don’t scrub because you will spread bits of dirt and sand around, which could scratch the marble. Thoroughly rinse the surface after washing, and be sure to change the rinse water frequently when cleaning larger or extra-dirty surfaces. Use a soft, dry cloth to dry all the marble surfaces after you’ve cleaned them. So be sure the wheels are not rough, and that the plastic or metal attachments or in good shape, preferably with soft bristles that are not worn. Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks, so use it sparingly and buff it with a soft cloth afterwards for a beautiful shine. So go ahead and flush the area with plain water and use a mild bleach solution to thoroughly sterilize an area. But if you’re in a pinch and need to disinfect something right away, there are common household items you can use. To get rid of the mold, mix one part 3% hydrogen peroxide with two parts water and spray on the effected areas. It does act like a bleach in that it will lighten darker marbles (and can bleach your clothes, or hair, etc.) so it’s best for lighter color marble surfaces. Just don’t get in the habit of it, as it really will dull and etch your marble. Especially clean up wet spills like coffee, any type of black tea, orange juice, and wine immediately after they are spilled. Don’t rub as you wipe the area, or it it will push the spilled substance into the pores of the marble as well as spread the spill. Not all stone is the same, so it’s best to avoid cleaners made for granite or even for cleaning ”stone” in general. Marble is so gorgeous, with luxurious beauty, that it is well worth the time it takes to learn and apply these few marble care tips. Just like limestone, marble is easily etched, stained, and dulled. Yet marble is very durable, and with proper care, it will last forever. Applying a sealant is pretty easy, and the cost and time involved is minimal when considering how proper marble care helps you avoid damage and expensive marble repair, as well as how it keeps your marble floors and countertops looking gorgeous for years on end. However, an impregnating sealer is often recommended, as it will greatly reduce marble stains from spills that are wiped up immediately. Sealing does not make the stone stain proof, rather it makes the stone more stain resistant. Use coasters for glasses, trivets or placemats for plates, and mats for appliances on marble countertops. To keep it simple, just treat your marble like nice wood, and use coasters. This protect from scratches, as well as etching caused by chemicals in hygiene products, and may even prevent stains from those products, as well. Use floor mats, area rugs and hallway runners near every entrance, as well as any high traffic area where you have marble tile floors. Cleaning marble with your typical brand name or generic household cleaners, and even natural cleaners, is the most common cause of marble damage. Although vinegar is a good cleaning agent and disinfectant for many surfaces, it is acidic, as are the other items mentioned, and they can cause corrosive etching on your marble. These often use abrasives that can dull and even scratch the surface of your marble. However, that seems to me like it applies just to floors or areas that don’t need to be sterile. Whatever you do, only use cleaning products specifically formulated for cleaning marble and you will save yourself the headache and hassle of costly and time-consuming re-polishing or repairs. Don’t leave either pools of water or even a slight layer of moisture to dry on the marble to prevent stains and scum build-up. Unless you plan to eat off your floor, the only cleaners you need to use to clean your marble regularly are hot water for daily cleaning and a specially formulated stone cleaner once a week. Be extra careful if you use a vacuum cleaner because grit jammed in the wheels or ragged, worn parts can scratch the surface. Mixing any of them together causes harmful g ases that will damage your lungs and the lungs of those around you. Also, bleach can lighten darker marbles, but it is an effective disinfectant for lighter marbles if used properly. Flush the area with mild soap or cleaner of your choice, or even just plain water, and rinse several times. This helps remove cleaning solution residues and gives your marble a shiny glow. Polishing a marble floor can make a very slippery surface when wet, so take precaution when other people may walk on those floors shortly after you’ve polished them.

Marble Countertops by julieblanner.com

The difference between the two is simply where they are taken from the earth. I personally loved honed marble which minimizes any etching. This is such a difficult question as the type of marble, supplier and fabricating costs. Add a few drops of clear dish soap and water to a spray bottle for quick cleanups. You can see more photos of our marble countertops here! I wanted white countertops and keep getting steered to iconic white silestone, but something about it not being all natural stone is bothering me. Also how do you like the gray veining with wood and brass? We have used marble in our previous home and our current home – as a family of 5! Etching happens when something acidic sits on marble like lemon juice. Italy, but there are some that look like one another! Let me know if you have any questions about using marble in your kitchen or bath! Would you mind sharing where you got the beautiful pendants over the island and the name of the pendants? There are a lot of appliances that you can customize with unlacquered brass hardware now. I currently have corian and can’t wait to get rid of it because it feels so plastic.

Marble Care and Maintenance 101 by marthastewart.com

Deciding that marble, with its classic good looks, is right for your home is the easy part. Visit a home center and speak with a specialist, who will walk you through the selection process. Slabs, for their part, look best on large, level surfaces like shower walls and counters. The material’s porous nature makes it prone to etching and staining. Spread it onto the stain, then cover with plastic wrap sealed with painters’ tape. Here’s what you need to know before the decision’s set in stone. Figuring out the size, color, shape, and finish you need may entail a little more hand-wringing. For instance, if you’re looking to use the natural material on a floor or in a tight space (like a backsplash), tiles may be the ideal option. Honed (matte) marble hides these little imperfections better than polished, a particularly important consideration for kitchen counters. Experts share tips on how to treat it right to ensure it will look its best for many years. Once it’s dry (12 to 24 hours), scrape the paste off and wipe with a damp cloth.

How To Clean Marble Countertops by kjgranite.com

Start by taking a wet sponge and cleaning the surface with warm water. If you still find any streak marks or dull surface, then it might be due to the soap deposit. Ensure that you are cleaning the marble with the above steps on regular basis. You can also use the dishwashing liquid of the kitchen to clean the marble. Any sponge can be used to apply the marble polish on the top to give it a shine. For the general stains, poultice is the most effective stain remover. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instruction at the back of the box before proceeding. Wipe the excess water using a soft cloth and make the surface dry. Use tray while cutting and pouring anything on top of the countertop. Avoid spilling wine or alcoholic products on the surface of the marble. Apply clear wax layer on the top of the marble to protect the surface from stains. For daily maintenance of the marble, using a wet cloth to clean the surface is sufficient. Rinse the surface of the marble using hot water and remove the excess water in the end using sponge. One of the main marble countertops benefits are its hard surface. Start by taking the required amount of poultice and form a paste. Cover the paste using a plastic wrap and tape the sides of it. While cooking and eating, use coaster under all the glasses and the dishes to avoid any stain marks on the stone. Though marble is hard stone, but having little bit of extra safety is not bad. Avoid waxing the surface as it may turn stone yellowish over a period of time. You don’t have to use any special liquid to clean it on daily basis. We educate our customers on the different kinds of stones and their pros and cons, before you make a product choice.

How To Clean Marble Countertops and Floors by merrymaids.com

However, this stone doesn’t come cheap and requires special care to prevent damage or premature wear and tear. Acidic cleaners — like vinegar, lemon juice or citrus-based cleansers — should never be used on marble surfaces (or any stone for that matter). Just be certain to dry the floors thoroughly afterwards so that you don’t inadvertently create any water marks. Don’t forget to dry the counter with a fresh microfiber cloth after you wipe it down to avoid water stains. If you need to do a more thorough cleaning of your counters, you can use basic kitchen supplies to get the job done. Wipe down your countertops making sure to rinse and wring out the microfiber cloth regularly. Dry the countertops with a fresh microfiber cloth as soon as you’ve finished cleaning them. The method you’ll use to clean stained marble will depend on what substance caused the discoloration in the first place. As you can see, there’s not much to keeping marble countertops and floors clean. Learn how to clean the marble in your kitchen — and find out which materials are safe to use — so you can do your best to keep countertops and floors looking great for years to come. However, marble can often be washed using nothing but warm water and a soft mop that won’t scratch your surfaces. You can do this using a large microfiber towel wrapped around the end of a dry mop. You want to get rid of as much excess liquid as possible to try to prevent water marks or stains. Dry the marble using a large microfiber towel immediately after you finish mopping. Additionally, any spills that occur on marble countertops should be addressed immediately. If you come across stuck-on gunk, wrap your cloth around a plastic spatula and gently (oh so gently) apply pressure until the residue is gone. You’ll only end up causing further damage to your countertops or floors. But when you lead a busy life, even the smaller tasks can seem overwhelming.

28+ What To Clean Marble Countertops With Design Gallery by kuudesign.com

Wipe sudsy water on the counter with a soft cloth or sponge. Don’t use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because marble can be scratched. Marble is a beautiful stone classically used in the construction of countertops, floors, and accents on furniture. Since water is virtually free, this is the least expensive and least risky homemade marble cleaner, and you can do this frequently. Baking soda is alkaline, so you should only use it with caution. Because of these factors, you should use it only infrequently rather than every day. Gently rub the baking soda into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. Marble is vulnerable to acids, alkalis, and abrasive cleaners. Baking soda is sometimes suggested as a good homemade cleaner for marble countertops. You need to take care not to scratch it or expose it to acid (such as vinegar) or strong alkaline agents like ammonia and detergents. It is also a mild abrasive, so you need to use it gently rather than applying elbow grease to your cleaning tasks. You do not want to scrub because that can damage the surface. However, you need to take care to use it gently on marble surfaces. Be sure to wipe away all traces of baking soda, so it isn’t left in contact with your marble surfaces.