An all-time favorite material for countertops, marble has a reputation for being incredibly beautiful and strong. However, it also has a bit of a reputation for being fickle when it comes to cleaning. Many homeowners who would otherwise love to install marble countertops shy away because they’re terrified of dealing with the stains, wear, and etching that marble is known for.
But is it really as bad as you’ve been led to believe? Or are all those horror stories you’ve read about marble slabs being ruined by a single red wine spill more like urban legends that you should ignore on your quest for a Pinterest-worthy kitchen? And how the heck do you go about cleaning something that’s supposedly so vulnerable to stains and acid anyway?
The Truth About Marble
As it turns out, the truth lies somewhere in the middle. While it’s true that marble is prone to staining and etching, this isn’t quite as dramatic as it sounds. The truth is that, in the hands on a conscientious homeowner, marble countertops can look stunning for decades after installation. It really just comes down to how willing you are to keep them clean and how able you are too respond quickly too colorful or acidic spills. The good news is that most stains can be faded, and most etching can be blended. It’s unlikely that any one instance would totally, irreparably ruin your marble countertops.
We could write a whole book about pro-tips for deep cleaning, stain removal, and dealing with etching. Today though, we wanted to address a really basic question: How can you clean your marble countertops clean on a day to day basis?
How to Practice Basic Cleaning
We could write a whole book about pro-tips for deep cleaning, stain removal, and dealing with etching. Today though, we wanted to address a really basic question: How can you clean your marble countertops clean on a day to day basis?
The answer is simpler than you think: soap and water.
Yep, it’s really that easy! The secret to clean, untarnished marble is using gentle soap, warm water, and a non-abrasive sponge or rag to clean your countertops. Because bleach and vinegar are acidic, these should be avoided at all costs. Just remove any abrasive debris (think dust and crumbs), scrub gently with your soap and water solution, then pat dry with a clean towel to absorb any extra moisture . . . and you’re done!
Considering installing marble countertops in your kitchen or bathroom?
We’d love to help you choose a slab that works for your design aesthetic and durability needs. Browse our stone slab selection here, or get in touch with us for a free, custom quote.