Marble can be a stunning addition to any room in the home. This material is classic, works well in living rooms, dining rooms, kitchens and bathrooms, and is known for its beauty. However, marble can also be somewhat fragile compared to other materials as it is susceptible to scratches, etching and staining, particularly when marble is used for table tops.

The good news is that with a little care, marble table tops can continue to look amazing no matter how much they are used. Here are a four tips for taking care of marble table tops.

 

Acid is the enemy of marble surfaces. Acidic substances can etch into the surface and leave the marble looking dull and lackluster. This is something to keep in mind when choosing cleaners for the table top. Any type of acidic or abrasive cleaner like bleach and vinegar should be avoided, and you should never use harsh scrubbing pads.

Cleaners are not the only acidic substances you should keep away from your counters. Acidic foods, such as tomatoes, citrus and other types of fruits should also have limited contact with marble the table top’s surface. Be sure to use cutting boards, bowls and other methods of keeping the acid away from the marble when preparing food.

 

While it may seem difficult to clean marble without the use of abrasive cleaners, it’s not. Marble is easy to clean and maintain. Gentle soap and warm water are enough to get the job done. Cleaning a marble table top is as simple as washing it down with a solution of water and soap, wiping with a wet, hot dish towel, and then drying the table top with an absorbent towel.

Cleaning with gentle soap on a regular basis is enough to keep marble table tops looking great after everyday use. If you make a mess, immediately spot clean any spills in order to prevent staining. The longer a substance is left on top of the marble, the more likely it is to stain.

 

Unfortunately, even with careful attention and regular cleaning it’s still possible that your marble table top will stain. Address these stains immediately. Stains from oils, such as cooking oil, can be removed with a gentle cleanser or a few drops of ammonia. Organic stains, from food or liquids such as coffee and tea, can be removed with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia.

While mild detergents, peroxide, and ammonia work well on most stains, some may need to be removed physically. Paint stains often need to be carefully removed with a razor. Water stains and water marks can be buffed out with steel wool. Be sure to remove stains before they become permanent fixtures on the table top so your marble table tops look great for years to come.

 

While there are plenty of ways to clean marble table tops and keep them looking great, a sealant can add a layer of protection; however a sealant may vary the natural look and feel of the marble stone.

Sealers can reduce staining and etching on marble table tops as sealers act as a barrier between the marble and other substances. The layers gives you a little more time to clean up spills before they stain.

Marble table tops can be sealed as often as needed, based on the table top and the formula of the sealant you use. When water stops beading on the counter, it’s usually time to reseal.

Taking care of marble table tops is easier than you may think. They will look great as long as you avoid acidic cleaners, liquids and food.