Marble countertops offer a classy and attractive finish to your kitchen, but they’re not surfaces to install and then forget about. A naturally porous stone, marble requires regular care to maintain its sheen and prevent staining. However, the aesthetic qualities, heat tolerance, and temperature support for pastry making and other culinary exploits is well-worth the additional care for many homeowners.
Here’s how to keep your marble countertops beautiful and functional for years to come:
Source: Molly Frey Design via Houzz
Have the countertop sealed
Your marble installer should professionally seal the countertop upon installation. Sealing will prevent liquids from penetrating into the porous surface of the marble, where they can’t easily be mopped up. You’ll know that a proper seal has been formed when water droplets will bead on the surface of the countertop.
Sealant degrades naturally over time, so every year or so you should be sure to check it. Have your installer re-seal annually, or more often if you find that the seal on your marble tends to degrade faster than usual.
Clean up spills right away
The longer a spill sits on a marble countertop, the more likely it is to soak in. This is especially the case with acidic liquids such as lemon juice, vinegar, or wine, which can begin to eat through the marble sealing and not only stain the counter but lower its resistance to future staining. In most cases, though, swiftly wiping up the spill with a soft cloth or paper towel will keep your marble countertops safe and pristine.
Use non-abrasive cleaners
Because you don’t want to damage the marble seal or abrade the surface of the stone, use a soft cloth (microfiber cleaning cloths work well) and a pH-neutral cleaner when you clean your countertops. Cleaners made specifically for stone counters will provide the best results, as well as keeping the seal strong and intact.
Know your stone
Speak to your marble fabricator or installer about any special requirements your countertops may have. Marble, for instance, is more porous than granite, and will need special attention during the sealing phase. The color of your marble countertops can also have a big effect on your cleaning routines, because while white marble will naturally show stains more vividly, darker colors may highlight smudges and fingerprints when they’re at a high polish.
To speak to the marble experts about your countertops, contact us at Arch City Granite & Marble, Inc.