How Do I Clean Marble Countertops? 

Marble is a natural stone, which means it needs to be cleaned occasionally. Unfortunately, it can become stained, so it’s important to know how to clean marble countertops. 

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There are two main ways to clean marble. The first is to use a non-abrasive soap or dish detergent. The second is to use a cleaning product that is specifically designed for marble. If you have a sealer on your countertops, you should test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous area first. 

For most stains, a mild soap and water solution will do the trick. Be sure to rinse the countertop after the cleaning is complete. This will also remove any residue left from the soap. For larger areas, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water. These are both great cleaners because they dissolve dirt and grease, and leave your marble squeaky clean. The baking soda will also remove any odors that you may have. 

You can also clean marble using a cleaning spray. The best way to do this is to mix a bit of dish detergent with warm water in a spray bottle. When applying the mixture, make sure it’s thin. For darker counters, you can also combine a small amount of flour with acetone. 

You can also use a 12% hydrogen peroxide solution to remove surface stains. Be sure to clean up any organic stains with ammonia. It’s also best to use a diluted solution because abrasive cleaners can etch the stone. 

You can also try a poultice. A poultice is a paste-like cleanser that you can apply with a wood spatula. For a more uniform application, you can use a premixed commercial poultice. 

In addition, you can also make your own marble countertop sealant. Tung oil is safe for marble and is an excellent substitute for traditional marble sealers. Tung oil is derived from nuts of the Tung tree, a type of native tree in China. The oil combines with water to form a durable and glossy finish. You can find this in home improvement stores. 

The Marble Institute of America (MIA) recommends using a cleaning solution that is lukewarm and non-acidic. You should also squeegee off the excess water after the cleaning. This helps prevent the buildup of bacteria. If you don’t have a squeegee on hand, you can also use a plastic scraper. 

A microfiber cloth is another helpful option. They’re gentle and lint free, so they won’t leave any stains on polished marble. You can also use soft sponges. When buffing the surface, be sure to avoid using metal bowls, as they can cause an adverse reaction. 

If you’re worried about leaving a stain, you can clean it with an acetate-based cleaner or mineral spirits. Be careful not to overuse any of these cleaning products. If a splatter occurs, you can blot the spill with a paper towel. 

It’s a good idea to keep a bottle of vinegar in a locked cabinet, so it’s easy to clean the counter. It can kill bacteria and viruses.