How to Care For Marble Countertops?
It is important to seal your marble countertops properly, as this will prevent damage and keep them looking shiny. One way to test your marble countertops for a proper seal is to place a small amount of mineral oil on a small area. Leave it there for 10 minutes, and if there is any discoloration, your marble counters need sealing. You can also perform a test by pouring water on a small area of marble and see if it soaks into it.
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Avoiding acidic cleaners
If you want to preserve the beauty of your marble counters, you must avoid using highly acidic household cleaners. Acidic cleaners can dull and etch the marble, leaving it looking dull and weathered. Luckily, there are several easy ways to prevent stains from occurring on your counters. First, use a 12% hydrogen peroxide solution embedded in ammonia to remove organic food stains. You can also use a liquid cleanser that contains mineral spirits or acetone to remove oil stains.
Sealing marble countertops
The first step in sealing marble countertops is to make sure the surface is clean. This will make the sealer go on easier and ensure full coverage. Otherwise, the sealer will not adhere well to the marble and will mix with dirt. Fabricators use acetone or mineral spirits to clean the surface thoroughly before applying the sealer.
Cleaning up spills
Cleaning up spills on marble countertops is more challenging than cleaning up other types of stains. The first step is to identify the source of the spill and apply the right chemical to remove it. The more quickly you can address the stain, the better. Make sure you wear protective eyewear and gloves and test the chemical before using it on the marble.
Preventing staining
While marble countertops can be hard to maintain, there are some simple tips you can follow to protect them from staining. The first and easiest tip is to avoid oil-based stains. This includes cooking oils, grease, and other oil-based substances. Fortunately, most oil-based stains are easily removed with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and ammonia. This solution is safe for marble and is effective against most organic stains.
Cleaning with gentle soap and warm water
The best way to clean marble countertops is to use non-abrasive dish soap and warm water. Use a spray bottle to evenly distribute the soap solution. Use a soft cloth to gently scrub the surface. To prevent the stone from scratching, never use acidic cleaners on it.
Cleaning with Clorox wipes
Cleaning marble countertops with Clorox wipes can etch them, so you’ll want to use a different solution for this task. A safer alternative is Granite Gold Disinfecting Wipes. You can also use diluted bleach.