Marble is one of the most elegant surfaces. There’s a good reason the grand structures of Rome were built using it. Its glamorous and robust nature makes it the perfect choice to build something that will look good and last.
As aesthetically exciting as it is, unfortunately cleaning marble can be difficult. It’s porous which makes it prone to both staining and fading.
Here are some tips to keep your marble sparkling.
Prevention is key
Prevention is always better than cure, and the best way to protect marble is to seal it. Sealed marble will lock out any materials that are likely to stain.
While sealing takes a couple of hours, doing so will save a lot of hassle in the future. You can find well-priced sealants at Bunnings. For more tips on cleaning marble stains, I’ve detailed how to clean specific items below.
How to clean marble benchtops and tables
Kitchen benchtops are the most popular household area to use marble. Unfortunately, it’s also the most susceptible to spills and this is the most common way people stain marble tops. It’s most sensitive to wine, coffee, orange juice and other acidic liquids.
Step 1: If you do spill something it’s important to act quickly. Clean the spill with a wet cloth straight away before things have a chance to soak in and stain or fade the marble.
Step 2: Afterwards, cover the area with talcum powder to draw out anything that absorbed.
Step 3: Once dry sweep up the debris with a dustpan and wipe things down with water and a microfibre cloth.
How to clean marble tile & bathroom vanities
Marble is also commonly used in bathroom tiles and vanities. This also happens to be part of the house that is most vulnerable to mould and mildew. The good news is that marble is very resilient toward this sort of thing.
Step 1: Use hot water and a microfibre towel to remove any marks. Regularly turn the towel to avoid streaking.
Step 2: Follow up with a chamois to absorb as much of the water as you can.
How to clean marble vases & accessories
Things like vases, chopping boards and candle holders are commonly made from marble. These items typically allow for a little more robustness but it still pays to be delicate.
Step 1: Use your trusty microfibre towel to scrub the item and remove any marks. Usually, you can leave these to dry themselves for an hour or two.
Step 2: Once the normal colour returns assess if it needs another clean.
How NOT to clean marble
It’s just as important to know what not to do when cleaning marble. Some mistakes will put you in an even worse position. You should adhere to the following:
- Avoid synthetic household cleaners, like most standard spray-and-wipe products
- Avoid acidic natural products, like vinegar or lemon juice
- Don’t use abrasive cloths or coarse sponges
Following this advice will keep your marble looking good and stain free for a long time to come.
This article was originally published as How to clean marble by www.realestate.com.au and is written by Michael Brooke.