How to Clean Marble Surfaces
Marble is a natural stone that adds elegance to any home. Whether the marble is on the kitchen floor or the bathroom vanity, taking care of marble is important to preserve its natural beauty. Care must be taken not to damage or discolor the marble surface while cleaning. Choosing the proper cleaning products and methods for cleaning marble will help to ensure that its beauty can be enjoyed for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dust mop
- Microfiber cloth
- Sponge mop
- Soft rags
- Water
- Mild dish soap
- Commercial marble cleaner
- Table salt
- Grapefruit
- 3 tbsp. baking soda
- Chalk sticks
- Chamois
Instructions
-
-
1
Run a dust mop over marble floors to remove any dust from the surface. A microfiber cloth will be sufficient to clean other marble surfaces such as countertops.
-
2
Dampen a sponge mop or a soft cloth with plain, hot water. Wring it out well and wipe the marble surface with it to remove any marks or dirt.
-
-
3
Dry the marble surface thoroughly with a clean, soft cloth. Marble is very susceptible to water spots, so it is not recommended to let marble air dry
-
4
Use mild dish soap mixed with warm water for a deeper cleaning. Clean the surface with a soft sponge; then use a cloth dampened with plain water to wash off the soap residue. Dry the surface immediately.
-
5
Clean the marble with a commercial marble cleaner. Purchase a marble cleaner from a marble distributor to avoid buying a product that may damage the stone. Use the product as directed by the manufacturer.
-
6
Apply a salt and grapefruit mixture to clean stains on marble. Spread table salt onto a cutting board or similar surface. Cut a grapefruit in half and coat it with the salt. Gently rub the grapefruit and salt onto the stained area of the marble, rubbing in the direction of the grain. Use a damp cloth to wipe the surface clean and dry it thoroughly.
-
7
Polish the marble after cleaning. Mix 3 tbsp. baking soda into 1 qt. water. Wipe the baking soda paste onto the marble surface using a soft cloth. Allow it to sit on the surface for about 3 hours; then wipe the surface clean with a rag and plain water. Follow this by crushing a few sticks of chalk and wiping the resulting powder on the marble with your hand. Rinse the chalk off with a wet rag, and dry the surface completely. You may use a chamois, otherwise known as a shammy, if you prefer. Use the chamois on a damp marble surface. It will polish and dry the marble at the same time.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Always test the product you are using on a small inconspicuous area of the marble prior to applying it to the entire surface.
