How to Clean Marble Countertops and Surfaces

Marble is a natural stone. While it is common for furniture surfaces and kitchen countertops to be made with the material, that doesn’t mean that every common household cleaner can be used with it. In fact, using a cleaner that contains ingredients not compatible with marble can do more harm than good, even permanently damaging the stone.

That doesn’t, however, warrant failing to clean and care for your marble pieces, because doing so can also cause permanent damage – in the forms of set-in stains, deepened scratches, corrosion and more.

1. Read the label of your cleaning product. Do not use anything with acid. Many natural products contain lemon juice and vinegar; avoid these at all costs!
2. If you cannot find a product without acid, then create a diluted soap solution by mixing a few drops of mild dish soap with two or more cups of warm water.
3. Use a sponge to disperse the solution onto the marble. Rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.

Removing Stains

Marble is porous, and stains are quick-setting; together, these two things can create a recipe for permanent damage. Get to spills and other accidents as soon as they happen – your countertops and furniture will thank you for it.

• For oil stains: Oil won’t exactly work with water-based agents. Try instead a chemical bleach cleaner or ammonia. Make sure to dilute either with a mild soap.
• For mildew: Bleach and water will get the job done!
• For food stains: For common food stains (coffee, wine, fruit), your best bet is a stain remover that combines hydrogen peroxide and ammonia.