Cleaning Granite Countertops Like Marble, the best cleaner for granite is warm, soapy water and a sponge (1-to-3 drops of dishwashing detergent is fine). They have years of experience working with this delicate stone and if you are already investing in the marble, it could be cheaper, in the long run, to make sure it is done the right way. Because of marble’s reaction to acidic compounds, use mild or neutral pH detergent or stone soap when cleaning the countertops. Lemon juice and vinegar are commonly used household cleaners, but they should never be used on marble. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the counter. Before we continue it should be noted that many are under the understandable false perception that a sealer provides an impermeable shield. In order to help your marble last longer and keep looking great, countertops should likely be re-sealed on an annual basis. Keeping up on cleaning is always a good idea for any stone as well. How many times you may need to reapply sealant depends on several things: the porousness of the stone, the quality of the application and the quality of the sealant. In order to treat and upkeep marble, and in order to choose the right cleaning products and utensils, it is important to fully understand what Marble is and why it reacts to substances the way it does. One of the more underrated aspects of marble is its texture and feel, cold to the touch, whether polished or honed, and how austere it is in its age. The video has all the details, but for a quick review, here are my 5 tips: Seal your marble ( here is the sealer we used !) Telling me how you care for it would be helpful!. Marble care My travertine marble hasn’t been taken care of in 15 years. Quarried in the mountains around the province of Carrara, Italy, this gray-and-white stone is used for tile, countertops, tabletops and decorative statues around the world. According to the Marble Institute: “Topical Sealers are coatings (film formers) designed to protect the surface of the stone against water, oil, and other contaminants. Marble is porous and it can stain. Have the appropriate cleaning products available and think of moving all of your vinegar to a locked cabinet. If you do not know how to find the answers, speak to professionals or hire them to do it on your behalf. A sealant can prevent spills and stains from digging deep into the stone and give you more opportunity to clean up any spill. © Copyright 2016 - Remodel Works - Contractor License #781576. For those of you who want to save money and do it on your own, it is fairly easy to do and the small cost and time drain are worth the long-term benefits to the health and quality of the stone. Because marble is mostly made of calcium carbonate, the natural material is very sensitive to acidic products. Remove everything from the marble counters, including cookware, food, appliances etc. Five hundred years later and not all that much has changed with the way humans regard marble, be they architects, interior designers or consumers. The marble restoration experts! A single use of these acidic substances will eat into a marble countertop’s surface and dull the stone. When a topical sealer is applied, the maintenance program often shifts from a program focused on stone care to a program focused on the maintenance of the sealer (for example: stripping and reapplication). It is up to your discretion whether to apply the sealer with clean cloth or a brush, either will do the trick. Is the marble expected to be in common contact with acidic substances? As a result, too much pressure or weight can lead to cracks. A sealant can prevent spills and stains from digging deep into the stone and give you more opportunity to clean up any spill. There are two important steps to take when dealing with marble in your home: prevention and maintenance. OMG! Make sure to rinse the surface with clean, clear water, and dry it after you’ve finished cleaning. For millennia, craftsmen, builders and artisans have viewed marble as the consummate building medium. Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Polish can be applied to Carrara marble surfaces and will leave a water-resistant coating that helps safeguard against glass rings, spills, and etching. Learning to care for your marble … Place silverware and other kitchen items on placemats to also avoid scraping. Especially avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, orange, or other citrus foods. Splashes of acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and even vinegar will damage marble. Marble is not durable. It’s a natural stone, which means that it can easily absorb drips, … Darker colored marble will need to be re-sealed less often than white marbles, which wear their scars far more visibly. Use warm, soapy water or any ammonia-free and bleach-free cleaning solution to wipe up dirt, spills, or any other residue. Once cleared, clean the surfaces thoroughly with a cleaner made for marble and let it sit for at least a minute. Calcareous stones are not recommended for kitchen countertops because of how common acidic substances are in day-to-day life. Before you do seal marble surfaces, be sure to consider these various factors and more to determine which sealant to use. Do not use regular cleaning products that can etch the stone surface over time. They might say they love the way it looks and how pretty it makes the kitchen, but on the flip side, they might relay their annoyance with its durability and how easily the surfaces gets dirty. It is also important to know the difference between Topical Sealers and Impregnators. Remodel Works is proud to be San Diego’s premier bath remodeling and kitchen remodeling company. Lastly, you will want to be as cautious as possible around your marble, especially if it is in a high-traffic area like a kitchen. For those of you who want to save money and do it on your own, it is fairly easy to do and the small cost and time drain are worth the long-term benefits to the health and quality of the stone. Although it may sound like an inconvenience, sealing your granite countertops is a quick and simple process that will ensure that your countertops are protected from various household hazards. Impregnators are water- or solvent-based solutions that penetrate below the surface and become repellents. Sealing Marble Countertops Because marble is porous, a sealant is recommended as a barrier that can possibly keep a spill from becoming a stain. Use placemats and coasters under plates and glasses when serving on a marble countertop. For this reason, it’s best to use a mild, neutral pH detergent or stone soap when cleaning your marble countertops. Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE. Some marbles also do not need sealing or would react poorly with them, damaging the stone even more. Dust at least once a week with a soft microfiber cloth. Even water can stain a marble countertop, so you can imagine if you use your kitchen regularly how easily the marble could wear or accumulate imperfections. To make it, mix baking soda with a little water, spread it on the stain, and cover it. Remember, even though sealing helps to repeal stains, it doesn’t make it stain proof. Heats absorbing pads or trivets are recommended for hot dishes. Clean with a heavy duty sponge ( like these ), mild dish soap ( my favorite dish soap ), and … How to Clean Marble Countertops With Baking Soda, How to Make Your Own Aromatic Vinegar Spray for All-Purpose Cleaning, How to Clean and Care for Quartz Countertops, Cleaning Tips for 6 Types of Stone Countertops, Cleaning and Caring for Slate Countertops, Everything You Wanted to Know About Marble Tile Flooring, 5 Surfaces That Can't Be Cleaned With Vinegar, Cleaning Solutions to Use Around Your Home. Work on cutting boards. One spill from these acidic substances can damage the marble, leaving an enduring scar. Sealing your countertops falls into the preventative side of protecting the marble’s long-term aesthetic. As a result, they spend a lot of time, money and attention on upkeep of their marble surfaces. A good sealant gives you precious extra seconds to clean the spill and keep the stain close to the surface, so it can be removed far easier. Depending on use, these coatings should be reapplied every year or two. A baking soda poultice is a general solution for many stains. If you do not let these problems catch you off guard, if you nip stains or blemishes in the bud, you can have beautiful marble and keep it immaculate without breaking the bank. For marble floor tiles, rugs or doormats placed at entryways can help prevent, dirt, mud, sand or grit from accumulating. Consistent use of cleaning solutions will dull the marble’s luster so it is wise to use hot water when cleaning regularly and be sure to buff dry with a soft cotton cloth or chamois. Depending on which type of person you ask, you may receive conflicting stories or advice. While Fantasy Brown Marble is not a completely carefree countertop material, with a little care and caution, it can last a lifetime. Although the custom usage for marble has changed, it has become one of the most popular choices for kitchens, countertops and bathrooms. Cleaning your marble, travertine, or onyx countertops after each use (or at least daily) is recommended. You will want to apply a penetrating sealant. Five hundred years later and not all that much has changed with the way humans regard marble, be they architects, interior designers or consumers. Even with a proper sealant, Marble is very sensitive to acidic products and will absorb them rapidly. How porous is it? For wet cleaning, use a damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner designed for stone. Over time, the marble erodes away due to the cleaners and is no longer smooth. If you do not let these problems catch you off guard, if you nip stains or blemishes in the bud, you can have beautiful marble and keep it immaculate without breaking the bank. Just as it was a prized material in ancient times, a marble kitchen countertop makes an aesthetically pleasing and highly functional addition to any home. It is common to use mild dish soap and water. We are looking at some photos of a master bath that we love. Cleaning & Regular Maintenance. Once sealed, a topical polish or shine enhancer can also be applied, providing a thin extra layer of protection while helping the stone really shine and sing. While no one denies the stunning beauty of gleaming marble countertops, what many bemoan is its fickle nature and how readily it shows wear and tear: blemishes, discolorations, blots, soils, and spots. If you are considering having marble installed in a new house or in a kitchen remodel, you will likely ask friends their advice on whether or not you should. If you’re planning on getting new countertops in a remodel or new build, be sure to check out our FREE Countertop Cost Calculator to get an … One of the more underrated aspects of marble is its texture and feel, cold to the touch, whether polished or honed, and how austere it is in its age. As mentioned, some really don’t mind marble aging, others will give your horror stories that push the message that it is not worth the cost or the hassle. Next, using a soft clean rag and remove all of the dust and crumbs that might still be on the counter-top. Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface. Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Do not- Treat your countertops like you would other surfaces: Marble is not durable. Calcareous stones are not recommended for kitchen countertops because of how common acidic substances are in day-to-day life. A quality sealer won’t change the look of the marble. Thankfully, my countertop fabricator recommended an excellent sealer. Get daily tips and tricks for making your best home. Because of marble’s porous nature, the stone must be sealed in order to help protect the marble from undesired blemishes or etchings. Cory wanted it to be whiter, like the countertop in our guest bathroom (the overly grey countertop in our master bathroom is not our favourite), so we picked out a AAA Select slab that has gorgeous grey veining. Because of marble’s porous nature, the stone must be sealed in order to help protect the marble from undesired blemishes or etchings. Or, use a large cutting board and do your prep work on it. Put glasses on coasters, and coasters on table settings or napkins. Examples of Calcareous stone being, limestone, onyx, travertine and of course, marble. A good sealant gives you precious extra seconds to clean the spill and keep the stain close to the surface, so it can be removed far easier. Vinegar, citrus, and tomato will etch marble; don't let them sit on the stone. What Is Marble? Stains will need to be dealt with according to what caused the stain. Siliceous stone is predominantly made up of silica or quartz-ish particles. Check with your countertop company for their recommendations. Before we begin, if you are sealing marble for the first time, multiple coats may be required in order to successfully seal the pores. Depending on which type of person you ask, you may receive conflicting stories or advice. Your typical siliceous stone found in a home would be sandstone, brownstone, bluestone, granite, slate and quartzite. The shower is polished cararra marble as well as the counter tops. For millennia, craftsmen, builders and artisans have viewed marble as the consummate building medium. Is the marble expected to be in common contact with acidic substances? #3 Clean Is Using Warm Water and Soap. Don’t use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because marble can be scratched. My approach to cleaning my marble countertops was pretty simple as I used the following products for daily use. Two things specifically distinguished marble from other stones: the way in which it’s stunning white or blue-grey hues were able to capture and reflect light, and then, marble’s distinct offsetting veins. Simple maintenance tasks and preventative measures such as sealing can make or break the longevity of your marble and save you money in the long run. You can also use a … There are two important steps to take when dealing with marble in your home: prevention and maintenance. The deeper a substance stains, the harder it is to get out. Daily Cleaning…. Above: Honed marble paired with offset tile in Charles Mellersh Kitchen Marble Counter. Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the marble. A strong, yet sensitive stone that can be susceptible to wear and tear over time. Immediately after each meal, clean the countertop before you go on to other tasks. As you can tell from above, sealing your granite countertops is a very important part of granite care. To learn more about caring for travertine countertops or counters made of other types of natural stone, such as granite, slate, and marble, get in touch with Granite Gold®. However, there are some marble surfaces that do not need sealing, so you must check to be sure you are not adding sealers that will just remain on the surface. For mild etching, look for a marble polishing powder that is approved for that use and follow the directions. At Royal Care Services, we know what it takes to make your marble surfaces look sensational. Marble is a beautiful surface for counters and tabletops. Today especially, marble is widely considered to be a status symbol of luxury, elegance and wealth. It's not all bad, but when it comes to making an investment, we're all about transparency (ha, rock jokes). The damage occurred in the reaction between acid and calcium carbonate is known as etching. Two things specifically distinguished marble from other stones: the way in which it’s stunning white or blue-grey hues were able to capture and reflect light, and then, marble’s distinct offsetting veins. Wipe and scrub gently with a damp cloth. 1. Recommended Products For Cleaning Granite Countertops, Marble, Travertine, Limestone, Slate & All Natural Stone Protecting and cleaning granite countertops, cleaning marble, travertine and all natural stone is a breeze when using products engineered for optimum performance on these surfaces versus a common household cleaner that can damage stone or degrade marble and granite sealers. How many times you may need to reapply sealant depends on several things: the porousness of the stone, the quality of the application and the quality of the sealant. Work on cutting boards. If you treat your marble with the respect it needs and deserves, you can extend the life and quality of your countertops for years. They have years of experience working with this delicate stone and if you are already investing in the marble, it could be cheaper, in the long run, to make sure it is done the right way. Some marbles also do not need sealing or would react poorly with them, damaging the stone even more. After all, unless something from the outside damages or stains it, which is you, age doesn’t effect marble. It is soft so you should never use it as a workbench, tools can scratch or gouge … In order to treat and upkeep marble, and in order to choose the right cleaning products and utensils, it is important to fully understand what Marble is and why it reacts to substances the way it does. 2. Contingent upon these factors, the effectiveness of the sealant could last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. There are two general categories into which natural stone is classified: calcareous stone and siliceous. Be sure to discuss this with any visitors or relatives who are staying with you or helping prepare a holiday feast. Carrara Marble comes in various grades, where the higher the grade, the more white the stone. Before you do seal marble surfaces, be sure to consider these various factors and more to determine which sealant to use. In reality, a sealant simply slows down the natural absorption rate of liquid in the stone. "Treat marble as you would a fine wood finish," says Charlotte Barnard, creative director at Nemo Tile Company. A secret in knowing how to clean marble countertops: You don’t need specialty cleaners for marble. Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. To help prevent staining, marble surfaces are often coated with protective sealers. Examples of Calcareous stone being, limestone, onyx, travertine and of course, marble. They are formulated from natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it susceptible to etching by any acids. If you're going into a kitchen reno, though, you should know that marble's pretty exterior is hiding a few dirty secrets. If you want your marble countertops to be clean and shiny, use the mildest soap you can and clean it in gentle, straight motions. Today especially, marble is widely considered to be a status symbol of luxury, elegance and wealth. While it is wise to speak to others about their past experience and take their advice into account, do not let that detract from your desire for marble countertops or bathrooms. How fast does it absorb liquid? Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. While no one denies the stunning beauty of gleaming marble countertops, what many bemoan is its fickle nature and how readily it shows wear and tear: blemishes, discolorations, blots, soils, and spots. Although the custom usage for marble has changed, it has become one of the most popular choices for kitchens, countertops and bathrooms. Others, however, prefer for surfaces to be clean and pristine with nothing detracting from the marbles exquisiteness. To avoid etching, clean any type of spill, oil or liquid, as soon as possible. It is soft so you should never use it as a workbench, tools can scratch or gouge the marble and pressure can cause it to break. Marble, Travertine, Granite and other Natural Stone Cleaning, Polishing, Sealing Los Angeles, CA. Will the sealant change or alter the color or aesthetics of the marble? It is advised to do this in sections. However, there are some marble surfaces that do not need sealing, so you must check to be sure you are not adding sealers that will just remain on the surface. They protect marble from scratching and marring and prevent any acidic juices from the food that could lead to etching. Marble is bold and beautiful. Others, however, prefer for surfaces to be clean and pristine with nothing detracting from the marbles exquisiteness. You will generally need to re-seal your marble about once every few months. Sealing Marble Countertops What is the finish of the surface? One spill from these acidic substances can damage the marble, leaving an enduring scar. A honed surface is less resistance to stains than a polished one. Don’t use vinegar, Windex or bleach on marble. In a time when marble is everywhere seriously, it's even on our walls it's normal to want to hop onto a slab of nature's finest and never let go, especially when you start crunching the numbers (it's affordable!). For marble floor tiles, rugs or doormats placed at entryways can help prevent, dirt, mud, sand or grit from accumulating. Place silverware and other kitchen items on placemats to also avoid scraping. Marble, specifically, is very porous on a micro level, which means it absorbs liquids quite easily and can be damaged by spilling acidic substances on it. There are two general categories into which natural stone is classified: calcareous stone and siliceous. The vast majority of common household, name-brand cleaners are too harsh on marble and will damage it in the long run. How porous is it? We are the Stone Care Experts. While it is wise to speak to others about their past experience and take their advice into account, do not let that detract from your desire for marble countertops or bathrooms. How fast does it absorb liquid? There are five easy steps when it comes to sealing marble counter-tops: If you need help, ask for assistance at the hardware store when purchasing. Elite Marble Care is one of the premier restoration and maintenance companies for all natural stone surfaces serving Commercial and Residential Customers in greater Los Angeles and all of Southern California. Calcareous stones are predominantly comprised of the mineral calcium carbonate. As mentioned, some really don’t mind marble aging, others will give your horror stories that push the message that it is not worth the cost or the hassle. Siliceous stone is predominantly made up of silica or quartz-ish particles. Clean daily—with care. Calcareous stones are predominantly comprised of the mineral calcium carbonate. Sealing your countertops falls into the preventative side of protecting the marble’s long-term aesthetic. Heats absorbing pads or trivets are recommended for hot dishes. You likely paid a hefty price for the marble, do not scrimp by using a cheap or universal cleaner. Common acidic items you might find in the house being things such as, wine, lemon juice, tomato juice, sodas or milk. Your typical siliceous stone found in a home would be sandstone, brownstone, bluestone, granite, slate and quartzite. When you use a marble countertop for food preparation, you will need to wipe up any spills immediately. Seal Your Marble. Polishing marble also helps remove the roughness on the surface of the stone. Stay away from harsh cleansers. How To Care For Marble Countertops Weiman Granite Cleaner and Polish Lustro Italiano Etch Remover Method Daily Granite Cleaner Spray Granite Sealer & Protector Rock Doctor Stone Granite Polish Supreme Surface Granite & Quartz, Cleaner, Polish and Sealer with Carefully go over the entire countertop with a thin and even layer of sealant. Before we continue it should be noted that many are under the understandable false perception that a sealer provides an impermeable shield. In the long run the price you will play on maintenance, repairs or restoration is not worth the couple of dollars saved. Here's everything yo… Before we begin, if you are sealing marble for the first time, multiple coats may be required in order to successfully seal the pores. Marble cleaning, protection, and maintenance are unique requiring particular care.Many fuss and fume over their marble countertops and floor tile wondering what the heck happened and why. As a result, they spend a lot of time, money and attention on upkeep of their marble surfaces. Rather, simply take these things into consideration, know what you are getting in for, prepare for it and take preventative measures. We offer a free, downloadable Care Guide and can recommend stone-safe care products to help you keep your home or business looking great. Some love the fact that marble wears its scars like tattoos, its surface marred and indelibly marked by past use, each stain or scratch a memory of a meal prepared or drink shared. If you do not know how to find the answers, speak to professionals or hire them to do it on your behalf. The Italians would say about a stunning block of Carrara marble, “Il marmo canta,” the Marble sings. Calcareous stones are sensitive to acidic solutions and require different treatments than Siliceous. Marble that has become dull and damaged will need professional services to restore its elegant luster and keep it looking its best. Marble Countertop Sealing The first step, whether the marble is honed or polished, is to apply a high-grade sealant that will penetrate the marble and sit just below the surface, says Garry Phillips, whose Sydney company, Slique, restores and refinishes stone and tiles. To apply the sealant, make sure the area is clean and dry, then wipe on the sealant with a lint free cloth. Rinse the towel and wipe until all of the suds are gone. Avoid using abrasive cleaners such as alkaline cleaners, acidic cleaners (lemon juice, vinegar), ammonia or bleach. I would pretty much bounce back and forth between Mrs. Meyers countertop spray & Method Daily Granite (which is safe for marble as well). From Michelangelo’s Carrera Marble David, to Bernini’s massive marble colonnade at St Peter’s Square, marble has been venerated and cherished because of its brilliance, beauty and malleability. Common acidic items you might find in the house being things such as, wine, lemon juice, tomato juice, sodas or milk. Repeat if needed. As a result of its chemical make up, Siliceous stone is strong, durable and quite easy to treat with mildly acidic cleaning solutions. What is the finish of the surface? Calcareous stones are sensitive to acidic solutions and require different treatments than Siliceous. The deeper a substance stains, the harder it is to get out. Marble is softer and more porous than granite and as a result, you may see more scratches, pitting, cracks, stains, and even dulling of the shine. Use cornstarch to remove grease stains. Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the marble.   If you are considering having marble installed in a new house or in a. , you will likely ask friends their advice on whether or not you should. It is better to err on the side of caution, so you do not need to re-do anything. Contingent upon these factors, the effectiveness of the sealant could last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. Do not stand or sit on marble countertops, they are not flexible and generally do not have plywood backing beneath. They’ll eat away the sealant layer and leave your marble more susceptible to stains. Sealing will help prevent stains and damage and keep the marble countertops looking beautiful. Rather, simply take these things into consideration, know what you are getting in for, prepare for it and take preventative measures. We can clean, hone, polish and protect your marble, and restore it to like new! After 12 to 24 hours, you gently remove the paste and wipe the area with a damp cloth. Clean the marble with warm water and detergent; don’t use soap, as it is fat based and can cause the stone to darken. Wipe the counter down with soapy water, then rinse with clean, warm water. Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the marble. The Italians would say about a stunning block of Carrara marble, “Il marmo canta,” the Marble sings. Again, it’s a little bit of money and time in the short run that will pay off big time in the long run. Some love the fact that marble wears its scars like tattoos, its surface marred and indelibly marked by past use, each stain or scratch a memory of a meal prepared or drink shared. Daily cleaning and maintenance is the best way to keep marble looking like new. To ensure that the sealant remains effective, you should wipe down your countertop daily using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge and only a … And I cannot urge you enough to SEAL YOUR MARBLE. Like all marble, Carrara is soft and porous and requires care to help maintain its surface texture and beauty. The vast majority of drinks we consume are acidic in nature, juice, soda, and alcohol; all of these can harm marble or cause it to etch. Marble is tolerant of hot pot and pans, but you should always protect it with a trivet. It may be a good idea to put down a protective sheet, such as silicone or plastic while working on a marble countertop. "Use coasters and cutting boards. After at least two levels of sealant, once again let the countertop dry before putting anything on the surface. Heats absorbing pads or trivets are recommended for hot dishes. In reality, a sealant simply slows down the natural absorption rate of liquid in the stone. You can then dry the countertop with a soft towel. Remove everything off of the top of the counter-top including all appliances, spices, and everything else. Sarah Aguirre has 20+ years of experience in the cleaning industry. Even water can stain a marble countertop, so you can imagine if you use your kitchen regularly how easily the marble could wear or accumulate imperfections. The damage occurred in the reaction between acid and calcium carbonate is known as etching. They protect marble from scratching and marring and prevent any acidic juices from the food that could lead to etching. But because it is quite soft and porous, marble can easily be stained, scratched, and chipped. For marble floor tiles, rugs or doormats placed at entryways can help prevent, dirt, mud, sand or grit from accumulating. If you’d like more information on marble care or caring for other types of natural stone such as granite, slate, and limestone, reach out to Granite Gold®. Wipe up spills immediately." As a result of its chemical make up, Siliceous stone is strong, durable and quite easy to treat with mildly acidic cleaning solutions. These products are considered “breathable,” meaning they have vapor transmission.”. Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. They might say they love the way it looks and how pretty it makes the kitchen, but on the flip side, they might relay their annoyance with its durability and how easily the surfaces gets dirty. At Royal Care Services, we can instruct you on the proper day-to-day care of your marble floors, countertops, and other surfaces. Impregnators keep contaminants out, but do not stop the interior moisture from escaping. She writes about housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications. Best of The Best!!! Will the sealant change or alter the color or aesthetics of the marble? Marble Countertop Maintenance Do’s and Don’ts. Once you have finished, let the sealant dry for roughly five minutes. After sitting for the appropriate time, dry off the countertops with a clean towel. Feel free to also use any product specifically marketed as a marble cleaner or marble-safe product. Marble, specifically, is very porous on a micro level, which means it absorbs liquids quite easily and can be damaged by spilling acidic substances on it. The longer you wait, the deeper the solution can sink in. After reading all this about water staining how does one cope with a marble shower? Darker colored marble will need to be re-sealed less often than white marbles, which wear their scars far more visibly. Never use abrasive cleaners that will damage and dull the finish. How to Care for Marble Countertops. Use a soft rag to remove any crumbs, dust or other substances from the countertop. After doing a lot of research I decided to go with JK Marble (owned & operated by Ron) Ron showed up first thing followed by his crew Luis & Jonathan and then went over the work with them that needed to be done to bring my marble back to a lustrous shine. Sealing will help prevent stains and damage and keep the marble countertops looking beautiful. Call one of the Stone Care Experts today at 1-800-475-STONE (7866), and use our Store Locator to find a store near you that carries Granite Gold® brand products. It would prudent to select a high quality sealant, they last longer and are less likely to react bizarrely with your countertops. From Michelangelo’s Carrera Marble David, to Bernini’s massive marble colonnade at St Peter’s Square, marble has been venerated and cherished because of its brilliance, beauty and malleability. A honed surface is less resistance to stains than a polished one. They are generally hydrophobic (water-repelling), but are also oleophobic (oil-repelling). In truth, it is not difficult or time-consuming. Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface.