Featured Image: Bianco Venatino Marble

Marble. Just the mention of this natural stone triggers mixed emotions in many of us. We love how it looks. After all, no matter where it’s displayed – marble countertops in a kitchen, marble tile in a bathroom, marble flooring at a spa – there’s no denying its effortless elegance and beauty.

Yet as much as we appreciate all marble has to offer in appearance, we fear the maintenance that comes along with it and worry about being able to properly care for it – especially when it comes to using it for countertops. 

If you’re torn about whether or not marble countertops are for you, read on to learn the four things you should know about caring for marble countertops. (Hint: It isn’t as scary or overwhelming as it seems).

1) Everyday Cleaning

Although marble is certainly more delicate and sensitive than many other countertop materials, cleaning it is actually easier than you’d think. Remember this rule: less is more. In other words, a little cleaning goes a long way in maintaining marble’s beauty and durability.

Counters should always be cleaned immediately following any contact with food. A soft cloth (preferably a microfiber one) and warm, distilled water are all you need to clean marble countertops on a daily basis. Seriously, that’s all! And since marble is highly prone to water spots, be sure to use another cloth to dry the surface, rather than letting it air dry. 

Of course, some of the common, acid-based natural cleaners, such as vinegar and lemon juice, must be avoided. This is because marbles calcium carbonate makeup causes it to react with any acid – resulting in dull spots, known as etches, on its surface. 

2) Deep Cleaning

For those times you’re entertaining or have more going on in your kitchen than usual, you’ll need to give your marble countertops some additional TLC. 

A pH-neutral dish soap is good for deep cleaning most types of marble, but its always best to check the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance instructions prior to using any cleaner. Purchasing a non-abrasive marble cleaner from where you bought your marble is a good option. 

Whichever cleaner you use, rinse it thoroughly to remove any residue and completely dry the surface.

Calacatta Gold Marble

3) Preventing Stains

Wine. Orange juice. Lemon juice. Tomatoes. Soda. Spills or wet marks from anything acidic need to be blotted up right away to avoid stains (wiping or rubbing can actually create more damage). 

In the event a stain does occur (it happens), use a commercial marble stain remover that’s safe to use on your specific marble. 

4) Protecting the Surface

Protect your marble countertops as much as possible to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Use coasters instead of placing glasses directly onto the surface. Don’t place anything hot directly onto the counter. Use ceramic or stone containers as metal ones can cause rust stains. 

You may also want to look into sealing your marble countertop every so often to add more protection against staining and damage. 

Relax and Enjoy! 

Once you have these important tips down pat and incorporate them into your cleaning routine, it’s a piece of cake (well, almost). And the bit of extra effort that goes into caring for this lovely natural stone is well worth the beauty it creates in your home! 

To see the gorgeous marble countertop options we have available, or to discuss caring for marble in more detail, stop by any of our Arizona Tile locations to speak with one of our professionally trained consultants. 

Try our Just Imagine Visualizer to see how your kitchen or bathroom remodel would look in one of our many white marble products!

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