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Maintaining Marble Countertops

Marble countertops add a sense of luxury to any home. But the soft, porous material can also be prone to etching and stains.

We suggest resealing your marble countertops between 2 to 4 times a year as this can liquids and moisture from soaking into the stone, which can damage and shorten its lifespan.

In this post, we offer tips for removing stains and scratches, sealing and polishing your marble countertop.

Removing Scratches from Marble Countertops

Fortunately, there are many ways to remove scratches and stains from Carrara marble countertops. However, deep scratches and major problems should be left to the professionals.

Method 1: Soap & Water

The first step is to clean the area with a solution of mild dish soap and warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wring it out to make it damp rather than soaked. Then, rub the scratch with the moist cloth.

You will probably need to repeat this process multiple times to fully remove the mark. Once the mark is gone, you should rinse the countertop with a clean cloth and dry it thoroughly.

Method 2: Polishing Compound

Another way to fix minor scratches is to use a polishing compound. You can buy these products for home use and they are often available in small quantities. Just be sure that you choose a product that does not contain any acid.

If you’re using a polishing compound, apply it to the spot and use your fingers to work the product into the stone. Be careful not to overwork the marble, or you could damage the surface.

After applying the polish, you should wait a few minutes to let it set before removing the excess. Afterwards, wipe the surface with a clean cloth to restore its shine.

Method 3: Sanding

For more severe scratches, you may need to sand down the affected area. Sanding the scratch will help to smooth out the surface. You can also apply a specialized marble polishing paste to the area and buff it to shine again.

Preventing Etches

Etches are a common issue on marble surfaces, and they’re caused by acids coming into contact with the calcium carbonate found on marble. These acids will eventually eat away at the surface layer of the marble, resulting in a dull spot that looks like a hard water stain.

In order to prevent etching, you should avoid using cleaners with bleach or vinegar on marble surfaces. These products are often used to disinfect kitchen areas, but they can cause etching when used on marble countertops.

In addition, you should always keep a barrier between your marble countertops and the acidic liquids that are commonly found in kitchens. Keeping an area rug or doormat at the entrance and exit of your house will help to prevent tracking dirt and spills across your countertops. You should also use trivets under hot pans and dishes to protect the countertop from any potential damage.

Removing Stains From Marble Countertops

Fortunately, there are several ways to remove stains and restore your countertop to its original color.

First, avoid stains in the first place by using coasters and trivets to prevent water from dripping on your counters and damaging them. You can also use a sponge or a non-abrasive cloth to wipe up any spills on your countertops quickly.

If you find that your counters are getting stained regularly, consider buying a specialized marble cleaner, like Rock Doctor’s Granite & Quartz Cleaner, to help get the stain out of the surface. This will help your marble look as good as new and extend its life.

Another way to protect your marble is by avoiding acidic liquids. These can damage the marble and make it dull. For example, fruit juices and tomato sauce can leave spots and other stains on your countertops. This is why it is important to use a cutting board and avoid using citrus drinks as much as possible on your marble surfaces.

Finally, don’t forget to wipe your countertops clean after each use and with a stone cleaner. Keeping your countertops clean and free of stains is the best way to protect your marble from discoloration and etching.

To remove stains from marble, the first thing you should do is identify which type of stain it is. There are three types of stains that can affect your countertops: oil-based stains, organic stains, and metal stains.

For oil-based stains, you will want to make a poultice that includes mineral spirits and 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. This poultice will help to suck the stain out of your marble and restore it to its natural color.

In addition, you will need to wipe away any organic stains that are on your marble. You can make an appropriate poultice that will include baking soda and a liquid solvent that is compatible with the type of stain you’re dealing with.

Sealing Marble Countertops

Marble is one of the most beautiful types of countertops you can buy, but it also requires more care and maintenance than other materials. It can become stained, scratched, and dull quickly without regular polishing or sealing. Luckily, there are some easy ways to keep your marble looking beautiful for years to come.

First, you need to understand how to seal your marble countertop. There are several different sealers available, but you should always choose a food-safe option. This will ensure that your countertops are safe to use in your kitchen, and you don’t risk any stains or contaminants getting on your food.

You should also look for a sealer that can help prevent etching. Etching is caused by acids and can make your stone look dull and ghost-like. It isn’t something you want to deal with, so it is important to choose a sealer that will prevent etching in the future.

To seal the marble, spray a generous amount of the sealer on all the dry surfaces. Be sure to spray it evenly and make sure it covers the entire surface. Once you’ve sprayed it, allow the sealer to sit for about 15 minutes. This will allow the sealer to soak into the marble and fill any pores that may have formed.

After the sealer has dried, you can buff the counters with a clean cloth to remove any excess product. This will help you get a nice shine and smoothness.

Once you have buffed the surface, use another clean cloth to apply a final coat of the sealer. You can do this in small sections or the whole countertop at once. The goal is to have the marble feel slick and shiny.

If you’re not familiar with the process of applying a sealer, it is highly recommended that you contact a professional for assistance. This will not only save you money, but it will also be more effective and safer than trying to do this yourself.

Once you’ve finished, your marble counters should be ready to use again. It is also recommended that you reseal them every 3-6 months, as this will help protect your counters from staining and prevent the formation of mold and mildew.

Polishing Marble Countertops

Polishing marble countertops can be a great way to maintain the look and feel of your kitchen counters. It’s also a great way to remove scratches and stains that have built up over time on the surface.

Before you can polish your marble, you’ll need to clean it well so that any dirt or dust is removed. You can use a mild detergent or a cleaning solution recommended by the manufacturer of your marble countertop. Once you’ve cleaned it, you can use a marble polishing pad to buff the countertop’s surface.

While you’re doing this, be sure to keep the rag or cloth that you’re using wet with water. This will help to prevent your countertops from being exposed to abrasives, which can etch your counters and make them dull.

You can also polish your marble by using a marble-polishing compound. There are many different types of compounds available, but you should choose a product that has a grit-size of somewhere between 1 and 3 microns. This will ensure that you can safely and effectively wet sand shallow scratches and surface stains off your marble.

Another way to polish your marble is by using a mixture of baking soda and water. You’ll need to mix this in a basin and then apply it to your countertops. After it dries, you can use a soft cloth to wipe the countertop.

Baking soda is a great disinfectant that can be used on marble, but it should be applied in small amounts to prevent damage. You can even apply this to the surface of your granite countertops if they’re prone to staining or have a buildup of grease.

A good marble polish can be purchased from most home improvement stores. This is an inexpensive option that can give your marble a new shine without risking the health of your family.

It’s best to use a marble-specific product, so be sure to read the label carefully. This can be a chemical that will restore your marble’s original finish, but it does not provide the glossy shine that you would get from sanding and refinishing it to begin with.

Gjana Construction

About the Author: Gjana ConstructionGjana Construction is a trusted licensed contractor in residential and commercial construction, renovations and remodels with more than 20 years of experience. Our blog and web articles shares expert tips, insights, trends and best practices.

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