A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Marble Countertops Safely

Want to get marble but afraid of the maintenance?

Cleaning marble countertops can be scary if you have never done it before. Maybe you have heard stories about why you shouldn’t get marble because it is so easy to stain and hard to clean. However, you shouldn’t believe everything you hear. Marble counter owners wouldn’t love their countertops if they were such a headache to care for or keep from damaging.

With a little know how and some basic cleaning tips you can easily maintain marble countertops and clean them when needed. Here is a step by step guide to cleaning marble countertops safely.

 

Before Marble Countertop Cleaning Make Sure They Are Sealed

The first and by far most important step with marble countertops is making sure they are sealed properly. If marble is sealed correctly, then you won’t need to worry about getting stains that can’t come out. Sealing is a pretty simple process which involves adding the sealer, letting it soak in, and wiping away the excess. However, to correctly seal marble you should use a quality sealer made for marble, and you should take your time to ensure it is applied over the entire surface.

It sounds obvious to say you should read and follow the directions but more often than not this is the main reason homeowners don’t correctly seal their countertops. They take shortcuts, do it too quick, or simple do a poor job. If you’re not sure you want to do it yourself then just hire a professional. If you don’t already have Mable countertops then buy from a high-quality company like, Tampa Bay Marble & Granite, we seal all our countertops expertly at complete*.

 

Basics of Cleaning Marble Countertops Safely

Marble is a soft stone made of calcium carbonate. Hence it easily gets stained, dulled, and scraped when not sealed. You should also be careful not to scratch it or expose it to acid (i.e. vinegar) or solid alkaline agents such as ammonia and detergents. These can break down the sealer and make the countertop easier to stain. Avoid harsh cleaners is the basics caring for your marble countertops on a daily basis.

All you really need for daily marble countertop cleaning is just a little soap and water.

I know you were probably expected some complicated cleaning routine but it is really that simple. Just wipe your countertops with soap and water when needed. Clean up spills when they happen, which means don’t let them sit for a long time, and don’t use harsh cleaners. If you do need to do some deep cleaning, then you can make a simple cleaning solution of baking soda and water.

Now apparently, baking soda is alkaline and thus you must also use it with caution on marble. It is also a moderate abrasive, so you should use it gently as opposed to applying elbow grease to your cleaning routine

Due to these factors, cleaning marble countertops using baking soda must not be done on a daily basis. Doing so will only dull your marble and it is something you do not want to happen. Above all, make sure not to leave baking soda or a baking soda solution in contact with your marble countertops for a long periods of time. Just spray on, get it a little scrub and clean off.

 

What You Will Need

• Water
• Soft towel (do not use a scrub brush or scrubber)
• Baking Soda

What You Need to Do

Spray a little baking soda onto the surface area of the marble. Carefully massage it right into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. According to Tampa Bay Marble & Granite, experts in marble countertops cleaning, scrubbing is not a good idea. Why? That is because it will only harm the design and surface of the countertop.

After spraying some baking soda, wash thoroughly with water and dry with a soft towel. You want to make sure to wash with water to counteract the pH and to let it completely dry. That way, the solution is not in direct contact with the marble surface for any longer than what is necessary.

 

Why This Type of Method Works

Basically, baking soda is a light abrasive and a natural disinfectant. But just because it is permissible to use, it does not mean you can just utilize it. Of course, there is a need to be extra careful.  A light, gentle rough is still considered abrasive. Once you are done with the rinsing and wiping, examine if there are traces of baking soda left. And if so, wipe it all out.

 

Advantages of Using Baking Soda for Marble Countertops

• Economical
• No severe chemicals
• Efficient sanitizer
• Reliable stain eliminator
• Effective deodorizer
• Much less likely to etch marble countertops compared to harsher chemicals such as vinegar, ammonia, dishwashing fluid, or detergents.

 

Looking to learn more about cleaning marble countertops in Tampa? Make sure to contact Tampa Bay Marble & Granite. You can visit their website here: https://marblegranitecountertopstampa.com/ or connect with them through phone at (727) 545-6500.

Tampa Bay Marble & Granite

11425 66^th St N STE B,

Largo, FL 33773

(727) 545-6500

Email: info@tbmarblegranite.com