Marble

Marble can be a rich-looking surface in many different places in the home, but as one of the softest stones, it’s easy to stain or damage. Marble is limestone. When unsealed, it is very porous. Water will soak in and stain it quite rapidly, acids will etch it and soap can build up and dull its surface.

Marble surfaces in kitchens and baths, as well as on dining room tabletops, need to be sealed to keep stains at bay, “You may need to re-apply. . . sealer as frequently as every six months” if your marble surfaces get lots of use, says Consumer Reports in How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything.

To clean marble surfaces, mix a drop of hand dishwashing liquid in 1 cup (240 ml) of warm water and apply with a clean cloth or sponge. Rinsing with fresh water on a second cloth or sponge will reduce soap buildup. Immediately wipe dry. In bathrooms, it’s a good habit to wipe down or squeegee wet marble surfaces after every use to prevent spotting. Clean with marble-safe products; verify its safety on the product labeling.

No-slip walk-off mats are essential for keeping marble floors in good shape. Dust, grit, and dirt act like sandpaper on marble, dulling the finish and scratching the stone. Use a dust mop frequently. The floor can be damp-mopped, but press out the mop well and dry the marble immediately with a soft cloth.

Blot, don’t wipe, any spills immediately. Wiping will only spread the spot. Treat spots right away by applying a baking soda and water paste, letting it dry for several hours, wiping it up with a damp, soft cloth and buffing the area dry. A small amount of hydrogen peroxide may help remove some food stains. You’ll need an absorbent such as cornmeal to minimize damage caused by greasy or oily spots and spills. Allow the absorbent to work for several hours, then vacuum away the excess using a crevice tool. Wipe up any remaining cornmeal with a damp cloth and buff dry.

Reference:

Consumer Reports editors in How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything.