How to Clean Marble and to Protect Its Beauty

If you’ve invested in marble surfaces – whether countertops, floors, or bathroom features – you’ve likely already discovered that maintaining their beauty isn’t effortless. Knowing how to clean marble properly is essential to keep it gleaming and damage-free for years to come. Marble’s natural elegance comes with a delicate composition that requires careful, non-abrasive cleaning methods.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know about caring for marble – from daily upkeep to stain removal and long-term protection.

Why Marble Needs Special Care

Marble may look solid and sturdy, but it’s surprisingly soft and porous. That means it absorbs liquids, scratches easily, and can become etched when exposed to even mildly acidic or alkaline substances.

Some quick reminders before diving into how to clean marble:

• Never use vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or ammonia.
• Avoid abrasive scrubbers or powders.
• Always check that any cleaner is labeled safe for marble.
• Only use pH-neutral products.

Even common liquids like orange juice, wine, or coffee can etch marble permanently if left to sit. The moment a spill happens, clean it up – fast.

Daily Marble Cleaning

Daily maintenance is simple and takes just a few minutes:

• Use a clean, soft cloth or mop to wipe the surface.
• Dampen with lukewarm water—avoid very hot water.
• If needed, add a drop or two of gentle dish soap to your cleaning water. Never use more than that.
• Dry the area thoroughly with a dry microfiber or shammy cloth to prevent water spots or moisture absorption.

This basic routine is all that’s needed most days to keep dust, footprints, and minor spills under control.

How to Clean Marble Weekly

To keep marble surfaces looking fresh and polished, a weekly clean can help maintain the shine:

• Mix warm water with a few drops of Murphy Oil Soap (a tip from professional installers).
• Wipe the marble with a sponge or terry cloth.
• Dry with a clean towel or shammy to bring out the shine.

Avoid over-washing – marble doesn’t need aggressive cleaning, just gentle upkeep.

Heavy-Duty Marble Cleaning

Sometimes, marble needs more than a light wipe:

• Use a commercial marble cleaner labeled safe for natural stone.
• Always follow the product instructions.
• Consider applying a commercial-grade marble polish afterward to protect the surface and restore shine.
• Don’t use heavy-duty cleaners more than necessary. Occasional use is fine – routine use can cause dulling.

How to Clean Marble Stains

Despite your best efforts, spills happen. Knowing how to clean marble when it’s stained is key to minimizing long-term damage.

Food & Organic Stains

• Blot immediately – don’t rub.
• Mix 20% hydrogen peroxide with a teaspoon of ammonia.
• Apply with a clean cloth and let it sit briefly.
• Wipe clean and repeat if needed.

Oil-Based Stains

• Sprinkle cornstarch or baking soda on the stain.
• Let it sit for at least 1 hour; reapply and leave overnight if needed.
• Brush away the powder, then wash with a mild detergent solution.
• Rinse well and dry completely.

Etched or Dull Areas

Etching looks like dull spots or rings. Here’s how to handle it:

• Use tin oxide (also called marble polishing powder)—rub gently with a soft cloth.
• For deeper etching, an electric buffer or professional stone restoration service may be needed.
• Don’t attempt to sand or grind the marble yourself – this requires expert tools and skills.

Sealing and Polishing Marble

Knowing how to clean marble is only half the battle – protecting it is just as important.

• Seal marble every 6 months (more often in high-traffic or wet areas).
• Apply a quality marble sealer after thoroughly cleaning the surface.
• Use a clean cloth to apply polish/sealer in sections, then buff with a shammy or soft towel.

For floors:

• Use area rugs or runners in high-use zones to reduce wear.
• Be cautious when moving furniture to avoid scuffing or scratching.

How to Clean Marble Care

Marble is a beautiful, timeless material that deserves careful maintenance. Learning how to clean marble correctly can make all the difference between a surface that dulls quickly and one that maintains its natural beauty for years.

To recap:

• Stick with gentle, pH-neutral products.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Avoid acidic or alkaline substances at all costs.
• Maintain a regular cleaning routine and reseal periodically.

By treating marble like the luxury material it is, you’ll keep it looking just as polished and pristine as the day it was installed.