There is nothing quite as beautiful as marble countertops. They are often the showpiece of the home so we want to care for them properly. How can you clean them without damaging them?
The easiest way to clean your marble countertops is by using Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. The neutral cleaner in the dishwashing liquid will not damage your countertops. As long as you use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth, you can clean them with soap and water as often as you like.
When you have marble in your home, you want to take care of it properly. That means you need to understand the properties of marble and what can or may not be used to clean and care for it.
As we discussed, the best thing you can use for marble is a simple solution of soap and water. That being said, you need to make sure that you are using a pH-neutral soap because any acidic properties could damage the marble by etching it.
What Can You Use To Clean Marble Countertops?
Other possible ways to clean your countertop include hydrogen peroxide, a gentle wipe with baking soda, and something that many homeowners don’t even consider.
When it comes to cleaning around the home, most people tend to automatically think about a natural and environmentally friendly way to do so. That is commendable because we do want to care for the world around us.
When you are cleaning something as important as your marble countertops, however, you don’t want to toss all caution to the wind. A natural cleaner could actually etch the marble and there are many household items that could damage the marble permanently.
Sometimes, you just want to choose a commercial product that was specifically made for the purpose of cleaning marble. It isn’t something that you have to use on a daily basis, but when you use it, you will know that it can be done without damage to the marble surface.
If you do want to choose a natural product, the most important thing to consider is the pH. Any product that has a pH of 10 or higher, or 4 or lower, is going to etch the marble countertop.
The damage may not show up the first time around but over time, you will be removing the shine and beauty of the marble by dulling it. If you use a cleaner that is far too acidic, you could damage it immediately.
Unfortunately, for many homeowners, this means that you will need to use one of your favorite cleaners elsewhere and never use it on marble. I’m talking about vinegar. It is far too acidic and as we will discuss, it does not belong on your marble countertop.
One other factor to keep in mind is going beyond the solution that is used for the marble countertop and considering the tools that are used. Anything that is harsh or abrasive should not be used on marble.
For the most part, you will only want to use something such as a soft sponge or a microfiber cloth on your marble countertops. Using anything that has a strong scrubbing ability or using a razor blade for scraping is obviously going to be too harsh for the marble.
Everything that touches the marble should be gentle.
This also includes magic erasers, a cleaning product that many of us use in our home because they work so well. You might not realize this but magic erasers are very abrasive so they can scratch and dull the marble quickly.
Throughout this article, we will consider some of the items that can be used for marble and some that should never be used for marble. In addition, we will take a look at how to clean marble countertops properly so you can keep them looking nice for a very long time.
How To Clean Marble Countertops Properly
When you clean your marble countertops, you want to do so properly from the very start. Use this method and you can’t go wrong.
The most important thing to consider when cleaning marble countertops is the cleaning solution you use. You don’t need anything other than some water with a few drops of Dawn dishwashing liquid. That neutral cleaner can be used without damaging your marble.
1. Scrub (Gently)
After mixing the Dawn dishwashing liquid and water, you should scrub your countertop. I use the word scrub, but I mean to scrub with caution. You would use a soft sponge or microfiber cloth to work the solution into a lather.
2. Rinse
After you wash the marble countertop with soapy water, you should rinse it with clean water. This can be done with the same sponge or microfiber cloth.
3. Dry
Finally, you need to dry the marble countertop properly. A dry microfiber cloth can be used for this purpose but you can also gently use a dishcloth to dry it as well.
Drying your countertop after you wash it will help to prevent any spots from occurring. It will also give it that shiny look that we appreciate so much about marble.
4. Prevent
When it comes to cleaning marble countertops, it isn’t all about the daily cleaning that we may do with soap and water. It’s also about preventing stains by cleaning spills as quickly as possible.
Let’s face it, when we use our kitchen to cook, we use our countertops more than almost any other surface. There are going to be things that spill on the countertop, regardless of whether it is marble or not.
The real key to preventing them from causing lasting damage is to wipe them up as quickly as possible. This is especially true for spills that may be acidic, such as tomato sauce.
At this point, you are probably a little paranoid about your countertop, wondering if you can actually use it or if it is too delicate for the kitchen. Don’t be afraid of your marble countertop, use it but use it properly.
Use trivets when you put hot items on the countertop and if you have a cup of warm tea or coffee, use a coaster.
Honestly, marble is a very strong stone but it also has a softness to it, which is why we need to be cautious that we don’t etch or scratch it. Use it, but use it with caution so that it lasts and stays beautiful for a very long time.
This content is owned by Wabi Sabi Group and was first published on Aug 19, 2022..
Can You Use Dawn/Dish Soap To Clean Marble Countertops?
We trust Dawn dishwashing liquid and other types of dish soap with some of the most delicate items in our home, our dishes. Should we also trust it with our delicate marble countertops?
As long as you’re using a dish soap that is pH neutral, you can use a few drops in water to clean your marble countertops. Use a soft cloth or sponge to work the solution into a lather and then rinse the countertop before drying.
Dawn dishwashing liquid is often preferred because it is a neutral cleaner and well-known. We have been trusting Dawn to clean our dishes and these are areas will we eat off of directly.
Considering the fact that we also use our marble countertops to hold our food in some way or another, it is only realistic that we should use a similar cleaner.
The real key to success is to choose a dishwashing liquid that is pH neutral. Using a product that is acidic is going to etch the marble and cause permanent damage.
Finally, your choice to use a sponge or microfiber cloth is imperative as part of your overall countertop cleaning regimen. Never use something too harsh or abrasive, because it can scratch the surface and take away the shine.
Can You Use Vinegar To Clean Marble Countertops?
When it comes to natural cleaners that we use around the home, vinegar is at the top of the list. We use it for everything from windows to toilets, but should it be used for marble countertops?
You never want to use vinegar to clean marble countertops and if you spill vinegar on your countertop, it should be wiped up immediately. Vinegar is extremely acidic and it can etch the marble stone easily, taking away the shine and leaving behind a dull finish.
Since you can’t use vinegar, you need to choose something that is going to work well for the process. The most obvious choice is some type of neutral cleaner, such as Dawn dishwashing liquid with water. Otherwise, you should use a commercial cleaner that was made specifically for cleaning marble.
The fact is, if you do use vinegar on marble, you are not going to damage the marble immediately. As you continue to use it, however, you will eventually cause micro-etching in the surface and that can take away the shine.
Don’t be afraid of getting vinegar on marble. Just make sure that it doesn’t happen too often and you clean up after yourself as quickly as possible.
Can You Use Windex To Clean Marble Countertops?
When it comes to cleaning surfaces, we often grab the first spray bottle that we have available and use it. This often ends up being Windex, but is that a good choice for marble?
You should not use Windex for cleaning marble countertops because it has a high pH level. This causes it to etch the surface of the marble over time. Spraying Windex once or twice on marble is not going to be a big deal. Using it consistently to clean marble will cause the surface to look dull.
Windex does not necessarily make things shine. What it does is wipe away the dirt that may be in the area, and that is something that can just as easily be done with soap and water.
If you want to disinfect the countertop, this can be done safely by using hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. After spraying either of these items on the countertop, you can wipe them away with a microfiber cloth.
Can You Use Baking Soda To Clean Marble Countertops?
Baking soda is a powerhouse for cleaning that we use around the home. Should you be using it on marble?
You can use baking soda on a marble countertop but you should use it with caution. It has a mild abrasive property that makes it great for cleaning up after yourself when the dirt is difficult. Rather than scrubbing, gently wipe on the baking soda to take advantage of the abrasive nature without damaging the marble.
One of the keys to using baking soda successfully on marble countertops is the cloth that is being used. You should use either a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge for this purpose.
If you have a soft sponge that is lightly dampened, you can sprinkle some baking soda on the surface and it will make a paste as you scrub. Don’t scrub with all your might, simply wipe the baking soda across the surface and allow it to do the work.
Can You Use Wipes(Clorox/Lysol/Etc) To Clean Marble Countertops?
Using Clorox or Lysol wipes can damage a marble countertop. Unless you carefully review the item and make sure that it is pH neutral and safe for use on marble, it is not an option to consider. You can still make your own wipes by putting paper towels in a container and soaking them with Dawn dishwashing liquid in water.
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Marble Countertops?
Although bleach is used on many parts of the home it should not be used on a marble countertop. The acidity in bleach makes it damaging and although it has cleaning power, the power is too much and it will eventually etch the marble and cause it to have a dull look.
Can You Use Steam Clean Marble Countertops?
A steam cleaner should never be used on marble countertops because it can damage them over time. This is due to the reaction that occurs when you use heat on marble, something that can leave the marble looking lackluster and perhaps even cause it to crack.
Something interesting happens when you use a steam cleaner on a marble countertop. The thermal expansion is not detectable by our eyes but as the stone expands and contracts, it can cause micro-cracks, etching, and many other problems.
Can You Use Car Wax To Clean Marble Countertops?
As long as car wax is pH neutral and does not contain abrasives, it can be used on a marble countertop. It is often used for that purpose because it seals the countertop and makes it water resistant. Using wax on marble occasionally also makes it impervious to staining as long as you clean up after yourself quickly.
It is important for you to research the car wax carefully before you begin using it on your marble countertop. If you use the wrong type, it could cause damage.
Can You Use Mr. Clean To Clean Marble Countertops?
Mr. Clean should not be used on marble countertops because the pH is too high. It can cause micro-scratches and etching in the marble that will take away the shine of the surface quickly. Along with Mr. Clean, you should avoid using any other all-purpose cleaners that may not have been made specifically for cleaning marble.
Can You Use Pine Sol To Clean Marble Countertops?
Pine-Sol may be an all-purpose cleaner but it should not be used on marble countertops. There are many different Pine-Sol products, some of which have an acidity that could easily etch and dull the marble as it is cleaned. Use Dawn dishwashing liquid in water instead.
Can You Use Hydrogen Peroxide To Clean Marble Countertops?
Hydrogen peroxide is an unsung hero when it comes to cleaning marble. It works well for a marble surface when cleaning up stains that may have been caused by spilled food or drink. Since it is a natural cleaner without abrasives, it will not etch the surface. You should spray it on the surface and wipe it up with a soft cloth.
Can You Use Fabuloso To Clean Marble Countertops?
Fabuloso is one of the rare products that are pH neutral and can be used safely on marble countertops. Since it is not acidic, it will not etch the countertop as you continue to use it. Even so, it is not necessary to use this product frequently because you can use Dawn dishwashing liquid in water just as easily.
Can You Use Alcohol To Clean Marble Countertops?
We often use rubbing alcohol to clean various items around the home. Can it also be used for marble?
This article was first published on Aug 19, 2022 by Wabi Sabi Group..
Rubbing alcohol can disinfect your marble countertops without etching or harming them. You don’t need to dilute the alcohol to use it but it is better if you mix it with warm water in a spray bottle and spray it directly onto the countertop. Don’t allow it to stay on the countertop for an extended amount of time. Wipe it up with a clean cloth.
Can You Use Stainless Steel Cleaner To Clean Marble Countertops?
Stainless steel cleaner is far too harsh for your marble countertops. It should not be used directly on the countertop or with any other cleaner for that purpose. Use Dawn dishwashing liquid in water to clean your countertops safely.
The easiest way to clean your marble countertops is to put a few drops of mild dish soap in water and gently scrub it into a lather with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth. You can then rinse the countertop and buff it dry with a soft cloth.
Related Articles
What Can You Use To Clean Stove Top Glass?
Can You Remove Rust From Porcelain? (How To)
WabiSabi Group is the owner of this article and was published on Aug 19, 2022 and last modified on .