Marble is a common type of natural stone that can be an excellent choice for countertops. In addition to being a very durable stone, it is aesthetically pleasing and can come in a range of colors. While marble is a very tough stone, there are still some care tips that need to be followed or else the stone may suffer substantial damage.

Avoid Acidic Cleaners

When you are cleaning the marble countertops, you need to be careful to avoid any cleaning solutions that contain acids. Marble can be prone to etching and discoloration if it is exposed to acids, and these damages can be permanent. Due to this potential hazard, only cleaning solutions that are clearly labeled for marble should be used, and you will want to spot test these solutions before applying them to your entire countertop.

Apply A Sealant To The Marble

Sealing the marble can be another way of extending its life by protecting it against common damages. These sealants will minimize staining and water damage to the marble by providing a protective layer over it. In addition to protecting the marble against these hazards, a sealant can also protect the marble against acids that are in foods and beverages. For example, coffee can be highly acidic, and if you were to spill some on the counter, it could damage it unless it was immediately cleaned.

Fortunately, sealing a countertop is a simple process that can be completed in an hour or less for most small to medium sized countertops. During this process, you will want to thoroughly scrub the surface to remove dirt, dust, spills and other substances that may prevent the sealant from absorbing into the stone and bonding with it. Once the counter is clean, you will pour a small amount of sealant on it and evenly spread it across the surface using a squeegee. Read the instructions on the sealant container to know how long it needs to stay in contact with the surface before you can wipe away the excess.

Use Microfiber Or Soft Cotton To Clean The Countertops

Using rough pads to clean your marble countertop can lead to scratching that can severely degrade the appearance of the stone. Also, abrasive pads can damage the protective sealant, which could make the stone more prone to staining. For this reason, you should only use soft materials, such as cotton or microfiber, to clean the countertop. Also, you should make sure that you only use white cloths to prevent pigments from rubbing off onto the countertop.

For more information and tips for caring for your marble countertops or other natural stone, contact stone companies like Earth Stone.

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