When cleaning marbles, cleaning is never just as simple as “wax on, wax off.” Your counters will always need to be prepped for cleaning. You can do this by dusting off any dirt or particles that might be sitting on the surface of the marble . Taking this first preparatory step will allow any countertop cleaning agents that you use to work more effectively and there will be less risk of scratching the surface of the marble. We recommend The Marble Clinics countertop cleaner R-311 for daily and weekly cleaning. Regular cleaning of your marbles with R-311 will keep the surface clean while maintaining both the polish and seal. Also, should you ever find yourself simply strolling through the kitchen or waiting for a roast to come out of the oven, take the time to lightly dust the countertops with a microfiber cloth. Dusting weekly can help to preserve the luminescent shine that is so often desired with marble countertops.
When wet cleaning a marble countertop you will want to avoid the followings substances: citrus juice, acidic cleaners, vinegar, and tomato juice. Instead, you should use PH-neutral cleaners - such as soft dish soap - or cleaners that are specifically designed for the upkeep of marble. For polished marble we recommend The Clinic’s R311; this spay is buffed with a paper towel and maintains a clean, polished surface incredibly smooth to the touch. For honed surfaces try MC24 and a soft sponge - this PH-neutral soap will not produce a shine like the spray product. Both products are designed to maintain and prolong the life of impregnating sealers. If you would prefer not to use specialized products, we recommend some soft dish-soap (my favorite is Dawn) and warm water. Liquids like vinegar or liquids that contain acidic compounds can be abrasive to the surface of marble countertops and will cause surface damage.
Accidents, spills, and mishaps are almost unavoidable and imminent in every. With marble, make sure you are quick to clean up the mess – so long as the surface is protected with a high quality silicon-based sealer such as GranQuartz 314P, you should have the time to wipe it up before the damage is done. Be careful with acidic juices and use preventative measures to avoid pet urination. Should your marble countertop surface become damaged, take a look at this article - marble etching removal, with The Marble Refinishing Kit. Do not let soap or cleaning agents sit too long on your marble countertop, because it can dry up and stain the surface. If anything, just try to practice the proper preventative and daily measures to keep your marble countertops in good shape. Avoid leaving wet dishes or glasses to dry directly on the marble surface and remember to wipe up spills immediately after they happen. All things considered, you must still remember to enjoy the exquisite material - regular use will never damage the stone past repair.
