Cleaning marble countertops isn’t as hard as you may think. Marble is a beloved material for either kitchen or bathroom countertops in Atlanta. What is not loved, however, is the difficulty in cleaning and caring for this elegant, veined stone. But is that really true? What is true is marble countertops are porous and can be damaged by spilling an acidic substance on it. By acidic substance, it means common household substances, such as milk, tomato or lemon juice, and wine, among others. One splash is enough to etch the marble, leaving a permanent, dull scar.
Hence, prevention is key with marble countertops. Mop up spills as soon as they happen, so they do not have time to etch the surface. You can keep your marble scar-free and lovely if you care for it properly. Here are some ways of cleaning marble countertops in Atlanta.
Daily Cleaning Marble Countertops
cleaning marble countertops
Do not use vinegar or bleach on marble. A single use of these acidic substances will eat into a marble countertop’s surface and dull the stone. Do not also use abrasive cleaner or pads, as marble can be scratched. Here is a secret in knowing how to clean marble countertops: You do not need specialty cleaners for marble. Mild soap and hot water will do just fine. Wipe sudsy water on the counter with a soft cloth or sponge.
Because marble is mostly made of calcium carbonate, the natural material is very sensitive to acidic products. For this reason, it is best to use a mild, neutral pH detergent or stone soap when it comes to cleaning Atlanta’s marble countertops. Make sure to rinse the surface with clean, clear water, and dry it after you have finished cleaning. Again, make sure not to use acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice, abrasive cleaners, alkaline cleaners not made for stone, or a mix of bleach and ammonia, as this creates a toxic gas.
Preventing Damage to Marble Countertops
It is important to do simple marble maintenance tasks to protect your stunning stone from any damage.
Place glasses on coasters; this is particularly important for acidic drinks like juice, soft drinks, or alcohol. If placing a hot dish or other item on your countertop, use a trivet or heat absorbent pad underneath it. Plates, silverware, and other kitchen items should sit on placemats to avoid scratching your countertop.
cleaning marble countertops
Sealing
One of the characteristics of marble is that it is a very porous material. It must be sealed in order to help protect your countertops against unwanted stains. A protective sealer or impregnator will repel spills and buy you time to wipe up any messes. So, as much as possible, do not forget to seal your marble if you find the need to.
If you are unsure about how or what you need to keep your marble countertops in tip-top shape, you can always call us at Art Stone Granite & Marble. We are more than willing to provide you with tips and guidelines. You can also call us for a no cost, no obligation estimate!
