5 Marble Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid (and What to Do Instead!)

Is your cleaning routine helping or hurting your marble surfaces? Read on to learn about 5 marble cleaning mistakes with tips on what to do instead.

Marble is one of the most artistically significant mediums in art history. Ancient sculptors often chose marble because it is softer and easier to carve.

As a result, these artists could add more details to their sculptures. They created the most lifelike sculptures ever seen before.

Today, marble is still revered as a luxurious stone. However, it's less common as a sculptural medium and more so as a daily, functional commodity. Most people use marble in their homes, often as a kitchen surface or as a flooring material. 

As a softer stone, homeowners have to be careful when cleaning it. To learn some marble cleaning tips, check out the guide below.

Marble Cleaning with Acidic Products

Before cleaning any marble surface, make sure to purchase the right cleaning products. Acidic cleaning agents, like vinegar, can irreversibly damage marble.

Marble contains calcium carbonate, a chemical compound that reacts with an acid. In fact, calcium carbonate is often used in antacids to neutralize stomach acid. 

When the calcium carbonate in marble is exposed to acid, the reaction creates carbonic acid and degrades the stone. When purchasing cleaning products for marble, look for solutions that are neutral, which a pH of 7. 

Scrubbing Tools

Another common mistake when cleaning marble is using an abrasive tool. Geologists use the Mohs hardness scale to quantify a rock's resistance to scratches. On this scale, marble scores a 3 out of 10. 

When cleaning marble, make sure to choose a soft cleaning tool, like a cloth. Make sure to mop up or wipe up marble surfaces regularly so particles have no time to accumulate and cause scratches. 

Spills and Stains

Spills happen, but when they happen on marble, make sure they don't sit. This is especially true for acidic spills like tomato sauce or wine. Use a soft cloth to wipe up the spill -- don't use anything abrasive that may scratch the surface. 

For difficult stains, consider hiring a professional to clean the marble. Spills can leech into the porous body of the marble, making it difficult for homeowners to remove it without damaging the stone.

Marble Sealing

Regular maintenance is key to preserving marble. This means sealing marble surfaces every 6 to 12 months. The more use the surface sees, the more often it will need to be sealed. 

Sealing marble protects it from scratches, stains, and other damage. Even long-term exposure to everyday dirt and grit can leave permanent scratches on the stone.

To test your sealant, pour some water on the marble and let it sit for 30 minutes. If it creates a dark spot, it's time to re-seal the surface. 

Taking Care of Marble

Marble cleaning requires diligent care and maintenance. Make sure to hire a professional to seal your marble at least once a year. Although it may be annoying to keep up with, you can choose between different finishes each time, which can be fun.

If you are seeking professional help with your marble, don't hesitate to contact us and ask about our services. Desert Tile and Grout Restore we'd be happy to help