How to Clean Marble Countertops: 3 Safe-to-Use Products

As naturally occurring materials, the surfaces of marble countertops—in addition to quartz or granite countertops—can be susceptible to superficial nicks and water spots. Marble and other types of natural stone can be expensive but are also common in kitchens or bathrooms where they will be near water and endure everyday wear and tear. It’s important then to take measures to protect and clean such countertops properly to avoid having to refinish them constantly.

One of the easiest ways to protect marble kitchen countertops is through prevention. To keep your counter dry and to prevent dull spots from occurring in the first place, use coasters with glasses to prevent condensation from forming ring marks. Use cutting boards any time you slice produce to avoid scratches or etching in your counters. And place a hot pad or trivet beneath hot pots and pans to protect the counter sealant from heat abrasions or burns.

However, accidents can still happen. If any spills occur, you can quickly clean up marble countertops with a soft cloth or dish towel. Any remaining moisture could leave water stains.

Since marble is composed of calcium carbonate, acidic substances like lemon juice or acidic cleaners can quickly destroy your white marble surface. There are various specialty products and DIY cleaning options that can be safer for your countertops or marble floors:

1. 1. Dish soap and warm water: A small amount of mild dish soap or dishwashing detergent can be an excellent choice for cleaning most messes. Simply apply some soap to a damp cloth and lightly wipe off any spills or food debris. Once your counter is clean, you can remove the soapy water using an absorbent microfiber cloth.
2. 2. Marble cleaner: There are specialty cleaners for marble surfaces that can remove dirt and polish up your surfaces without harming them. It can be a good idea to ask your countertop manufacturer or the installers what stone cleaner or other product they recommend for your counters.
3. 3. Neutral cleaning solution: Alkaline products that contain bleach or even a few drops of ammonia can be harmful to porous stone materials. Even weak acids like hydrogen peroxide can damage marble over time. Therefore, a pH-neutral cleanser that can also disinfect surfaces will be a safer choice for maintaining a clean and beautiful countertop.

There are various methods of marble polishing and buffing that can restore the shine of your countertops, but they often only require a thorough cleaning and re-application of sealant. You can typically find everything you need to accomplish this task at your local home improvement store or around the house. After you have acquired the proper sealer for your counter material, you might need to strip the surface of old sealant or residue from cleaning solutions. You can use a razor blade or plastic scraper with acetone remover to strip the damaged layer before you apply your new sealant. Make sure to wear personal protection and allow your workspace adequate airflow.

You might instinctively reach for a spray bottle of stain-fighting cleaner or a piece of steel wool to tackle difficult stains on your marble countertops, but there is an easier solution. Since marble and other porous stone is susceptible to damage from abrasive sponges or liquids, you can create a poultice or paste by mixing baking soda and water. Simply apply the mixture to the stained area and cover it for roughly twenty-four hours. The non-abrasive poultice will do the work for you, and you can wipe away the excess the next day.

Master everything from color theory to pattern mixing with the MasterClass Annual Membership and exclusive lessons from award-winning interior designers like Corey Damen Jenkins and Kelly Wearstler. From shopping for statement furniture to designing a lighting scheme to choosing the newest member of your plant family, the skills you’ll pick up are sure to make your house, apartment, or condo feel even more like a home.