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How To Clean Marble Countertops

Those who have them will inevitably want to know how to clean marble countertops so they maintain their beauty for years to come. There is a perception that marble countertops are difficult to clean but they are not, however care has to be taken in its maintenance. This will definitely remove the grime but may not work on stubborn stains. It is also recommended to use special counter top pads on your marble surface in case of a party or heavy meal arrangement on its surface to avoid stains and spills. It is widely used for flooring, countertops and backsplash, vanity and as wall cladding in honed and polished form. Marble countertops are seamless, splendid and can add a touch of elegance to your kitchen, however many of us fear the cost of cleaning and maintaining them. Let us take a look at some of the ways of maintaining the beauty of marble and cleaning it. Marble is made up of calcium carbonate which reacts with any acid, therefore even the slightest drop of lemon juice, alcohol or tomato juice on a marble countertop, and if not cleaned immediately can eat up the calcium carbonate creating dull permanent spots on the surface. In case of an etch, marble polishing powder can be sprinkled on a wet surface and subtly rubbed with a soft damp cloth till the shine returns. There is nothing that cannot be cleaned with soap and water. In case there is a spill and it starts developing a stain, mix a few drops of ammonia with hydrogen peroxide and rub it till the stain vanishes. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads and rough steel wool as it can scratch the surface. Organic stains such as coffee, tea and fruit can be cleaned with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with few drops of ammonia. Paint stains can be removed with lacquer thinners or dried paint can be carefully scraped with a razor blade. Sealant basically delays the process of staining thus gives you time to act and clean the stain before it penetrates. Some extra effort will definitely save a great deal of time and energy.

EZ Tile and Marble Countertops by eztileandmarble.com

It makes a difference to have the ability to work closely with homeowners throughout the process. When homeowners want to remodel or improve their homes, kitchen and bath projects offer them their best return on investment. Everything is local, on-site and collaborative, so customers who work with us will never be disappointed by miscommunication or delays transitioning to third party contractors.

How To Clean Granite Or Marble Countertops | Duration 53 Seconds Sealing is an inexpensive and preventative “insurance” for your marble or stone. However, if you aren’t diligent in your maintenance efforts, wear will set in and create hollows and low points for dirt to collect.

Marble Countertop Cleaning and Care by mrfloor.com

Calcareous stone includes marble, travertine, limestone and onyx, and are composed largely of calcium carbonate. In truth, marble, limestone and other calcareous stones can make an excellent countertop if you understand the trade-offs and are prepared to maintain them properly . It manifests itself as a dull patch on the marble or travertine and no sealer will form a complete barrier against this natural process. They appreciate and even adore the matte finish that results from etching. High quality natural stone cleaners will have the right balance between cleaning power and disinfectant and because they evaporate quickly and are use sparingly, they won’t leave a film. What they do is to repel the liquids that carry acids that would etch the stone. With proper care, your travertine, slate or marble countertop will look beautiful and perform well for years. Siliceous stone is made largely of silica a quartz-like mineral. There are those who think that calcareous stone, marble in particular, does not make a good countertop because it is thought to be more porous and thus easier to stain and more likely to hold in bacteria. Second, marble and travertine are very dense and they actually don’t stain easily. Etching is a chemical reaction between acid (lime juice, wine, vinegar, etc.) and the calcium carbonate in the stone. If you want bright and shiny counters, choose a siliceous stone. You will need to rinse of the soapy water completely to avoid creating a film, and should dry the countertop with a clean cloth to avoid spots. What you don’t want to use is any harsh, acidic cleaners including vinegar.

Marble Cleaning Care and Repair by doityourself.com

Wipe off anything spilled on marble immediately, just as you would from a wood surface. Use colorless wax and don’t wax white marble or it may yellow. Putty powder (tin oxide) can be used to polish dulled or etched surfaces. Preferably you should be using an electric polisher for buffing, however, it’s hard to find. The poultice should be left on the stain from one hour up to 48 hours depending on the age and depth of the stain. Make poultice soaked with 20 percent peroxide (hair bleaching strength) and a few drops of ammonia. As soon as possible, spread the surface with an absorbent fine powder such as whiting or corn starch. Wipe up acid spills immediately, and wipe the surface with wet cloth. Use coasters under beverage glasses to avoid moisture rings. A light coat of wax will protect the surface of marble, but isn’t essential. A marble sealer can be applied to clean marble to protect it from staining and allow soil to be wiped off with a damp cloth. Rub it on with a damp cloth, folding and refolding to clean damp areas. Severely damaged surfaces, scratched or etched, can be polished by a professional. You can also mix whiting with that chemical to make a soft paste to cover the stain. Plastic wrap held in place by masking tape can be put over the poultice to keep it damp, otherwise, it will have to be re-dampened periodically. You’ll need to mix a second batch later if another application is needed. Remove it by scrubbing with a hot, sudsy detergent solution and stiff brush, or use an ammonia-dampened cloth. If these alkaline solutions don’t remove all of the oil, you can try a solvent. Use good ventilation with windows open to remove fumes, do not use near a spark or flame, and do not leave it on too long. For this, you will need to use a commercial rust stain remover. Be sure to take the preventative measures as well to save yourself from the headache caused by stains!

How To Clean Marble by bhg.com

Use these safeguarding, cleaning, and stain-fighting strategies to preserve marble surfaces’ classic good looks. Use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices, and place hot dishes on trivets. Take a pass on products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids that will dull or etch marble surfaces. Never use abrasive scrubbers or rough-woven cloths that could scratch marble. After washing marble surfaces, immediately dry with a soft cloth to prevent streaks and water spots; use a buffing motion to turn up the shine. Common stains that mar kitchen and bathroom surfaces include oil-based and organic stains.