Marble Care & Maintenance Guide

Natural marble is a living material that, with proper care, will reward you with enduring beauty for generations. This guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, sealing, and maintaining your natural stone surfaces.

Daily Cleaning

The best approach to marble maintenance is prevention and regular gentle cleaning:

• Wipe spills immediately — especially acidic liquids like lemon juice, wine, vinegar, and coffee
• Use a soft, damp cloth or mop for daily cleaning
• Apply a pH-neutral stone cleaner diluted in water
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh scrubbing pads
• Dry the surface after cleaning to prevent water marks

What to Avoid

Certain substances can permanently damage marble surfaces:

• Acidic cleaners – Vinegar, lemon juice, and most bathroom cleaners etch marble
• Bleach and ammonia-based products – Can discolour and damage the stone surface
• Abrasive scrubbers – Scratches the polished surface
• Heavy impact – While durable, marble can chip at edges and corners

Sealing Your Marble

Sealing is one of the most important steps in marble maintenance. A good quality impregnating sealer penetrates the stone and repels water, oil, and other liquids before they can stain.

When to Seal

• Upon initial installation (before use)
• Annually for kitchen countertops and high-traffic floors
• Every 2–3 years for lower-traffic areas like bathroom walls

How to Test if Sealing is Needed

Place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the sealer is still effective. If the water absorbs into the stone within a few minutes, it’s time to re-seal.

Removing Stains

Different types of stains require different removal methods:

• Oil-based stains – Use a poultice made with baking soda and water, or a commercial stone poultice product
• Organic stains (coffee, tea, food) – Hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few drops of ammonia (on light-coloured stone only)
• Ink stains – Rubbing alcohol on dark marble; hydrogen peroxide on light marble
• Rust stains – A commercial rust remover specifically formulated for stone

Dealing with Etching

Etching occurs when acidic substances come into contact with marble, leaving a dull mark. For light etching on polished marble, marble polishing powder can restore the shine. For deep etching, professional re-honing and polishing may be required.

Professional Maintenance

For significant damage, deep staining, or restoration of polished surfaces, we recommend consulting a professional stone restoration specialist. Regular professional polishing every 3–5 years can keep marble looking pristine.

Marble-Specific Tips by Application

Kitchen Countertops

Always use cutting boards. Place hot items on trivets — do not place hot pans directly on marble. Seal frequently. Consider a honed finish which shows scratches and etching less than polished.

Bathroom Surfaces

Wipe down after each use to prevent soap scum and hard water build-up. Use a squeegee on shower walls. Ensure proper ventilation to prevent mould in grout lines.

Marble Flooring

Place doormats at entrances to prevent grit and sand from scratching floors. Use furniture pads under all furniture legs. Re-polish high-traffic areas as needed.

Need Advice?

Our team is happy to provide guidance on caring for your specific stone. Contact us with any questions.