How to Clean Marble Surfaces Properly

Marble is an attractive natural stone material that can last for years with proper care. Used for countertops, walls, and flooring, it’s reliable, durable, and long-lasting, the major drawback it’s that is porous and is thus prone to staining.
The key point to remember is that marble and acids don’t mix. This means any acid, like a splash of lemon juice, a damp margarita glass, or an acidic cleaner, can eat away at the surface, creating dull spots known as etches.

Step 1: Mix non-abrasive dish soap with warm water.

Mix a squirt of dish soap with warm water in a spray bottle and spray the marble surface generously. Make sure the dish soap is non-abrasive, meaning that it does not have any small abrasive particles mixed into the soap. “Twice a month, you can add 3 ounces of rubbing alcohol to this mix, just to sanitize the surface.

Step 2: Wipe the surface with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth.

Scrub gently and wipe the marble surface with a damp sponge or a clean wet microfiber cloth. While a microfiber cloth or sponge is the best option for cleaning marble countertops, you can use a mop to clean marble flooring. Just make sure not to scrub too hard, as you may damage the marble sealant.

Step 3: Rinse and wipe down the surface with clean water.

Rinsing is an often-overlooked step in cleaning marble countertop stains and other surfaces, make sure you rinse and wipe down the marble with clean water to remove any excess soap.

How to Remove Stains From Marble

Regular care and ongoing maintenance will help prevent marble from getting stained, but even if a stain does appear due to an accident or some unforeseen situation, like leaving a metal planter on a marble floor for a long period of time, cleaning stained marble isn’t impossible. Try these straightforward cleaning tips to learn how to remove a variety of stains from marble.

Oil-based stains: Grease, cooking oil, milk, or even makeup can darken the stone and must be dealt with chemically. Clean gently with one of the following: soft, liquid cleanser, ammonia, or mineral spirits. After cleaning, make sure to rinse and dry the marble to get rid of any excess cleaner. “you might need to do this 1 or 2 times or leave for a bit longer the next time.”
Ink stains: When ink spills on the countertop or gets onto the marble flooring, you can remove the stain by applying acetone or a 20 percent hydrogen peroxide solution. If the stain is spread over a large area you will need to use a poultice which can be made by mixing ¼ to ½ cup of flour to the acetone or hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply the poultice to the stain and let it sit for 24 hours, then rinse and dry the marble.
Mold and mildew stains: Acetone or a solution of 20 percent hydrogen peroxide can be used as a mold and mildew stain cleaner. Spray the affected surface with the cleaner, then rinse with clean water and dry. Repeat as necessary to get rid of the stain.
Wine and Sauce Stains: When wine or sauce spills on the marble it can leave behind deep red stains. To get rid of these stains, first blot up any excess, then use a mixture os three parts baking soda to one part water to create a paste, apply the paste to the stain and let it sit overnight. Clean up the paste, then rinse and dry the marble.
Blood Stains: The blood can leak onto the marble, you can remove the stain first blotting the area to remove any remaining blood, then creating a poultice using powdered detergent, water and a small amount of acetone or 20% hydrogen peroxide solution. Apply the poultice to the stain, cover with a damp cloth, then let it sit overnight. In the morning, clean up the poultice, then rinse and dry the marble.
Paint Stains: When paint spills onto a marble surface you will need to use a cloth to wipe up the excess before you can deal with the stain. If the paint has been allowed to dry, then use a plastic scraper or a razor blade to scrape it off. Apply lacquer thinner to a clean cloth, then wipe the stain to remove the paint. Flush the area thoroughly with clean water, then dry with a soft, absorbent towel. Keep in mind that this method may cause etching, and the marble may require re-polishing after stain removal.
Metal Stains: Use a poultice made from baking soda and water to handle metal stains, or purchase a premixed commercial poultice. Apply the poultice then cover with plastic wrap, securing the sides with painter’s tape. Let the poultice sit for 24 to 48 hours, then remove the plastic and remove the poultice with a wooden or plastic scraper, rinse and dry the marble surface.

Use mild, pH-neutral cleaning solutions that are specifically designed for marble.
Blot, clean, and dry spills as soon as possible to prevent staining.
“Don’t use a countertop as a cutting board. If you do, you will create micro-scratches on the surface and the acids from fruits and vegetables or sauces are going to damage the seal in your marble.”
Clean marble countertops daily and mop marble floors about once a week, while deep cleaning the marble at least once a month.
Use a soft, absorbent towel, microfiber cloth, or microfiber mop to avoid scratches.
Regularly apply a marble sealant to protect the countertop or floor from stains and etching.
Avoid using bleach, ammonia, abrasive cleaners, hard-bristle brushes, abrasive scrubbing pads, and commercial cleaners that are not specifically made for marble.

Sealing Marble Countertops

Marble is porous, a sealant is recommended as a barrier that can possibly keep a spill from becoming a stain. Experts suggest re-sealing every 3 to 6 months, but quality sealing products, available from any home improvement retailer, are simple to apply.