Marble surfaces: 8 ways to clean them without causing any damage
Marble is one of the most precious, expensive and elegant materials that can be chosen to decorate a kitchen or bathroom: lightly colored and encasing delicate "veins", it gives a naturalistic look. However, marble is porous (even more so than those that look a bit like marble, such as quartz), so, it is more prone to getting stained and picking up light scratches.
It is important that marble never comes into contact with acidic substances, and we need to be careful not to rub or drop objects on the surface that could leave scratches. So, how do we clean and maintain marble surfaces? Read on to find out more:
Cleaning marble
When it comes to choosing the products for a routine cleaning of marble, it is always best to consult the seller for instructions. Generally, however, you can use delicate dishwashing detergents, or products to clean stone that have a neutral pH.
In both cases, these products must be used with soft cloths. Specifically:
- Wet the cloth;
- Pour/spray a small amount of the soap onto it;
- Rub carefully;
- Use another damp cloth (or rinse the one you used out well and wring dry), to remove dirt and soap residue;
- Dry off with a dry microfiber cloth, using circular movements.
However, if there are build-ups of dirt that do not come off with soap, make use of a plastic scraper - to be used with extreme care - and scrape away the dirt.
When it comes to cleaning up liquid spills, dab with paper towels or dry cloths, instead of rubbing, and then proceed as indicated. In any case, never use large quantities of water, nor leave the surfaces wet for a long time.
This cleaning method also works for marble floors, table tops or other surfaces. If the marble surfaces are not used for working or cooking, it is best to try to protect them using coasters and other similar accessories, so that they do not come into contact with objects that could leave marks.
Products to use and those to avoid
The products suitable for cleaning marble are, as already seen, the following:
- delicate dishwashing detergents,
- microfibre cloths (or soft cloths that do not leave lint behind)
- dusters,
- hydrogen peroxide (12% generally, 30% for stubborn stains)
- marble sealant (for scratches or when the protective layer is to be restored),
- very fine steel wool (#0000 only, and only to smooth out light scratches and nicks)
You should avoid using:
- Vinegar
- Glass-cleaning products
- Any abrasive object
With proper care, you can make your marble surfaces last a long time and will not have to call in experts frequently!
