Common Enemies of Marble Countertops in Toronto Homes: Prevention & Care Tips

Are you worried about staining the marble countertops in your Toronto home? Do you fear damaging the surface with acidic foods or red wine? Then you’ve come to the right place.

Marble is very popular for its beauty and timeless charm. However, unlike nearly indestructible granite, marble is much softer, making it more susceptible to scratches and etching caused by metal objects and acidic substances.

Indeed, many things can damage marble, but there are ways to prevent it. Let’s find out what they are.

Marble Countertops in Toronto: Common Enemies, Prevention & Care

Discover marble’s common foes and how to prevent them from damaging your kitchen and bathroom countertops.

1. Acidic Foods

Many foods have naturally occurring acids that can damage marble over time. Marble is a natural stone with many tiny pores, making it easy for liquids to seep in.

When these liquids aren’t cleaned up in time, they stain and etch the countertop, making it look dull and lacklustre. Foods such as coffee, citrus fruits, vinegar, and tomatoes are among the most common acidic items known to damage marble.

Your best bet is to clean spills promptly using a soft microfiber cloth. Warm distilled water also cuts through acidic substances, so wipe the area with it once the spill is cleaned. This will prevent the stain from setting in and the liquid from etching the surface. If you notice any etching on the countertop, use a store-bought etch remover or a marble polishing product to ensure your countertop looks as good as new.

It’s also a good idea to always use cutting/chopping boards during food preparation to reduce the chances of your countertop getting damaged. Keep kitchen towels handy to ensure spills don’t sit on the surface long. Additionally, when placing drinks on the countertop, be sure to use a coaster.

By following these tips, your countertop will look good as new for years to come.

2. Red Wine

The red pigments in wine (called tannins) come from the skin of the grape and have the potential to discolour your marble countertop. If you mistakenly spill some of it on the surface, chances are it will leave a mark. This happens because the surface’s minute pores absorb any liquid, resulting in a stain.

But don’t worry—it can be cleaned using simple remedies. For example, you can buy a commercially available poultice powder and mix it with warm water to make a paste. When the paste reaches the consistency of peanut butter, apply it to the stain. The paste must be a half to a quarter-inch thick. After application, cover the paste with plastic wrap and leave it for 24 hours. Finish by wiping it with a soft cloth.

You can also opt for different mixtures of readily available substances to remove stains from light or dark-coloured marble countertops. For the former, mix one part hydrogen peroxide with two parts baking soda; for the latter, mix one part acetone with two parts baking soda. Apply the mixture to the stained area and put plastic wrap over it to lock in the moisture. Remove the wrap after 24 hours and rinse the area with distilled water on a soft cloth. This will remove the discolouration from your countertop.

3. Sticky Substances

Do you have children? Then you have probably had gum stuck or something sticky spilled on your beloved countertop.

Relax. Removing them might seem risky but is in fact quite easy. You just have to make sure not to use metal tools to remove them as they can damage the marble’s sealant; instead, use a plastic spatula or spoon to scrape and lift the substance away.

You can also use pH-neutral soap mixed with warm water to coat the sticky mess and wipe it away. Additionally, gum can be removed by placing an ice cube in a plastic bag and rubbing it over it. Once the gum dries, you can scrape it away more easily. For tougher substances, apply three tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and rinse it with a soft cloth.

4. Makeup and Bathroom Products

Like your kitchen, bathroom countertops require proper care and maintenance. The surface can get easily stained due to exposure to different liquids, like oil, soap, and shampoo. That’s why you must be very careful when using these items around the custom marble countertops in your Toronto home. As the liquid gets absorbed into the marble through its tiny pores, the result can be discolouration or staining.

However, the stain removal process is rather simple. First, you need to wipe the area with a clean cloth. Next, mix a mild pH-neutral dish soap with warm water and spread it over the surface. Then lightly rinse the stained area to remove the discolouration.

You can also prevent staining by placing a tray on your countertop to store your bathroom products. Then, clean any spill instantly.

5. Heat

Marble is a natural stone composed of minerals that are sensitive to temperature changes. This is why marble countertops cannot withstand high temperatures.

However, using marble as a kitchen countertop means it will be exposed to high heat. Moreover, putting scalding hot pots and pans directly on a marble countertop can cause thermal shock, resulting in cracking, discolouration, and yellowing of the surface. This thermal shock happens due to the sudden fluctuation in temperature, from cool to hot.

Similarly, bathroom countertops are exposed to heat from hair straighteners, curlers, and dryers. Prolonged exposure to heat can damage them, as severely hot items make marble expand, resulting in cracks.

To prevent this, place your hot utensils and equipment on heat-resistant pads and trivets. These will act as a buffer between the marble surface and the heat source, eliminating the risk of heat damage.

 
While marble mishaps can be prevented, fixed, and restored in certain cases, marble etching and aging are common. Marble countertops in Toronto bathrooms and kitchens are relatively simple to maintain. As long as you keep them away from acidic foods and drinks, sticky substances, and heat, they will look fantastic. In addition to being beautiful, marble countertops are an investment that needs to be properly cared for to maintain their longevity and beauty. You can make sure that your marble countertops last for many years and continue to add beauty to your room by adhering to these care and maintenance guidelines. Remember, maintaining the timeless charm of marble just requires a small amount of regular attention.