If you don’t think marble is one of the most durable substances on earth, go to Italy. From the ancient Pantheon in Rome to Michelangelo’s David, it is easy to see that marble can endure through the ages.
While you probably don’t worry about your marble countertops surviving until the thirty-first century, you do want them to remain shiny and stain-free into the foreseeable future. Like most other valuable accessories in your home, marble counters can provide years of service and good looks with a little maintenance.
Unlike granite, which is a much harder surface, marble is porous. It can stain and scratch unless it is scrubbed on a regular basis. And when it comes to cleaning, it’s important to never use vinegar on marble. While white vinegar is a household miracle when it comes to green cleaning, it is highly acidic and will dull the surface of marble. For everyday cleaning simply use a soft cloth and warm water. Since marble is prone to water spots, be sure to dry it with a lint-free cloth. If the relatives are coming over, or you’re really ambitious, you can polish marble to a high gloss with a dry chamois (shammy).
When marble counters are regularly used for preparing meals a little more work is necessary. Marble will dull when stained by acidic foods such as tomatoes, fruit juice, wine, and soft drinks. For hard-working marble counters, grab a gel cleaner and polisher like Soft Scrub Multi-Surface Gel designed for safe use on marble counters. Apply the gel directly onto the marble surface and wipe it off with paper towel.
Most marble countertops only require regular cleaning. However, some experts recommend applying a sealer to marble countertops. A quality sealer has a life expectancy of ten to fifteen years and helps make the stone more resistant to everyday dirt and spills. However, the products can also alter the surface texture and finish. Before applying sealer, contact your countertop manufacturer for specific recommendations.