Renaissance artists preferred to chip away at marble blocks to create masterpieces that have stood the test of time. Today, marble is a home decor quintessential; it speaks the language of sophistication, class, and beauty. With such endorsement, is it surprising that marble countertops are in trend?
Granted, the beauty of this excellent stone is unsurpassable. There is a wide variety of colours to choose from, and since it is a natural material, each stone is unique in its beauty. However, have you given marble countertop maintenance a thought?
How do you ensure this magnificent gift from nature remains blemish-free? Let’s find out.
How to Maintain Your Marble Countertop?
Oil, Haldi, and acidic substances are essential for Indian cuisine. While granite can withstand this assault, marble is more porous and stains easily. This makes maintenance necessary for a gleaming, pristine shine. So, what are the factors you need to consider if you are the proud owner of a marble countertop? Here are some essentials you need to address:
Acidic Substances Are Best Avoided
A squirt of lemon juice can damage your marble surface. So, do not use citrus things on the countertop. The acid in citrus fruits is corrosive and can damage the surface. The result? A dull and listless marble countertop.
When buying cleaning products, make sure you opt for mild substances that are not acidic or abrasive. Things you should avoid?
- Abrasive cleaning agents
- Bleach and vinegar
- Harsh scrubbing pads such as steel wool
Apart from cleansing agents, certain food substances such as tomatoes can erode the surface. No, this doesn’t mean you stop consuming these food items in your cooking. Use chopping boards and bowls for acidic food items instead.
How to Clean Your Marble Countertop?
Cleaning your marble countertop is not difficult, even with mild soaps. Gentle cleansing with soap and warm water is sufficient to clean the grime from the surface. After you clean the surface, wipe with a wet dishcloth, preferably hot; then, give a final wipe with an absorbent napkin.
Moreover, cleaning the surface with soap after your cooking session is enough. However, if you accidentally squirt lemon juice on the surface, or tip over your tomato puree, wipe the mess immediately before it has a chance to settle. This will prevent the acids from damaging the surface. This applies to any spills on your countertop.
Tips on Stain Removal
Cooking oil stains- a few drops of ammonia will do the trick if a gentle cleanser doesn’t do the job.
Coffee or tea stains- a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia will remove the stains.
Ammonia and hydrogen peroxide are harsh substances and need to be used sparingly; however, these cleaning agents don’t always work. Some tough stains are hard to remove. How to tackle specific stains?
Paint stains-gently try to lift off the paint using a razor blade.
Water marks-buff these unsightly marks with a bit of steel wool. Avoid using too much force or the abrasive steel wool will damage the surface.
Apply Sealant
A sealant is advisable to retain the sparkle of your polished marble countertop. This extra layer of protection will cut down on staining and damage. A sealant allows you a bit more time to clean up the spill as the protective layer will slow down the penetration of corrosive substances like citrus juice.
Depending on your countertop and the formula of the sealant, you can apply it to the surface as and when needed.
Daily Care and Maintenance
Marble is a soft stone that chips easily. The porosity of the stone makes it vulnerable to acidic substances. Keeping this in mind, wipe off food stains as soon as there is spillage. These tips on daily care will help you keep your marble pristine:
- Spread out a plastic or silicone sheet on the surface before you begin cooking. This will ensure there is no spillage on the countertop.
- Go for a large chopping board so you don’t damage the marble with your knife.
- While marble tolerates heat; for scorching pans, use a trivet.
- If you are serving your guests in the kitchen, use coasters and placemats.
- Wipe off spillage immediately. You can keep a wet wipe handy for this purpose.
- Use a microfibre cloth for dusting and marble countertop maintenance.
- A damp cloth and a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for stone are ideal for wet cleaning.
- A spray bottle containing mild soap can be used when you need it. Scrub the soapy water gently using a damp cloth. Wipe the surface with a rinsed towel until no soap suds are left. Wipe off with a dry towel.
- Avoid abrasive scrub pads.
- For mild scratches, a marble polishing powder is a great option. Follow the instructions on the package of the product before you start.
Maintaining a marble countertop is a cinch once you get into the habit of wiping the surface as you cook. For some radical countertop ideas, check out HomeLane.
