How to clean and maintain marble benchtops: our top techniques

Marble benchtops can add a touch of elegance to almost any area in your home! Marble kitchen benchtops are one of the most popular applications for natural marble stone, but often people are unsure about getting marble installed, thinking it may be tough to clean and maintain. Cleaning marble countertops is way easier than you think! But in order to properly maintain its surface, it’s important to know how to clean marble and what can damage it. So, let’s talk about how to clean and maintain marble benchtops!

One of the most important things is to take precautions. Using our recommended sealer, you only need to seal your marble surfaces once every 15 years! Sealants do not make stone stain-proof. Rather, they make the stone more stain-resistant, giving you a bit more time to clean up large spills. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so it’s always a good idea to invest in furniture pads and coasters to protect marble floors, coffee tables and other surfaces that get a lot of use.

Warm water with a little bit of dish soap is one of the most effective solutions for cleaning up spills and carrying out routine maintenance on your marble kitchen benchtop. Just make sure to give it a thorough rinse, soak up any water that is standing and completely dry the surface. Be mindful to keep acidic substances, such as wine and lemon juice (or even cleaners that contain vinegar), away from marble surfaces as acid can etch the stone. In the event that they do leak, you should attend to them as quickly as you can. Opting for marble with a matte or honed finished will also ensure your benchtop lasts much longer.

There is still a chance that a spill can be cleaned up, even if you don’t notice it right away. If you spill anything oil-based and the stain has set, clean it (gently) with a liquid cleanser that contains household detergent, mineral spirits or acetone. This recommendation comes from the Marble Institute, which states that cleaning with a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia is the best way to remove the majority of organic food stains.

If you’ve spilled anything oil-based, like a salad dressing or olive oil, you can try cleaning it gently with a paste consisting of one part 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with two parts baking soda. Apply the paste to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then rub it off, and rinse and dry the area.

Due to the presence of calcium carbonate, marble is sensitive to being marked and etched. Any acid will cause the marble to react as well. Etches are a type of surface damage that can be caused by acid on marble, and are characterised by a dull appearance. If you spill lemon juice on the surface or place a margarita glass that is still wet on your marble benchtop, the liquid will leave a mark that is not immediately noticeable but is still unsightly.

If you want to remove water spots, light scratches, and nicks from your marble, try buffing it with dry steel wool. Any scratches that go deeper than the surface level will require the assistance of a professional. If you accidentally leave a lemon out on the counter and it subsequently leaves a stain, you can use the advice given above for dealing with food stains.

If you regularly clean and maintain the marble benchtops in your home then you won’t need a professional to help get it cleaned. Follow the above-mentioned tips to make sure your marble benchtop keeps its shine and looks great for years! If you’re looking for Melbourne's leading marble stone supplier, get in touch with us!