How to Clean Cultured Marble Counter

A lower cost marble alternative

Cultured marble, unlike natural marble, is a man-made product molded into the design desired for a countertop, most commonly in bathrooms. Cultured marble gives the look and beauty of natural marble, with a greater choice of colors and lower price point. With proper care in the home, cultured marble counters last for years. Clean a cultured marble counter properly to keep it looking glossy and new and to prevent damage from harsh cleaning methods.

Things You'll Need

• Liquid dish detergent
• Liquid car wash
• Non-scratch sponge
• Wooden ruler
• Turpentine or paint thinner
• Liquid wax or paste

Instructions

1. Apply liquid dish detergent to the counter and wipe clean with a damp sponge. Rinse if necessary and dry with a towel or paper towel.

2. Remove difficult stains from the cultured marble counter with a bit of turpentine or paint thinner on a non-abrasive rag. Follow the stain removal by washing the counter with liquid dish detergent and a damp non-scratch sponge.

3. Hold the wooden ruler horizontally at a 45-degree angle to the counter and use it to gently scrape away dried plaster or other residue. Wash away the flakes with liquid dish detergent and a soft damp sponge.

4. Clean hard water stains or mineral deposits using a non-abrasive household cleanser specified to remove calcium or other minerals.

5. Restore the glossy finish by applying liquid car wash to the cultured marble counter. Rub it with a soft non-abrasive sponge and rinse according to the manufacturer's instructions. Finish with an application of liquid paste or wax. Rub it on in a light coat with a soft, clean cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute non-abrasive household cleaning sprays for the liquid dish detergent if desired. Check the label to determine a cleaner's suitability on cultured marble with a gel-coated surface. When in doubt, test the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot before applying to the entire counter.

• Do not use abrasive cleansers, sponges or scouring pads on cultured marble. Abrasives can damage the gel-coated surface and create small scratches in the finish.

References

• International Cast Polymer Alliance: Care and Maintenance Tips

Resources

• University of Nebraska--Lincoln Extension: Bathroom Cleaning