Marble is an exquisite stone to use for kitchen countertops. It is pleasing to the eye and will make your kitchen all the rage because of its aesthetic beauty. However, marble, for all its elegance, is a very delicate, high-maintenance stone. If it is not kept up regularly as it should be, the luster of the stone will fade away.
So, how do you keep marble countertops looking their absolute best?
Here are a few tips on how to keep your marble countertops looking stellar.
Clean Your Countertops Daily
You should clean your marble kitchen countertops daily, especially if you cook a lot in your kitchen. Citrus, coffee, sauces, and other spills like these have acid in them which can wear down the finish of your marble kitchen countertops. Therefore, it is best to get these and all other dirt and grime off them immediately. You can clean your marble kitchen countertops with a mild detergent and water along with a microfiber towel. Make sure that you rinse the countertops well to prevent leaving a soapy residue behind. You can use another dry microfiber towel to buff the marble and restore its shine.
Avoid Using Abrasive Cleaning Products
Not only are acidic products harmful to your marble kitchen countertops, but so are abrasive ones. Abrasive cleaners can come in the form of powder or liquid. They strip the top coating from your marble and make it look dull. The most abrasive cleaners of them all is a scouring pad. This can scratch the surface of your marble countertops. You should not use products like these on marble kitchen countertops to clean them.
Get Spills Up Quickly, Especially if They are Dark-colored
Spills are terrible for marble because marble is not stain-resistant unless you seal it. Red or other dark-colored items, both acidic and non-acidic, can discolor your marble kitchen countertops. Whenever spills occur, it is best to get it up right away to keep it from absorbing into the countertops. Sealed marble kitchen countertops can provide some protection. However, even on sealed countertops, if the spill is left too long, staining can occur.
Watch What You Do on Marble Countertops
Cutting acidic items or dripping them on your marble is very bad for them. This can etch the marble. Etching is a dull spot that can form on your marble countertop. It is best to use cutting boards to keep these items from absorbing into your marble kitchen countertops.
Another thing you should watch out for is water rings on your marble. I know you may be wondering, “how harmful can water be?” Well, water itself is not an issue. But the water from drinks that are “sweating” or forming condensation and dripping on your counters can be problematic. To prevent this, you should get in the habit of using coasters. This will keep water stains from forming on the marble.
One other thing to avoid doing on your marble countertops is working. You should avoid treating your kitchen marble countertops as a workbench for your DIY projects. Pounding on the marble can result in cracks or chips on the surface of the marble.
Get Your Countertops Sealed
One way you can protect your marble kitchen countertops is sealing them. Sealed countertops minimize spills from food and drinks from absorbing into the marble. This doesn’t mean that you can leave spills and stains on the countertops longer because it’s protected.
It would be best if you still aimed to get spills up quickly. The sealant doesn’t make your countertop stain resistant. It helps keep the spills and stains from absorbing as much as unsealed countertops would. So, make sure that you still clean your marble kitchen countertops often. Also, make sure that your marble countertops are dry before adding the sealant to avoid trapping moisture into the countertops.
Avoid Putting Hot Plates and Pans on Your Marble Countertops
Another thing that you should avoid doing on your marble countertops is putting hot items on them. Although marble can withstand high temperatures, you should still get in the habit of using heat pads or trivets for hot items.
Your marble kitchen countertops are an investment. As such, you should always take good care of them. Keeping them clean, avoiding the wrong types of cleaners, and sealing your marble can allow you to get the most value out of your countertops. Also, doing these things will make your marble kitchen countertops last a long time.
Texas Granite Group in the Austin area is a trusted provider of stone countertops and can help transform your kitchen or bathroom with the marble countertops of your dreams. We are experts in fabricating and installing granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite for you home or business. We house an array of colors, designs, and patterns for you to browse in our showroom. We’ll make your kitchen or bathroom gorgeous and functional with the perfect countertop solution that meets your design needs. Call and speak to one our designers about your renovation project, Free!