Even though marble is a stunning and sturdy stone surface for worktops, it requires special cleaning and maintenance techniques. Because marble is softer and more porous than other kinds of stones used throughout your home, it may stain, scratch, crack, and lose some of its shine.

These facts mean that, no matter how well you keep it, marble in a kitchen or bathroom may not look spotless over time. But that’s a feature that many people find appealing about natural stone because it develops a patina that gives it character as it ages. You can still take steps to safeguard and maintain it as it experiences the wear and tear of daily life.

Here are some tips to keeping it looking beautiful for years:

Start right with a sealant

Since marble is a more porous stone, you must keep the surface sealed to protect it. And fortunately, using a penetrating sealant is straightforward. After applying, simply wipe the sealer with a soft cloth to ensure the surface is clean and dry. With typical use, the sealant shouldn’t need to be applied again for roughly a year.

Clean often but carefully

You must regularly wipe down your countertop with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, mild soap (like dish soap), and water to ensure the sealant stays effective. Immediately clean up spilled food, spills, or liquid cleaning products to prevent them from penetrating and leaving stains or discolorations (that can happen overnight, even with sealant in place).

Avoid acidic products to prevent etching

Acidic compounds have the potential to chip through the marble’s surface, dulling its appearance. Never use abrasive scrubbing pads or any acidic or abrasive cleanser, such as vinegar and bleach. Acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus, and other types of fruits must be kept away from the countertop’s surface as much as possible. When making food, use cutting boards, bowls, and other tools to prevent acid from touching the marble.

If you do get etching, act quickly to clear it up. Find a marble polishing powder approved for that usage and follow the recommendations if you need to clear up some moderate etching. Depending on what created the stain, stains will need to be handled differently. A typical remedy for many stains is a poultice of baking soda. Combine baking soda and a small amount of water, then cover the discoloration with the mix. You carefully remove the paste and wipe the area with a moist cloth after 12 to 24 hours.

Learn to love the imperfections

The reality is, unless you are vigilant with upkeep, you will see some wear and tear. But for the most part, these are examples of a life well lived, adding some “life” to your marble.

Looking for a natural stone, but not sure if marble is the one for you? Call us to schedule a visit to the Garden State Soapstone Showroom to view our high-quality marble, soapstone, and slate, as well as the natural oils and waxes you need to protect your surfaces.