Marble is one of the most popular materials for kitchen and bathroom worktops, and it’s no wonder why! Clean, stylish and modern in appearance, marble offers homeowners a long-term investment that looks great and performs even better.
But how do you keep your marble worktops looking as good as new? At The Marble Store, we get asked this question time and time again by people looking to get the very best out of their marble worktops. So today we’re dedicating an entire blog to answer your most asked questions!
Are marble worktops easy to clean?
Let’s start from the top on this one. Yes – marble worktops are extremely easy to clean and maintain, as long as you stay on top of them! In fact, marble is notoriously easy to keep clean and shiny, but can suffer if left unattended.
If you’re a busy household with young children, then marble can be a fantastic, time saving material to opt for. Quick and simple to wipe down, it requires only a small amount of your time and attention each day to ensure it remains looking sparkly and new. However, marble can quickly look old and worn if neglected, so this is important to consider before opting for any kind of worktop.
Your marble worktops must be sealed
Whilst it is true that marble kitchen worktops can be a great low-maintenance option, there are still certain things you must do in order to preserve them for as long as possible. After all, although marble is a metamorphic stone, it is not the toughest type of stone worktop available, and so does require a certain level of TLC.
The first and perhaps most important thing to note is that your marble worktop will require initial and routine sealing. Sealant is imperative to help protect the marble worktop from lasting damage, as this is a porous surface and so is extra susceptible to staining.
Getting your marble worktop professionally sealed initially should keep it protected for around 6 months. After this, you want to be resealing the worktops every 3-6 months to help them remain looking pristine for as long as possible.
Prevention is key!
As with most natural stone worktops, prevention is more effective than cure. What we mean by this is that you will find keeping your marble worktops clean much easier than trying to tackle a neglected spillage – so it is always advised to deal with any type of food or drink spill immediately to prevent hardening or staining from occurring.
What cleaning products are safe to use on marble?
When it comes to knowing which products will work best for your marble worktops, you can’t beat going back to basics. Warm water and a soft cloth are usually all that are required to clean spills that have just happened, but even if you’re tackling something a little tougher – there are a number of cleaning products you will want to steer clear of.
Vinegar is a popular ingredient used in cleaning; however, it is highly acidic and could cause lasting damage to a marble worktop – so this is a definite no-no product. You should also avoid any cleaning ingredients containing ammonia, as this is also too harsh a chemical for a porous surface like marble.
We advise simple washing up soap. However, if this doesn’t seem to be doing the job, there are a wide range of all-natural cleaners on the market that should be safe to use on marble.
Similarly, always opt for soft cloths and avoid using any rough scouring pads which can scratch your marble worktops.
How do you remove stains from marble?
Accidents are bound to happen, whether you’ve run out of time and had to abandon a spill, or a stain has gone unnoticed. So, what can you do to effectively remove stains from your marble worktop without causing damage?
Other than all-natural cleaners you can get hold of specifically for use on marble, there are other ways you can combat tougher stains. One effective way is using a small amount of baking soda. Combining baking soda and water to make a paste, you should find that scrubbing lightly at the affected area using a soft cloth will lift off the stain. You may have to leave this to soak the stain for up to 24 hours, but it’s important that you don’t leave it any longer than this as this can impact the finish.
Always ensure your marble worktops are dry
Whether you are giving your marble worktops a daily maintenance wipe down, or you’re having a deep clean, one of the most important points that many home owners overlook is drying!
Keeping your marble worktops dry is essential to prevent damage. This is due to its porous surface which absorbs liquids more readily – so a wet surface left to air dry will absorb moisture, which could leave it looking dull. Use a soft dry towel or cloth to remove any leftover damp after each clean to keep a shiny worktop.
If you’re looking for beautiful, high quality yet affordable marble worktops for your home, why not get in touch? With a wide range of marble styles to choose from, we’re confident we will be able to help!
