Marble countertops have been common in most homes in San Jose, CA. But despite the luxurious, natural, and tough look – it is crucial to know how to care for marble countertops properly.
Use mild soap and warm water to maintain the appearance of your marble countertops. Then, wipe it using a soft cloth or sponge to accumulate the dirt. You can use a spray sealant at least once a month to protect the marble countertop from stains and scratches.
Proper care for marble countertops is not as expensive as other people think. You can use whichever mild soap is available at your home. But it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance if you want it to look new and suitable for a long time. Since marble is more prone to scratches, cracks, stains, and dullness than granite – note these tips in maintaining your marble countertops.
How To Properly Care For Marble Countertops?
Your marble countertops are probably one of the busiest places in your kitchen. It is where you put the dishes and pots. So, you need to take several measures to safeguard and preserve the natural characteristics of the marble.
1. Apply A Good Sealant
Marble is one of the most porous stones, so keep it sealed to protect its surface. You can buy and apply a sealant to whatever finish you have on your marble countertop.
The two most prevalent marble finishes are polished for a high-gloss finish and honed for a softer matte finish. Almost 90% of marble kitchen surfaces are honed, which doesn’t show scratches as much as a polished surface. However, it makes the marble more prone to stains.
It’s easy to use a protective sealant. Just ensure the surface is clean and dry before applying the sealant. Stone sealants are widely available in different hardware and depot stores. The sealer should last approximately a year before it needs another application.
2. Daily Cleaning With Extra Care
Keep the sealant effective by wiping and cleaning your countertop with a nonabrasive cloth or sponge. Make sure only to use mild soap and water for your daily cleaning. Then, clear spilled food as soon as possible before it soaks in and causes a stain or discoloration. Red wine and coffee cup rings are famous culprits, so coasters might assist. Food damage can happen overnight, even if you apply a protective sealant.
Some would ask, “Why does my marble countertop already look horrible only three months after it was installed“? There are different possibilities for the dullness of marble countertops. The most common reason is a poor job in maintaining the marble. The second reason is the cleaners that you might be using. If it’s something abrasive, you’re stripping away the sealant and leaving the stone open to stains.”
However, stains aren’t the only issue for marble countertops. This stone is prone to etching, reversing the formation of dull markings on the surface. It is the result of frequent contact with acidic substances. Do you use lemon juice or vinegar when cooking? Do you cut tomatoes on your marble countertops? Then, these acids can lead to etching marks that are hard to remove. It requires more vigorous treatment.
3. Proper Removal of Stains and Etching
Speaking of stains and etching, how can you remove it once it starts appearing on your marble countertops? If washing with mild soap and water doesn’t work, you’ll need to take more forceful action.
Upgrade to a cleanser with bleach, such as Soft Scrub or Ajax. Then, apply it using an abrasive sponge. It will remove the sealant, but you should try to accomplish it if the marble becomes “etched.” Once you remove the sealant, you can scrub the stain, and the marble will appear brighter.
Then, you must clean the rest of the counter similarly. Clean it and let it dry completely for several days. Once you remove all the accumulated dirt and etching, pour the penetrating sealant over a dry surface. Apply it with a soft cloth.
4. Vanquish Stubborn Stains
You can use an electric sander and diluted bleach to remove hard-to-remove stains on your marble countertops. Expect staining and etching as the years go by. We can never be perfect with cleaning our countertops, and it’s okay. It will always happen, and you have to accept it.
If you’re unsure or can’t get stubborn stains off your marble countertops, hiring a marble refinisher is best. These experts can clean it professionally with sophisticated grinders and possibly fine-grit sandpaper.
5. Protect Your Marble Countertops
Using a spray sealant at least once a month protects your marble from stains and etching. In addition, it will help in avoiding damage to your marble countertops. But it doesn’t mean you mustn’t immediately wipe the spills. The season will provide protection and only give you a little more time to mop before the staining begins.
Find more tips on how to care for marble countertops.
The Importance Of Marble Countertops Care
Because marble is such a costly stone, it is critical to protect your investment by properly caring for it. First, maintain the appearance of your marble countertops by cleaning them with mild soap and warm water. Then, wipe away any gathered filth using a soft cloth or sponge. Finally, to protect the marble countertop from etching and strain, use a spray sealer at least once a month.
Contact our marble expert at Marblus Granite and Tile, Inc. if you are looking for custom fabrication and installation for your marble countertops.
Marblus Granite and Tile, Inc.
1775 Monterey Hwy Unit 40 C, San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 286-6685
