Marble countertops add unbeatable elegance and luxury to any kitchen or bathroom. With their timeless beauty and one-of-a-kind veining patterns, marble surfaces create an upscale focal point. Nonetheless, the experts at Bedrock Quartz say this natural stone requires some extra tender loving care to keep it looking at its finest for years to come.
The Basics of Marble
Marble is a porous, calcium-based stone that is vulnerable to staining, etching, and scratching if not treated properly. Its soft composition means it can easily get damaged by acidic substances like vinegar, citrus fruits, red wine, and even ordinary food spills. Moisture can also gradually dull marble’s signature shine over time.
To avoid those unsightly marks and discolorations, you will need to be diligent about cleaning up messes quickly from your marble countertops. The good news is that with some straightforward care tactics, you can preserve marble’s gorgeous aesthetic.
Sealing Protects the Surface
The number one must-do for marble maintenance is regular sealing. This helps guard against staining by creating a protective barrier that makes the stone more resistant to absorbing liquids.
Most experts recommend re-sealing your marble countertops annually using a penetrating sealer designed specifically for this type of stone. You can find these at home improvement stores or purchase special marble sealing products.
The sealing process is relatively easy – just apply the sealant with a cloth, let it soak in for several minutes, then wipe off any excess. Sealing prevents daily grime and spills from penetrating those porous marble countertops over time.
Proper Cleaning Prevents Damage
Even sealed marble requires some special cleaning tactics to avoid damaging that luxurious surface. Skip using general-purpose counter sprays and instead choose a non-abrasive stone cleaner formulated just for marble.
For everyday cleaning, just use a soft cloth dampened with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap or stone cleaner. Gently wipe down your marble countertops, then immediately dry them with a clean towel. Allowing water to sit can slowly erode the sealant.
Avoid heavy scrubbing or harsh acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon, as these can permanently etch and dull your marble countertops over time.
Protect from Scratches and Heat
With their soft mineral composition, marble counters are also prone to scratches and scorches if you’re not careful. Always use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, and other heat-generating items to avoid discolored burn marks.
When prepping food, use cutting boards rather than slicing directly on the marble surface, as knives can easily leave behind permanent scratches and grooves. Those same scratches can trap staining grime too.
It is also wise to avoid dragging or sliding heavy objects across marble countertops, as this abrasive action can wear away the sealant and leave unsightly marring. Instead, pick up and carry heavier items when moving them around.
Simple Spill Solutions
Even with the best protective seal, spills are bound to happen occasionally on those beautiful marble countertops. When they do, you need to act quickly.
The second a spill occurs, blot up any remaining liquid using a clean, absorbent cloth. Then flush the area with warm water and a few drops of mild soap or specialized marble cleaner to dilute and remove the stain.
For oil-based spills like cooking grease or makeup, you may need to use a grease-cutting dish soap to help break down the oil before it seeps in. Work gently yet swiftly to keep the mess from setting.
Conclusion
With some basic know-how and consistent care, those stunning marble countertops can maintain their magazine-worthy luster for a lifetime. A bit of preventative upkeep goes a long way in keeping this natural stone looking timelessly sophisticated.
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