Marble is arguably one of the most beautiful materials of choice for surfaces in your home, especially countertops and floors. It also tends to be one of the most difficult to clean, as you can’t use just any old products – in fact, the traditional cleaners that you can safely use on other kinds of surfaces may cause permanent damage to the marble. And since marble often comes with a hefty price tag, you don’t want to have to replace it due to a simple cleaning mistake.
So, what cleaning products are safe to use on marble? Avoid making an expensive mistake by using the following tips.
Preventative Measures
The best way to keep your marble in tip-top condition is to try and avoid having to scrub away at it in the first place. Keep the following preventative measures in mind when you’re dealing with the marble surfaces in your home.
- Place coasters under all glasses on countertops, especially those containing citrus juices or alcohol
- Put hot food on trivets
- Use a clean, non-treated dry dust mop frequently to protect your marble floors against abrasive elements, like dirt, grit, and sand
- Immediately blot up any spills, as wiping can spread them around, then rinse the area with a mix of mild dish soap and water. Dry with a soft towel.
- Use a marble sealer at least once a month, as it can help reduce stains and etching
- Don’t use rough cloths or abrasive scrubbers, products containing acids like lemon or vinegar, abrasive creams, or scouring powders
Marble-Safe Cleaning Solutions
There may be a long list of things that you shouldn’t use on marble, but fortunately, there are still some simple and affordable options that are suitable for such a tricky material. Make sure you’re stocking your home with at least one of the following.
Mild Soap and Water
This simple solution is really all you need to give your marble every day clean. Just dilute some mild soap with water, dip in a soft cloth, wring it out, and then wipe clean. You can do this for both your marble countertops and floors, so long as you’re careful about leaving any standing water. If any pools have collected after you’re done cleaning, be sure to wipe them up quickly with a soft, dry towel.
Baking Soda
If soap and water just aren’t cutting it, then you may consider trying baking soda on some of the more stubborn stains. Mix some baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and then leave it for 12 – 24 hours. After that, you should be able to wipe it away with a soft cloth.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’ve exhausted all the other methods and you still can’t seem to get that stain out, then you may consider using a few drops of hydrogen peroxide on the area. However, you may not want to attempt this if you have a darker marble, as it may cause discoloration.
