Home Remodeling Guide >>  Materials >>  Natural Stone >>  Natural Stone Countertops Guide >>  Marble >>

How to Clean and Care for Marble Countertops

Marble isn't as tough as you may think; it's a comparatively soft stone that is easily scratched and marred. Chances are you paid a lot for it, so keep it clean and take good care of it.

1. Wipe down marble surfaces with a damp rag and buff dry with a chamois for routine weekly cleaning.
2. Use a neutral, nonabrasive cleaner (such as acetone, hydrogen peroxide or clear ammonia) for tough stains.
3. Apply the cleaner with a cloth and buff dry.
4. After cleaning, polish marble surfaces using a marble polish containing tin oxide.
5. Protect marble floors with a stone sealer, and use standard nonabrasive floor cleaners to clean them.
6. Place coasters under glasses and put plastic under cosmetics on marble surfaces. Use rugs to cover marble floors.
7. Refer scratches of any depth to a professional.

Tips & Warnings

• Powdered cleansers will scratch or damage marble.
• Even weak acids - vinegar, wine, orange juice, cola - can damage marble. Mop up spills immediately and rinse with water.