4 Tips on Caring for Marble Countertops

by Kevin Smith Author

Few things are more luxurious in your home than installing marble countertops. The timeless elegance of marble has the affect of making every kitchen feel like a work of art. A remarkably versatile stone, no two slabs of marble are exactly alike, so you know your marble countertops will always be totally unique. To maintain this beauty, however, does take a little bit of effort. While easy to clean, marble is vulnerable to etching, so here are a few things to know about caring for your marble countertop surfaces in Cumming.

1. Marble Must Be Sealed

Marble is a porous stone and, therefore, must be properly sealed. While even a sealed marble countertop may stain, a seal is important for protecting the stone from as much damage as possible. A seal has the ability to repel harmful agents, so you'll never want it to lose its effectiveness. If you notice that spilled water on the surface of your marble no longer beads, it's time to reseal it.

2. Wipe up Spills Immediately

Marble is sensitive to most kinds of acids. Citric acids, for instance, can result in etching if allowed to settle on a marble countertop. The instant lemon juice or orange juice spills onto your countertop, wipe it up as quickly as possible. Tomato juice or marinara sauce can also stain, so you can't allow those to sit either. Treat marble as you would a table with a wood finish. Make sure everyone uses coasters for their drinks, and cutting boards for when they're slicing up lemons.

3. Regular Cleaning

Since marble is sensitive to acids, avoid any cleaning solutions that are acidic or abrasive. Wipe away loose dirt, or use a handheld vacuum to clean up crumbs. Clean regularly with a stone-sensitive detergent and a soft sponge.

4. Stubborn Stains

If you discover a stain, don't panic. Apply a poultice paste on the stain and then cover with plastic wrap, and adhere it to the countertop with painters tape. After giving it approximately 12 to 24 hours to dry completely, remove the plastic and use a damp cloth to scrape away the poultice. After you're finished, if you notice that the stain remains, you may have to repeat the process a few times before it disappears completely.

Following these simple steps to take care of your marble countertop surfaces in Cumming is the best thing you can do to preserve your beautiful kitchen.