Why is marble such a popular choice for kitchen countertops? Several obvious reasons are that marble is beautiful, decorative, and durable, which exquisitely complements all types of kitchen designs. Still, this natural stone can be tricky to care for.
If you’re considering marble as an option for your new countertops, there are some considerations. To help you out, JD Kitchens, Bath & More provides a quick guide on how to care for marble countertops and help them stand the test of time.
Feel free to contact the team when you’re ready to speak to a reliable kitchen remodeling contractor in Marietta, Georgia!
#1 Avoid Acids
Marble is solid stone, but it isn’t completely impervious to harsh chemicals and acids. For example, abrasive cleaners can damage the sealant and etch the surface of your marble countertops. The result will be countertops that look dull and faded.
Avoid cleaners like vinegar and bleach on marble and spilling or cutting acidic cooking ingredients on the countertops like tomatoes or citrus. That’s why it’s best to always use a cutting board when preparing food on a marble countertop to prevent staining and etching.
#2 Use Gentle Soap
Marble does not need abrasive cleaners to keep it smooth and clean; just use soap and water (warm water works best) as follows:
- Spray the countertop.
- Wipe it with a wet rag.
- Dry the surface using a soft fabric towel.
Some of the best types of soaps for marble contain vegetable oils but no animal fats (also called castile soap).
Additionally, experts like JD Kitchens, Bath, & More recommend wiping down your countertops every day with a deep clean (soap and warm water) once a week. The cleaner you keep your countertops, the longer they will last.
#3 Don’t Forget to Dust
Dusting is also a regular part of how to care for marble countertops that you don’t use often. If dust particles collect, they form a thick layer of grime. Abrasive dust particles also damage the sealant, so it’s best to dust every few days to protect the marble.
#4 Don’t Let Stains Sit
Marble is slightly more porous than other kinds of stone, so it’s crucial you clean up any liquid spills as soon as possible. In particular, oils and grease will create discolored splotches that are tough to get rid of once they set in. Ammonia could break up red wine stains and oils in organic material, but it’s better to prevent the stain by cleaning up quickly.
You may have to scrape off paint with a razor knife and remove water stains with steel wool, but this is difficult to do without damaging the surface. Be quick to clean up while spills are fresh, and cover the countertops if you ever repaint the kitchen.
#5 Watch Out for Scratches
The marble is tough but still a softer stone than granite. It can sustain scratches quite easily from knives, heavy dishware, appliances, and sharp edges. If there are tiny scratches, you can sometimes buff them out using a dishrag and soap, but often, handling deeper scratches needs very fine sandpaper and an expert touch.
#6 Be Careful With Smoke
Marble looks gorgeous around fire and stovetops, but be mindful of smoke damage. The porous stone will absorb smoke particles, which can form blotchy stains and discolored spots. If you want to keep the marble countertop in good shape, keep fires away or clean up soot or smoke residue immediately using gentle soap and warm water.
#7 Avoid Too Much Moisture
Some random drops or splashes won’t hurt your countertops, but high levels of moisture and big liquid spills can damage them. Even when sealed, marble can still absorb liquids left on the surface for extended periods. This absorption can also cause mildew and mold stains, which can be almost impossible to remove from your lovely marble surfaces.
Bonus Tip: Seal Your Marble Countertops Regularly
Like most other stone countertops, marble needs regular sealing to prevent water damage and embedded stains. Professionals like JD Kitchens, Bath, & More will seal marble countertops using a special resin in a petroleum-based solvent.
The process is simple: these professionals apply sealant and leave it to dry. When it does, you’ll have a highly water-resistant barrier protecting the marble under it for many more years.
Reliable Kitchen and Bathroom Designs in Marietta, Georgia
Now that you know how to care for marble countertops, why not read about the different countertop materials as you make your countertop or flooring selection? Then, contact JD Kitchens, Baths & More online or at (770) 516-1602 to start planning your project!