There are no secrets when it comes to how to clean a marble worktop. In fact, it couldn’t be easier. Our simple steps, outlined below will help to make sure that your marble endures elegantly.
Should you have marble in a kitchen? It is a debate that continues and a little while ago we shared our thoughts on this too. Our opinion is that as long as you know what to expect, there is no reason not to have marble – and eat your cake off it too! Marble has some qualities that make it perfect for a kitchen. Being formed under intense heat and pressure means that marble is resistant to high temperature. Unlike many man-made alternatives, you can place a hot pan onto your marble worktop straight from the hob.
The one thing to be aware of and plan for is that marble is acid sensitive. Again, this is due to how it is formed. Marble is made up primarily of fossils and minerals which means that it has a high calcium carbonate content. If something acidic is dropped onto the surface of the stone it will react and cause a dull or white patch known as an etch mark. To avoid this, we advise using trays, coasters and mats rather than placing bottles directly onto your worktop. This will prevent drips from settling on the marble and causing damage that might need professional restoration.
Spills and splashes will happen. In a kitchen that is well used, it is impossible to avoid. We would always encourage you not to be scared to use your marble. The first stain might look out of place, but over time, the marks on your marble tell the story of the stone in your home. Honed marble usually show marks less obviously. This finish isn’t necessarily more hard wearing but can make it a little easier to keep that ‘new’ feeling for longer. Choosing a heavily veined marble will also help to disguise blemishes for those looking for easier maintenance.
When something does spill onto your marble worktop it is important to blot and not wipe! The reaction of the acid is almost instant. This means that wiping the spill will only spread the damage further. Your marble will have been protected with an impregnator when it was installed. This is designed to prevent liquids from penetrating and causing damage within the stone. It will mean that the etch mark that you see is surface level only and can easily be restored.
The acid sensitivity of marble is also the focus when it comes to cleaning your marble. It is vital only to clean the surface with pH neutral products. It is important not to confuse this with eco-friendly. Just because a product has ‘green credentials’ does not necessarily mean that it can be used on marble. If in doubt, check the label. Does it say stone-safe or list marble as one of the surfaces that it can be used on? Below is an outline of the products that we recommend:
Attempting complex stain removal or DIY restoration of a marble worktop is not recommended. You may cause more damage than you resolve. We are often asked how frequently marble needs to be professionally treated. The answer is never! Many people choose to leave their marble to gracefully develop a patina. Well-used marble looks just as good as brand-new stone.
For those that want to keep their marble more pristine, the frequency of maintenance visits will depend on the use of the kitchen and the finish of the stone. Those with a polished marble will usually request an annual treatment as the stone can quickly dull with scratches and etch marks. For clients who have honed marble, we usually visit once every 2 years. In fact, most clients will only ever reach out for our services when there has been a large spill or a significant stain that has occurred. In the meantime, they’ve been following the guidance above and ensuring that their marble continues to age with beauty.
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