We sometimes wonder how many Utah homeowners are missing out on the beauty and luxury of marble countertops because they mistakenly believe the myth that marble is a nightmare to care for. It’s a myth we find ourselves routinely dispelling in our showrooms.
In fairness, marble requires a little more maintenance and care than quartz. And all stone countertops require more care than laminates do. But it’s not so much care as to make stone countertops a nightmare. The amount of work marble takes is not nearly as much as so many people think.
Normal Concerns for Marble
We don’t want to give you the impression that marble is maintenance-free. It’s not. Marble is a naturally porous stone that is susceptible to staining, etching, and scratching. Given the daily use of most kitchens, these tendencies are enough to scare many homeowners away. But needlessly avoiding marble because it is a porous stone keeps you from one of the most beautiful countertop materials in the world.
How to Enjoy Luxury Marble
Enjoying luxury marble countertops without the stress boils down to three things: sealing, cleaning, and preventative practices. Nail down all three, and you can enjoy marble in your kitchen without getting nervous every time someone sets something down.
Sealing Marble Countertops
The first and most effective thing homeowners can do to protect their luxury marble is to seal it with a high-quality, penetrating sealer. The ideal sealer soaks into the marble to create an invisible barrier against stains. New marble countertops should be sealed when installed.
Thereafter, it’s best to reseal every 6-12 months. Even the best sealers wear away, so they need to be reapplied based on how much use the kitchen gets. A good way to tell when it’s time to reseal is to sprinkle some water on the surface. If it no longer beads up, the countertop needs resealing.
Smart Cleaning Goes a Long Way
Smart cleaning practices go a long way toward preventing damage in between sealings. For starters, clean with a mild dish soap or pH-neutral cleaner. Don’t ever use an acidic or abrasive cleaner on marble. Even something like lemon juice or vinegar can etch a marble surface.
To make cleaning easier, wipe up spills immediately. Be especially diligent to quickly soak up acidic substances like wine, coffee, and citrus. They can stain very quickly.
Also make a point of cleaning daily. A soft microfiber cloth along with some warm water and mild dish soap should do the job just fine. Don’t scrub marble during your daily cleaning routine. Do not use scouring pads or steel wool either.
Preventative Practices
Finally, employing some preventative practices can keep your marble countertops looking new year after year. We already talked about cleaning, but let’s go back to stains very briefly. If you notice any kind of stain, address it with a poultice made of baking soda and water. A poultice might draw out a stain even after it has begun penetrating the stone.
Also be sure to:
- Protect against heat by using coasters and trivets
- Protect against cuts and scratches by using cutting boards
- Protect against chips and cracks by gently placing things on the counter
With a bit of common sense and the right cleaning and maintenance routine, you can maintain the beauty of your luxury marble countertops without stressing yourself out. It can take a little practice but getting it right is worth it.
If you have your heart set on marble, don’t believe the myth about it being a nightmare. Marble is easier to care for than you might think.
