How to clean marble

Marble is a stone that stands for elegance and refinement and adds to the look of the room it is in. It comes in a wide range of patterns and suits many design styles, which is why this natural stone is so popular. But what about cleaning and care? We looked at the care marble surfaces need to keep their timeless look and shine.

Marble is a porous stone that will only keep its beautiful, lasting look with the right care. Its soft structure makes the stone easier to work, but it also makes it more prone to stains, scratches and other damage. That is why you need to choose products and methods for cleaning marble with care.

Marble is a beautiful and timeless natural stone used for worktops, tables, floors, showers … It has many uses. Although this material is not necessarily hard to clean, it needs to be handled correctly. We have put together a list of tips and tricks to help you care for marble properly and prevent damage in different rooms.

Did you know that you can remove stains from marble with flour or starch? It draws out the stain without leaving any mark on the stone.

Mild cleaning products

The most important thing when caring for marble is not to use strong cleaning products. Never use abrasive cleaners or coarse cloths that could scratch the marble. Avoid products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids. Granular cleaners with abrasive particles and coarse cloths will also scratch the surface of the marble.

Clean marble surfaces with soft cotton cloths and neutral cleaners. There are special marble cleaners, but ordinary washing-up liquid works well too. Mix a small amount with water in a spray bottle, or simply put a few drops on a damp cloth. Wipe the marble surface with a soft cloth and rinse straight away. After cleaning, dry the marble with a soft cloth to prevent water marks and stains. Polishing brings out the shine.

Dealing with stains quickly

Act as soon as something is spilt. When liquid spills on a marble surface, blot it up. Take care not to smear or spread the liquid over a larger area as you wipe. Just blot it with a paper towel. Rinse the surface straight away with a mixture of water and mild washing-up liquid. Keep rinsing until the stain disappears. Then dry the area thoroughly with a soft cloth. Act especially quickly when alcohol or citrus is spilt.

Prevention is a step in the right direction

With marble care too, prevention is better than cure. Using coasters, especially for glasses with alcohol or citrus juice, and trivets for hot dishes prevents unwanted damage. Sealing with suitable protective coatings also gives good protection against damage.

The right marble care in different rooms

The tips above apply to most marble surfaces. But you also need to consider the specific care needs of the room where the marble is used.

How to clean marble floors

Indoor marble floors need regular care, as they scratch easily. Wipe them often with a clean, untreated dry dust cloth. This protects them from sand and dirt. If you use a vacuum cleaner on marble floors, make sure the attachments and wheels will not cause damage. For more stubborn dirt you can use a steam cleaner, but be careful. Always dry the marble surface well after cleaning.

Non-slip rugs or doormats at entrances and exits are a good idea to stop dirt being carried in. Put furniture on pads or coasters to prevent dents and scratches.

How to clean marble worktops

Marble worktops are a special challenge, as cooking often involves acidic ingredients. Always use a chopping board, and it is worth thinking about silicone mats that stop spills going straight onto the worktop. If acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar or tomato juice are spilt, act straight away. Marble is heat-resistant, but we still recommend using trivets under hot pans and pots.

How to clean a marble table

A marble table top faces similar risks to a worktop. Always use coasters, whether glasses, dishes and other kitchenware are hot or cold. Deal with spills as soon as they happen. Wipe the cleaned surface dry to prevent water marks.

How to clean a marble shower

With marble in the bathroom, you need to prevent soap build-up. Marble shower walls need special attention. To stop soap residue building up, it is best to clean them regularly after every shower. A gentle scraper can help. If you cannot remove the dirt this way, use special deep-cleaning products to break it down. You can use a steam cleaner here too, but remember to wipe and dry the area straight afterwards.

Prevention is a big part of keeping marble looking good, so our advisers will be glad to explain the right care and maintenance.

Stonemasonry Marnit – over 100 years of experience with natural stone.