It's not all bad, but when it comes to making an investment, we're all about transparency (ha, rock jokes). Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the marble. Remove everything off of the top of the counter-top including all appliances, spices, and everything else. Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the marble. It is up to your discretion whether to apply the sealer with clean cloth or a brush, either will do the trick. Lemon juice and vinegar are commonly used household cleaners, but they should never be used on marble. For mild etching, look for a marble polishing powder that is approved for that use and follow the directions. Over time, the marble erodes away due to the cleaners and is no longer smooth. Calcareous stones are not recommended for kitchen countertops because of how common acidic substances are in day-to-day life. To ensure that the sealant remains effective, you should wipe down your countertop daily using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge and only a … Make sure to rinse the surface with clean, clear water, and dry it after you’ve finished cleaning. 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. And I cannot urge you enough to SEAL YOUR MARBLE. If you're going into a kitchen reno, though, you should know that marble's pretty exterior is hiding a few dirty secrets. After sitting for the appropriate time, dry off the countertops with a clean towel. Because marble is mostly made of calcium carbonate, the natural material is very sensitive to acidic products. The Italians would say about a stunning block of Carrara marble, “Il marmo canta,” the Marble sings. 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 … Stay away from harsh cleansers. A baking soda poultice is a general solution for many stains. After 12 to 24 hours, you gently remove the paste and wipe the area with a damp cloth. Will the sealant change or alter the color or aesthetics of the marble? Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface. 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. As a result of its chemical make up, Siliceous stone is strong, durable and quite easy to treat with mildly acidic cleaning solutions. Today especially, marble is widely considered to be a status symbol of luxury, elegance and wealth. Calcareous stones are sensitive to acidic solutions and require different treatments than Siliceous. Heats absorbing pads or trivets are recommended for hot dishes. 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. The Italians would say about a stunning block of Carrara marble, “Il marmo canta,” the Marble sings. Before we continue it should be noted that many are under the understandable false perception that a sealer provides an impermeable shield. 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®. Introducing "One Thing": A New Video Series, The Spruce Gardening & Plant Care Review Board, The Spruce Renovations and Repair Review Board. Or, use a large cutting board and do your prep work on it. Wipe and scrub gently with a damp cloth. The deeper a substance stains, the harder it is to get out. My approach to cleaning my marble countertops was pretty simple as I used the following products for daily use. One spill from these acidic substances can damage the marble, leaving an enduring scar. 2. Because of marble’s reaction to acidic compounds, use mild or neutral pH detergent or stone soap when cleaning the countertops. It would prudent to select a high quality sealant, they last longer and are less likely to react bizarrely with your countertops. Impregnators keep contaminants out, but do not stop the interior moisture from escaping. Don’t use abrasive cleaner or pads, either, because marble can be scratched. You likely paid a hefty price for the marble, do not scrimp by using a cheap or universal cleaner. Splashes of acidic foods and drinks like tomatoes, citrus fruits, sodas, coffee, wine, fruit juice, and even vinegar will damage marble. Your typical siliceous stone found in a home would be sandstone, brownstone, bluestone, granite, slate and quartzite. Use a soft rag to remove any crumbs, dust or other substances from the countertop. Calcareous stones are predominantly comprised of the mineral calcium carbonate. If you want your marble countertops to be clean and shiny, use the mildest soap you can and clean it in gentle, straight motions. Be sure to reseal when water fails to bead up when it splashes on the surface. 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. To avoid etching, clean any type of spill, oil or liquid, as soon as possible. There are two general categories into which natural stone is classified: calcareous stone and siliceous. Best of The Best!!! The deeper a substance stains, the harder it is to get out. The vast majority of common household, name-brand cleaners are too harsh on marble and will damage it in the long run. Marble care 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. 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. Darker colored marble will need to be re-sealed less often than white marbles, which wear their scars far more visibly. Rather, simply take these things into consideration, know what you are getting in for, prepare for it and take preventative measures. Sealing your countertops falls into the preventative side of protecting the marble’s long-term aesthetic. She writes about housekeeping and organizing a home for national publications. A strong, yet sensitive stone that can be susceptible to wear and tear over time. A sealant can prevent spills and stains from digging deep into the stone and give you more opportunity to clean up any spill. Do not use regular cleaning products that can etch the stone surface over time. Although the custom usage for marble has changed, it has become one of the most popular choices for kitchens, countertops and bathrooms. They’ll eat away the sealant layer and leave your marble more susceptible to stains. Common acidic items you might find in the house being things such as, wine, lemon juice, tomato juice, sodas or milk. 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. They are formulated from natural wax, acrylic, and other plastic compounds. 1. Calcareous stones are predominantly comprised of the mineral calcium carbonate. 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. 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. Clean with a heavy duty sponge ( like these ), mild dish soap ( my favorite dish soap ), and … Others, however, prefer for surfaces to be clean and pristine with nothing detracting from the marbles exquisiteness. Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. My travertine marble hasn’t been taken care of in 15 years. At Royal Care Services, we can instruct you on the proper day-to-day care of your marble floors, countertops, and other surfaces. Clean the marble with warm water and detergent; don’t use soap, as it is fat based and can cause the stone to darken. Put glasses on coasters, and coasters on table settings or napkins. 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. Clean daily—with care. 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. In reality, a sealant simply slows down the natural absorption rate of liquid in the stone. Calcareous stones are not recommended for kitchen countertops because of how common acidic substances are in day-to-day life. 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. 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®. After at least two levels of sealant, once again let the countertop dry before putting anything on the surface. Before you do seal marble surfaces, be sure to consider these various factors and more to determine which sealant to use. Marble is a beautiful surface for counters and tabletops. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the counter. 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. Although marble is a beautiful and durable stone surface for countertops, it takes extra care for cleaning and maintenance. If you treat your marble with the respect it needs and deserves, you can extend the life and quality of your countertops for years. Do not stand or sit on marble countertops, they are not flexible and generally do not have plywood backing beneath. 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. 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. 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. © Copyright 2016 - Remodel Works - Contractor License #781576. "Treat marble as you would a fine wood finish," says Charlotte Barnard, creative director at Nemo Tile Company. In the long run the price you will play on maintenance, repairs or restoration is not worth the couple of dollars saved. They are generally hydrophobic (water-repelling), but are also oleophobic (oil-repelling). There are two important steps to take when dealing with marble in your home: prevention and maintenance. 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. 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. Some marbles also do not need sealing or would react poorly with them, damaging the stone even more. Depending on which type of person you ask, you may receive conflicting stories or advice. 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 !) For marble floor tiles, rugs or doormats placed at entryways can help prevent, dirt, mud, sand or grit from accumulating. Use warm, soapy water or any ammonia-free and bleach-free cleaning solution to wipe up dirt, spills, or any other residue. 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. 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. Siliceous stone is predominantly made up of silica or quartz-ish particles. It may be a good idea to put down a protective sheet, such as silicone or plastic while working on a marble countertop. A honed surface is less resistance to stains than a polished one. 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. 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. It is advised to do this in sections. What Is Marble? Check with your countertop company for their recommendations. There are two important steps to take when dealing with marble in your home: prevention and maintenance. Darker colored marble will need to be re-sealed less often than white marbles, which wear their scars far more visibly. 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. For marble floor tiles, rugs or doormats placed at entryways can help prevent, dirt, mud, sand or grit from accumulating. Remodel Works is proud to be San Diego’s premier bath remodeling and kitchen remodeling company. Sealing Marble Countertops Heats absorbing pads or trivets are recommended for hot dishes. #3 Clean Is Using Warm Water and Soap. Before we continue it should be noted that many are under the understandable false perception that a sealer provides an impermeable shield. It is soft so you should never use it as a workbench, tools can scratch or gouge … Use placemats and coasters under plates and glasses when serving on a marble countertop. Others, however, prefer for surfaces to be clean and pristine with nothing detracting from the marbles exquisiteness. To help prevent staining, marble surfaces are often coated with protective sealers. Before we begin, if you are sealing marble for the first time, multiple coats may be required in order to successfully seal the pores. Place silverware and other kitchen items on placemats to also avoid scraping. How porous is it? Give us a call today at 1-800-475-STONE. Again, it’s a little bit of money and time in the short run that will pay off big time in the long run. Sealing will help prevent stains and damage and keep the marble countertops looking beautiful. 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. 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. It is composed of calcium carbonate, which makes it susceptible to etching by any acids. Immediately after each meal, clean the countertop before you go on to other tasks. Marble is tolerant of hot pot and pans, but you should always protect it with a trivet. 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. We offer a free, downloadable Care Guide and can recommend stone-safe care products to help you keep your home or business looking great. To apply the sealant, make sure the area is clean and dry, then wipe on the sealant with a lint free cloth. Have the appropriate cleaning products available and think of moving all of your vinegar to a locked cabinet. Seal the countertops regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Thankfully, my countertop fabricator recommended an excellent sealer. Next, using a soft clean rag and remove all of the dust and crumbs that might still be on the counter-top. It is better to err on the side of caution, so you do not need to re-do anything. 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). Daily Cleaning…. Vinegar, citrus, and tomato will etch marble; don't let them sit on the stone. Work on cutting boards. Once you have finished, let the sealant dry for roughly five minutes. Remember, even though sealing helps to repeal stains, it doesn’t make it stain proof. Here's everything yo… Examples of Calcareous stone being, limestone, onyx, travertine and of course, marble. Carefully go over the entire countertop with a thin and even layer of sealant. Feel free to also use any product specifically marketed as a marble cleaner or marble-safe product. Depending on which type of person you ask, you may receive conflicting stories or advice. Once cleared, clean the surfaces thoroughly with a cleaner made for marble and let it sit for at least a minute. Cleaning your marble, travertine, or onyx countertops after each use (or at least daily) is recommended. Rather, simply take these things into consideration, know what you are getting in for, prepare for it and take preventative measures. Polishing marble also helps remove the roughness on the surface of the stone. Sarah Aguirre has 20+ years of experience in the cleaning industry. The damage occurred in the reaction between acid and calcium carbonate is known as etching. 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. Cleaning & Regular Maintenance. Examples of Calcareous stone being, limestone, onyx, travertine and of course, marble. For millennia, craftsmen, builders and artisans have viewed marble as the consummate building medium. Never use abrasive cleaners that will damage and dull the finish. Wipe the counter down with soapy water, then rinse with clean, warm water. It is common to use mild dish soap and water. Siliceous stone is predominantly made up of silica or quartz-ish particles. 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. 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. Placing them directly on the countertop could damage the 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!). Sealing your countertops falls into the preventative side of protecting the marble’s long-term aesthetic. 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). Because of marble’s porous nature, the stone must be sealed in order to help protect the marble from undesired blemishes or etchings. Even with a proper sealant, Marble is very sensitive to acidic products and will absorb them rapidly. Do not- Treat your countertops like you would other surfaces: Marble is not durable. Especially avoid cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, orange, or other citrus foods. Will the sealant change or alter the color or aesthetics of the marble? As a result, too much pressure or weight can lead to cracks. 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. 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. 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. 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. Marble is porous and it can stain. 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. You can then dry the countertop with a soft towel. 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. What is the finish of the surface? 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. It is also important to know the difference between Topical Sealers and Impregnators. Learning to care for your marble … As a result of its chemical make up, Siliceous stone is strong, durable and quite easy to treat with mildly acidic cleaning solutions. 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. Is the marble expected to be in common contact with acidic substances? The damage occurred in the reaction between acid and calcium carbonate is known as etching. If you do not know how to find the answers, speak to professionals or hire them to do it on your behalf. You will want to apply a penetrating sealant. As a result, they spend a lot of time, money and attention on upkeep of their marble surfaces. After all, unless something from the outside damages or stains it, which is you, age doesn’t effect marble. Marble Countertop Maintenance Do’s and Don’ts. Avoid using abrasive cleaners such as alkaline cleaners, acidic cleaners (lemon juice, vinegar), ammonia or bleach. In truth, it is not difficult or time-consuming. If you do not know how to find the answers, speak to professionals or hire them to do it on your behalf. "Use coasters and cutting boards. Above: Honed marble paired with offset tile in Charles Mellersh Kitchen Marble Counter. At Royal Care Services, we know what it takes to make your marble surfaces look sensational. Keeping up on cleaning is always a good idea for any stone as well. They protect marble from scratching and marring and prevent any acidic juices from the food that could lead to etching. Although the custom usage for marble has changed, it has become one of the most popular choices for kitchens, countertops and bathrooms. A quality sealer won’t change the look of the marble. Marble is not durable. Because of marble’s porous nature, the stone must be sealed in order to help protect the marble from undesired blemishes or etchings. Use cornstarch to remove grease stains. For this reason, it’s best to use a mild, neutral pH detergent or stone soap when cleaning your marble countertops. 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.   The shower is polished cararra marble as well as the counter tops. Work on cutting boards. Repeat if needed. The longer you wait, the deeper the solution can sink in. They protect marble from scratching and marring and prevent any acidic juices from the food that could lead to etching. 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. Today especially, marble is widely considered to be a status symbol of luxury, elegance and wealth. These products are considered “breathable,” meaning they have vapor transmission.”. Remove everything from the marble counters, including cookware, food, appliances etc. We can clean, hone, polish and protect your marble, and restore it to like new! It’s a natural stone, which means that it can easily absorb drips, … In reality, a sealant simply slows down the natural absorption rate of liquid in the stone. Is the marble expected to be in common contact with acidic substances? How fast does it absorb liquid? 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. One spill from these acidic substances can damage the marble, leaving an enduring scar. Before you do seal marble surfaces, be sure to consider these various factors and more to determine which sealant to use. A single use of these acidic substances will eat into a marble countertop’s surface and dull the stone. 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. Some marbles also do not need sealing or would react poorly with them, damaging the stone even more. Contingent upon these factors, the effectiveness of the sealant could last anywhere from a few months to a couple of years. How to Care for Marble Countertops. Carrara Marble comes in various grades, where the higher the grade, the more white the stone. Rinse the towel and wipe until all of the suds are gone. Dust at least once a week with a soft microfiber cloth. Place silverware and other kitchen items on placemats to also avoid scraping. For millennia, craftsmen, builders and artisans have viewed marble as the consummate building medium. 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. But because it is quite soft and porous, marble can easily be stained, scratched, and chipped. A honed surface is less resistance to stains than a polished one. A sealant can prevent spills and stains from digging deep into the stone and give you more opportunity to clean up any spill. In order to help your marble last longer and keep looking great, countertops should likely be re-sealed on an annual basis. You can also use a … How porous is it? The marble restoration experts! 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. We are looking at some photos of a master bath that we love. 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. 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