How to Clean Marble

Marble is a beautiful and versatile stone commonly used for kitchen counters, flooring, and furniture decoration. To keep your marble surfaces looking new, it's essential to clean and protect them properly. This guide will cover basic care, stain removal, and polishing techniques to maintain your marble surfaces.

Basic Care

1. **Avoid Scratches**:

• Do not place sharp objects directly on marble.
• Use cloths on the feet of tables and chairs to prevent scratching marble floors.
• Place mats on kitchen counters to avoid scratches from glassware and appliances.

2. **Clean Regularly**:

• Wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining from liquids like orange juice and coffee.
• Remove any substances that can stain, such as cumin, curry powder, coffee grounds, and leafy greens.

3. **Use Mild Cleaning Solutions**:

• Clean marble surfaces with a soft cloth dipped in warm water and mild dish soap or a marble-specific cleaner.
• Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, as they can corrode marble [2].

4. **Dry Thoroughly**:

• After cleaning, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining water to prevent water marks [4].

Stain Removal

1. **General Stains**:

• Mix baking soda with water to create a paste, apply it to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave it for 24 hours. Wipe off the paste with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary [6].

2. **Hydrogen Peroxide for Light-Colored Marble**:

• Apply hydrogen peroxide to the stained area, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it for 24 hours. Wipe off with a damp cloth. Use caution on dark marble, as it may lighten the color [6].

3. **Grease Stains**:

• Sprinkle cornstarch on the grease stain and wait 20 minutes for the starch to absorb the grease. Wipe clean with a damp cloth [1].

Polishing

1. **Polish with Soft Leather**:

• Use soft leather to dry and polish marble surfaces. Ensure the polishing cloth is specifically for marble to avoid damage from chemicals [4].

2. **Consult Professionals**:

• For stubborn scratches or stains, consider consulting a marble cleaning expert to use industrial tools without harming the marble [4].

Tips

• Always test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first.
• Consider applying a professional sealant to protect marble surfaces from stains and scratches [3].

Sources

1. [marthastewart.com - How to Clean Marble Surfaces the Right Way]

2. [architecturaldigest.com - How to Clean Marble Surfaces So They Shine, Always]

3. [bhg.com - How to Clean Marble]

4. [thisoldhouse.com - How to Clean Marble]

5. [hgtv.com - How to Clean Marble Countertops]

6. [realsimple.com - How to Clean Marble (Video)-and Remove Stubborn Stains]