If you already love marble, you probably know it’s one of the most beautiful natural stone surfaces you can add to a home. But marble is porous, and caring for marble properly makes all the difference. Left unsealed or cleaned with the wrong products, a marble surface can stain or etch.
With the right habits, though, marble countertops remain durable and stunning for decades. Our team has guided homeowners through marble care for years—here’s how to maintain your marble with confidence.
Daily Care: How Do You Clean and Maintain Marble Surfaces
Marble is a beautiful natural stone, but it takes the right habits to keep it looking sharp. Here are the daily care steps every homeowner should follow to protect their marble countertops.
Wipe Spills Immediately
The biggest threat to marble is etching from acidic foods like vinegar, lemon juice, or wine. These can damage the surface of the marble within minutes. To prevent stains or dull spots, wipe up any spills immediately with a soft cloth or microfiber cloth. The faster spills are cleaned, the better your marble surface will hold its natural shine.
Use the Right Cleaner
Not all cleaners are safe for marble countertops. Stick to mild dish soap and warm water or a pH-balanced marble cleaner made for natural stone. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or bathroom cleaners—these can strip the surface. And never use vinegar or anything with an acid, since marble is porous and will etch quickly. Keeping it simple is usually best: soap and water are often all you need to clean marble safely.
Gentle Cleaning Tools
Tools matter as much as cleaners. Always wipe marble with a microfiber cloth or soft towel. Skip abrasive pads or scrubbing brushes that can scratch the stone surface. Once you’ve cleaned the marble, dry it with a soft towel or a microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and keep the surface polished.
Simple Routines
Consistency is key to marble care. Wiping down the counters daily and giving them a gentle soap-and-water clean once a week is enough to keep marble countertops looking sharp. Don’t let soap scum, grease, or crumbs build up on a kitchen counter, marble tile, or marble floor. Marble is a natural stone that rewards a little care with lasting beauty.
For more inspiration on design applications, see our Albany marble kitchen countertops design guide.
Long-Term Protection: Sealing, Polishing, and Preventing Damage
Daily care keeps marble looking good, but long-term protection is what helps this natural stone last for decades. Here’s what matters most.
Seal Your Countertops
Marble is porous and needs to be sealed periodically to resist stains. A properly sealed marble surface is less likely to absorb spills and is much easier to keep clean. Sealers don’t make marble indestructible, but they extend the life of the stone and help your countertops stay beautiful with little care.
Polishing and Restoration
Even with regular upkeep, marble benefits from occasional polishing. Polishing keeps the surface of the marble smooth and enhances its natural shine. Over time, etch marks or dull spots may appear, but professional marble care can restore the finish and keep the stone in top condition. These small steps are essential to maintain your marble in the long run.
Avoid Common Mistakes
Certain products and habits cause more harm than good. Vinegar and lemon juice are too acidic, while ammonia and other harsh chemicals can dull or damage the surface. Abrasive cleaning products or scrubbing pads also wear down the finish. The safest approach is to stick with cleaners designed for stone surfaces and avoid anything that risks etching.
Smart Prevention Habits
Prevention is often the best form of marble care. Cutting boards and coasters protect against acidic foods and drinks, while trivets keep hot pans off the counter. These simple habits keep marble looking like the beautiful and durable stone it is, whether on kitchen countertops or kitchen backsplashes. Small, consistent choices help keep marble in excellent condition for years.
Not sure marble is right for you? Compare options in this guide to the best bathroom countertop materials in NY.
Ready to Keep Your Marble Looking Its Best?
Marble is a beautiful natural stone, but it takes the right care to keep it shining for decades. If you love marble and want to make the most of it in your home, our team is here to help.
Visit our showroom to explore marble countertops in person and get expert advice on marble care. Together, we’ll make sure your marble surfaces stay timeless, durable, and easy to enjoy.
FAQs
How often should marble countertops be sealed?
Marble is porous, so you should seal your countertops every 6 to 12 months. Proper sealing helps resist stains and keeps the marble looking fresh.
What’s the best way to clean marble countertops daily?
The safest option is to clean marble countertops with mild dish soap and warm water. Wipe with a soft cloth and dry with a towel to prevent water spots.
Can I use vinegar or bleach on marble surfaces?
No. Never use vinegar, bleach, or harsh chemicals on marble. These products are acidic and can etch or dull the stone permanently.
What should I do if my marble surface gets etched?
Etching happens when acidic foods or cleaners react with the marble surface. Light etching can sometimes be polished out, but professional marble care is often needed for deeper marks.
Are marble countertops good for kitchen backsplashes and floors?
Yes. Marble backsplashes and marble floors are popular choices, but they require sealing and regular upkeep to stay polished. With the right care, marble-looking surfaces in kitchens and baths can last for decades.