A marble worktop does not need complicated care, but it does need the right habits. Most damage to marble in kitchens comes from a handful of everyday things: acidic food, the wrong cleaning products and liquids left to sit. Get those right, and the stone will stay in good shape for a very long time.
Understand what you are protecting against
Marble is made mostly of calcium carbonate. That has two consequences for a kitchen.
- Etching: acids such as lemon juice, vinegar, wine, fruit juice and tomato react with the surface and leave dull marks. These are not stains but tiny areas where the surface has been eaten away.
- Staining: marble is somewhat porous, so oil, coffee, red wine and coloured spices can soak in and leave a darker or coloured patch.
Different problems need different prevention. Sealing helps with staining. Only care and quick wiping help with etching.
Daily habits
The simplest routine is also the most effective:
- Wipe up spills as soon as you notice them, especially anything acidic, oily or strongly coloured.
- Clean the surface with warm water and a soft cloth. For more grease, use a few drops of a pH-neutral cleaner or a cleaner made specifically for natural stone.
- Dry the surface with a soft towel, especially around the sink, to avoid water marks from hard water.
- Use chopping boards for cutting and trays under oil bottles, vinegar and fruit bowls.
- Put hot pans on trivets. Marble tolerates heat better than many materials, but sudden heat can still mark it or, in rare cases, crack it.
What not to use
Many common kitchen products are harmful to marble. Avoid:
- Vinegar, lemon-based or citrus cleaners, even diluted.
- Limescale removers and bathroom descalers.
- Cream cleansers and scouring powders, which scratch.
- Abrasive sponges and steel wool.
- General-purpose sprays unless the label says they are safe for marble or natural stone.
When in doubt, test any new product on a hidden spot first and look at it in daylight after it dries.
Sealing and periodic care
Most marble worktops are treated with an impregnating sealer when installed. This type of product soaks into the stone and makes it slower to absorb liquids, without forming a film on top. It gives you time to wipe up a spill before it stains.
How often a sealer needs renewing varies with the stone, the product and how much the top is used and cleaned. A simple check is to put a few drops of water on the surface in a busy area. If the water stays beaded, the protection is still working. If it soaks in and darkens the stone within a few minutes, it is probably time to reseal. The stone must be clean and completely dry before a new coat goes on, and the manufacturer's instructions should be followed closely.
Dealing with marks
Some marks can be handled at home, others need a professional.
- Light etching on a honed top is often barely visible and can be left to blend into the patina.
- Organic stains such as coffee or tea often fade over time and can sometimes be drawn out with a poultice made for stone.
- Oil stains may also respond to a poultice, but deep ones can take several attempts.
- Deep etching, scratches or a dull polished top are best handled by a stonemason, who can refinish the surface by honing and, if wanted, polishing again.
Do not try to sand marble yourself or use car polishes and waxes, which can leave uneven patches or a sticky film.
A marble worktop that is used every day will change. It will collect small marks and gradually develop a soft, worn character, much like an old marble bakery counter. Many owners come to like this. If you prefer a top that looks the same as on the first day, regular professional maintenance helps, and so does choosing a honed finish from the start.
If your marble worktop needs cleaning, resealing or a full refresh, or you simply want advice on looking after it, contact BIHACIT. We work with natural stone every day and can tell you what your top needs and what it does not.
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