Marble benchtops are a luxurious addition to any home but can be challenging to maintain. Over time, marble can become dull and stained, losing its natural shine and beauty. To keep your marble benchtops looking their best, it’s essential to understand how to clean and care for them properly.

This blog post will provide expert tips and techniques for cleaning your marble benchtops effectively. By following our simple steps, you can restore the natural beauty of your marble surfaces and ensure they remain stunning for years to come. So let’s get started and learn how to clean marble benchtops like a pro.

Overview Of Marble Benchtop Cleaning

The gleaming, white expanse of a marble benchtop is captivating. Its smooth surface and durability makes it an ideal choice for any kitchen or bathroom countertop. Yet, over time its lustre can fade if not cared for properly. Cleaning marble benchtops is essential to keep them looking as good as new; however, the process requires special consideration due to the porous nature of marble.

Fortunately, with just a few tips and tools you can restore your marble surfaces back to their original beauty. A mild detergent solution should be used on marble surfaces instead of harsh chemicals which could cause etching or discoloration.

Avoid using abrasive scrubbers such as steel wool – use soft cloths or sponges instead – and dry off the area quickly after cleaning to avoid water spots. While polishing may help enhance the natural shine of the stone, sealants are recommended to protect against future staining and ensure your marble benchtop stays in pristine condition.

Basic DIY Cleaning Solutions for Marble

Here are the basic cleaning solutions that you should use when caring for your marble benchtop:

• Bicarb Soda: This natural cleaner removes dirt and grime from a marble benchtop without leaving abrasive marks or streaks. To clean your marble benchtop using bicarb soda, sprinkle some bicarb soda onto the surface and then wipe away with a damp cloth. You can also use bicarb soda to make a poultice, as outlined below.
• Dishwashing Liquid and Water: Dishwashing liquid mixed with warm water can work wonders on stubborn grease spots that won’t seem to come off with regular cleaners. Make sure to rinse thoroughly afterward so no residue remains on the surface of your benchtop.
• Commercial Cleaners: Clean Seal Stone Care can recommend and/or supply a commercial cleaner to help care and protect your marble benchtop. Give us a call on 1300 952 847 to discuss.

Does Marble Stain?

Marble is naturally porous, which makes it susceptible to staining. As a porous stone, liquids can penetrate its surface. A professional sealant should be applied every two years to protect your marble benchtop from staining. This will create an invisible barrier between the surface and any liquid, helping prevent staining and etching.

There is also a product called TuffSkin, which, unlike penetrating sealers, is a surface film that covers your marble. When professionally installed, it is clear and unrecognisable and protects your marble against staining and etching. It can also last up to 10 years! Learn more about TuffSkin on our benchtop sealing page.

Removing Stains From Marble

Caffeine, Wine or Sauce Stains

For tea, coffee, soft drink or minor wine stains on white marble may be able to be removed by making a poultice. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Hydrogen peroxide
• Bicarb soda (also known as baking soda)
• Clean tap water
• Cling wrap or a sandwich bag – something plastic to cover the poultice
• Marble safe tape, such as easy to remove painters tape

Instructions:

• Mix 1 tablespoon of bicarb soda with a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to form a thick paste.
• Dampen the stained marble with water.
• Apply the paste over the stain, at least 1cm thick.
• Cover the paste with plastic of your choice and tape on all four sides.
• Leave the poultice to dry for 24 to 48 hours. Remove after 48 hours maximum.
• Use a soft cloth and water to clean the surface where the stain was. If the stain has not been completely removed, you may need to repeat the process again.

Grease and Oil Stains

Oil and grease stains are often tough to remove using dishwashing liquid alone. This method uses cornflour to help absorb the grease from the marble.

What You Need:

• Cornflour (also known as cornstarch)
• Two clean, soft cloths – one wet, one dry

Instructions:

• Sprinkle cornflour over the oil stain.
• Leave it to sit for approximately 20 minutes.
• Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away the cornflour and oil residue.
• Follow with the dry cloth to dry your marble surface.

You can also try this method using bicarb soda instead of cornflour.

How To Get Paint Off Marble

The thought of paint on a beautiful marble benchtop can be disheartening. However, it’s important to know that with the right supplies and techniques, it is possible to remove paint from your marble surface without damaging the stone itself. According to research, approximately 25% of homeowners have encountered this issue at one point or another.

Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to get rid of any unwanted paint marks on your marble benchtop. Here are some suggestions:

• Use a razor blade scraper – be gentle when scraping away the paint so as not to damage the marble’s delicate surface. Once all visible layers of paint have been scraped off, apply some denatured alcohol onto an absorbent cloth and dab gently over the affected area until no more traces remain.
• Use a poultice mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide – let this sit overnight before wiping it away in the morning.

By following these simple steps and taking care while doing so, you’ll be able to successfully remove any lingering paint from your precious marble benchtop quickly and effectively – restoring its beauty once again!

Common Questions About Marble Benchtop Cleaning

Can You Use Bleach On Marble?

Using bleach on marble should be avoided as it will cause discolouration and etch marks, due to the high alkaline and pH of bleach. Avoid any cleaners that are acidic or alkaline, including bleach, vinegar, and ammonia.

Can You Use Vinegar On Marble?

No, it would be best if you never used vinegar on marble. It’s a harsh acid that can erode the delicate surface of your benchtop and leave it dull and scratched. Even if the damage isn’t immediately noticeable, it will become more apparent over time as the vinegar eats away at the stone. Warm water and a pH-neutral detergent are the best way to clean a marble benchtop. Be sure not to drench it; just enough moisture to dampen a soft cloth is all you need. After cleaning, dry off any excess water so your marble isn’t stained or weakened by excessive moisture exposure.

What Happens If I Spill Something on My Marble?

If marble gets wet from liquid spills, it can stain easily. Discolouration is possible depending on what colour liquid has been spilt on the stone. If left untreated, this discolouration can become more visible over time. Additionally, if a large amount of liquid remains on the surface of the marble for an extended period, it can cause etching, which results in dull patches appearing on the surface. It is essential to clean up any spills immediately to prevent staining or etching from occurring.

Professional Cleaning Services For Marble

If you have a marble benchtop that is scratched, etched, dull, or looks like the one above, it’s time for professional marble cleaning and restoration.

Our marble technicians transformed this benchtop using a gloss water based penetrating sealer. When cleaned with a pH neutral cleaner or dishwashing liquid and water, this marble benchtop should not need to be resealed for approximately two years. Here is the result:

Maintenance Tips For A Marble Benchtop

Caring for a marble benchtop doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult. With just a few simple steps and tools, you can keep your marble looking as good as new! Here’s what you’ll need to do:

• Clean the surface regularly with warm water and mild soap
• Wipe down the surface with a soft cloth after every use
• Use coasters and mats under hot dishes and glassware
• Avoid using abrasive cleaners on marble surfaces
• You can use a professional company to seal your marble benchtops rather than DIY options that don’t last as long.

These easy maintenance tips will ensure that your marble benchtop looks great for years to come. For long-lasting protection and maintenance, consider using a professional company to seal your marble benchtops, such as the team at Clean Seal Stone Care. We can help with regular marble sealing and maintenance to ensure that your marble benchtops remain stunning and pristine for years to come.

We're The Right Company To Restore Your Natural Stone

1300 952 847