Associated with the higher-end homes of those who live in Los Angeles and Chelsea, marble countertops are one of the most desired features in a home. Due to its natural beauty, marble has remained popular as a countertop material for centuries and in recent times, the cost of having a countertop made from marble has dropped. Many people are opting for the slightly cheaper alternative to the traditional countertop, by having marble tiles placed in their kitchen over the work surface, thus creating the clever illusion of a solid marble countertop.
If you have had a marble countertop installed, or are planning to, you will want to know how to care for it to keep it looking striking. So, read on for some top tips on how to care for a marble countertop correctly.
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Clean Daily
Even if it is sealed, marble is a somewhat porous material, meaning that in order to maintain its illustrious sheen, you will need to clean it every day. You don’t require any special cleaners; simply use warm water and a very gentle detergent to wipe off stains and spills.
It is worth noting that different installers will advise on different cleaning products for different types of marble. So, if you are looking at the range of different marbles on Legacy Countertops and are puzzled about which one would be the easiest to clean each day, speak to a professional.
Dust Daily
Countertops in every kitchen get dusty, and to ensure that the dust does not penetrate the marble surface and cause long-term staining, it is well worth investing in a dusting cloth. This should be a non-fibrous cloth that is never wet or does not have polish applied to it. Instead, it should be used plain and can be wiped over the marble surface before it is washed, in order to prevent dirt and water residue from being pushed into the stone.
Use Non-Abrasive Wipes
Many wipes that are designed for kitchens have an abrasive side to remove deeply set stains. If you do have a deeply set stain on your marble countertop, you should contact a professional and should not use abrasive wipes to attempt to remove it. This is because many of these contain bleach, which can cause the natural shine on the marble to become dull and can also cause issues with discoloration.
No Bleach!
As mentioned before, you should never apply bleach to a marble countertop surface or use any products to clean a marble countertop that have bleach in them. Marble is a rather sensitive stone and even if it is sealed, bleach can remove the sealant and penetrate the stone, causing it to become stained and weakened.
Seal When Needed
Professionals will debate on how regularly you should seal a marble countertop, but this should be done at least once a year to ensure that the marble is protected against water stains and heat. If you aren’t sure if your marble surface needs sealing, contact a professional installer for advice.
