Baasar Stone Pty Ltd

Marble Maintenance Tips: How to Keep Your Countertops Looking Like New

Is your home graced with the timeless beauty of marble? If so, you’re in good company! Whether it’s elegant countertops or eye-catching flooring, marble has been the hallmark of luxury for centuries. But here’s the catch—proper maintenance is essential to keeping marble looking pristine. Without care, its porous nature makes it susceptible to stains, scratches, and wear over time.

Are you giving your marble the care it deserves?

Understanding Marble

To integrate marble into your space, you must understand its basic elements. In this section, we’ll help you understand your responsibilities as a marble owner.

The Nature Of Marble

Marble is a metamorphic rock formed from limestone under high pressure and heat, transforming it into a material characterised by its smooth surface and beautiful veining. Its composition mainly includes calcium carbonate, which gives it its iconic polished appearance. Marble is commonly used in:

  • Countertops
  • Floors
  • Bathroom Vanities
  • Statues
  • Tabletops

Porosity and Sensitivity

Marble is highly porous and sensitive to certain substances, from acids like vinegar, lemon juice, and bathroom cleaners to alkalines like bleach and ammonia. Because of its structure, liquids and oils can seep into the stone if not cleaned up quickly. Regular maintenance and care make these qualities crucial for preserving its look and preventing long-term damage.

Daily Care Tips

  1. Cleaning Routine

Maintaining a regular cleaning routine is key to keeping marble surfaces looking their best. Using the right products and methods is also important to avoid damaging the stone.

  • Use pH-neutral cleaners: Harsh or acidic cleaners can dull or damage the marble’s surface. Always opt for pH-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.
  • Avoid abrasive materials: Never use scrubbers or scouring pads, which can scratch the marble. A soft cloth or microfiber towel is ideal for daily cleaning.
  • Regular dusting and wiping: Dusting your marble surfaces regularly prevents particles from accumulating and causing scratches. A damp cloth with water is often enough to wipe away dirt for daily upkeep.
      1. Preventive Measures

When it comes to marble, prevention is key! A few simple habits can keep your surfaces looking pristine.

      • Reach for coasters, mats, and trivets: By placing coasters under drinks and mats or trivets under hot cookware, you’ll protect your marble from spills, oils, and heat.
      • Act fast on spills: Marble is porous and can absorb liquids quickly, leading to stubborn stains. The best way to protect it? Wipe up any spills immediately with a damp cloth before they can settle into the stone.

Long-Term Care and Preservation

Regular Inspections

To keep marble in top condition, perform regular inspections of your surfaces. Look for signs of wear, staining, or damage, and address any issues immediately to prevent them from worsening.

Periodic Re-Sealing

Even with regular care, marble needs periodic resealing to resist stains. Depending on the type of marble and its usage, resealing every year is recommended.

How To Deep Clean And Remove Stains From Your Marble

      1. Deep Cleaning

While daily care keeps marble looking great, some built-up dirt and stains require a bit more elbow grease to remove.

      • Use specialised marble cleaners or a mild soap solution: For more thorough cleaning, use a solution of mild soap and water or a cleaner formulated for marble. Avoid over-saturating the surface.
      • Gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge: Use gentle circular motions to scrub the surface, paying special attention to dull or dirty areas.
      1. Stain Removal

If your marble has developed stains, you must make sure you use the right method for the stain.

      • Organic stains (e.g., coffee, wine, fruit): Mixing baking soda and water can help lift organic stains. Apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours before wiping it away.
      • Oil-based stains (e.g., grease, butter): A solution of acetone or a commercial stain remover designed for oil stains is recommended.
      • Rust stains: For tough rust stains, a professional cleaner may be required, as rust can penetrate the stone’s surface deeply.

Sealing Marble: Why It’s Important And How You Do It

Why Sealing Is Important

Sealing is one of the most effective ways to protect marble from stains and damage. A high-quality sealer is a barrier that reduces marble’s porosity and prevents liquids from seeping in.

How to Seal

Sealing your marble surfaces is a relatively simple process that keeps your marble intact and beautiful. Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to sealing your marble like a pro:

      1. Start with a clean slate – Thoroughly clean your marble surface to remove any dust or grime.
      2. Apply the magic – Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently apply the sealer, covering the surface evenly.
      3. Let it soak in – Allow the sealer to sit for the time specified by the manufacturer to penetrate and protect the marble.
      4. Wipe away the excess – Use a clean cloth to wipe away any extra sealer after the waiting period.
      5. Patience pays off – Let your marble dry entirely before using it, ensuring a flawless, long-lasting finish.

High-traffic areas like kitchen countertops may need resealing every 6-12 months, while other areas may only need it once a year or every two years.

Choosing the Right Sealer

Not all sealers are created equal. When choosing a sealer, ensure it’s designed specifically for marble and natural stone. Opt for a high-quality, penetrating sealer that provides long-lasting protection without altering the stone’s natural look.

Common Marble Mistakes To Avoid

Maintaining marble involves knowing what not to do as well as what to do. Here are some easy mistakes to avoid to keep your marble in perfect shape.

      • Do Not Use Acidic Cleaners: As mentioned, vinegar, lemon juice, and other acidic substances can cause etching and dull the marble. Always avoid cleaners that contain acids, as they can leave permanent marks on the surface.
      • Avoid Heavy Objects: Dropping heavy items on marble surfaces can cause cracks or chips. Use protective mats under heavy or sharp objects.
      • Polishing: Abrasive polishes can strip away marble’s natural shine. Instead, use marble-specific polishes to bring back the gloss without damaging the surface.

Need Professional Maintenance? We’ve Got You (And Your Marble) Covered

When to Call a Professional

While many marble issues can be handled properly at home, some require professional expertise.

      • Deep scratches: If your marble has deep scratches that can’t be buffed out, a professional restoration service can grind and polish the stone back to its original state.
      • Heavy stains: Some stains, particularly rust or deep oil-based stains, may require professional cleaning products and techniques.
      • Polishing and honing: For a high-gloss or honed finish, professionals can provide polishing services that give your marble a beautiful, smooth appearance.

Benefits of Professional Care

Professional marble maintenance services offer several benefits, including specialised tools and techniques to bring out the best in your stone. Regular professional polishing can also extend the life of your marble and keep it looking like new.

Marble Is A Commitment

Keeping your marble looking as beautiful and elegant as the day it was installed takes some care, but with the proper routine, it’s easier than you think. Whether daily cleaning, taking preventive steps, or deep cleaning and sealing, every effort helps preserve the marble’s luxurious shine and sophistication.

Start using these simple tips in your marble care routine, and you’ll enjoy its timeless beauty for years. If you ever encounter stubborn stains or need a little extra help, don’t hesitate to call a professional for expert care.

Ready to bring the wonder of marble to your home? Contact us or visit our showroom for a demonstration of our many top-tier natural stone products.

You can also browse our diverse project showcase for inspiration.