Marble is a beautiful stone typically used in the construction of countertops and floors and which makes furniture stand out. It consists of limestone transformed and combined with natural elements, resulting in a relatively soft material veined in various colors and with different designs. Marble stains easily, scratches and becomes dull, so it's important to know how to take care of it if you want it to last for a long time. Read on to learn how to treat it daily, remove stains and keep it shiny.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Marble Maintenance
Step 1. Protect the marble from scratches
Do not place objects that have sharp edges directly on the marble. If you have a marble floor, place small caps under the legs of the chairs and table. Use coasters and mats on the marble countertops to protect them from glasses and appliances.
Step 2. Clean the marble often
The marble stains very quickly, especially if some liquid remains stagnant there for some time. Clean it of orange juice, wine and coffee as soon as they are poured.
Other materials with strong dyes, such as cumin, curry powder, coffee grounds, and leafy greens should be removed immediately if they are spilled onto a marble counter
Step 3. Clean the marble with a damp cloth
Use a soft cloth and a little warm water to remove dust and small stains from the marble worktop and floors. Do not scrub vigorously, as this could scratch the marble. Place the cloth on the surface, making a circular motion in the places that need the most pressure.
Step 4. Dry the marble
Do not leave too much water on the marble countertops or floors, as it could get stained. Use a second dry, soft cloth to dry the surfaces after cleaning them.
Step 5. Use a mild, mild soap or marble-specific cleaner for a deeper clean
If dust or other debris has accumulated on the countertop or floor, dilute a mild soap in a little warm water and clean the surfaces with a soft cloth.
- Never use vinegar on marble. Vinegar is an excellent natural cleaner for many surfaces, but being acidic it can corrode marble.
- For light-colored marble, hydrogen peroxide is a good option for natural cleaning.
Step 6. Make your marble shine with a chamois cloth
It is a soft fabric that can be used for both drying and polishing at the same time. This is the gentlest way to make your marble shine.
Some commercially available marble waxes and polishes also work well. If you decide to use a commercial product, make sure it is actually specific for marble, not granite or other types of stone. Marble has special properties that can be damaged by some chemicals
Method 2 of 3: Stain Removal
Step 1. Spray the stained area with water
Step 2. Apply a paste
Mix some baking soda with water to make a firm dough. Put plenty of it on the marble stain. Cover the surface with cling film and let it rest for 24 hours.
You can also make a paste of flour and non-abrasive dish soap, using the same method
Step 3. Remove the dough
Lift the cling film off and use a damp cloth to remove the mixture. If the area remained dirty, repeat the process.
Step 4. Try hydrogen peroxide
Pour some on the stained area. Cover with cling film and let it rest for 24 hours. Lift the film and remove the hydrogen peroxide with a damp cloth. Repeat if necessary.
Be careful with this method if the marble is dark in color, because hydrogen peroxide can lighten it
Step 5. Use cornstarch on grease stains
Sprinkle some over the grease spot and let it sit and absorb the fat for about 20 minutes. Remove the cornstarch with a damp cloth.
Method 3 of 3: Scratch Removal
Step 1. Start with a gentle cleansing
Use warm water and a soft cloth and gently wipe the scratch. Light scratches should go away with this method, which is the gentlest way to treat them.
Add mild dish soap to warm water to create more friction if you like. Make sure you remove the soap and water and dry the surface of the marble when you are done
Step 2. Use fine grit sandpaper
For deeper scratches, try scrubbing the area lightly with very fine-grit sandpaper. Do not use the thick-grained one, as it could create hollows in the marble.
Step 3. If the above methods do not remove the scratch, consult a professional
It will have the specific industrial equipment to remove the scratches from the marble without damaging it.
Advice
- Consider covering your marble floors and counter bases with a surface treatment to protect them from stains and scratches. This treatment is expensive and must be done by a professional, but it can help keep the marble clean for a longer period of time.
- Before applying any type of cleaner to the marble, do a sample test in a hidden corner to make sure the substance does not stain the surface.
