Do’s and Don’ts of Marble Countertops (Short Guide)

Are you struggling to keep your marble kitchen or bathroom countertop in good condition? You aren’t alone.
Marble is one of the most luxurious natural stone building materials owing to its gorgeous and uniquely detailed veining in contrasting hues. It’s no wonder then that it has become a popular material in homes throughout the country.
Marble fabricators in Toronto advise their clients to pay attention when caring for their countertop to ensure it stays beautiful for a long time. Also, you need to be careful not to damage the surface when trying to care for it as marble is among the most delicate natural stones.
To help you make the most of your marble countertop, here is a guide to preserving its appearance.

Marble Countertops: Some Basic Do’s and Don’ts

If you have marble countertops, whether it’s the kitchen or bathroom, pay attention to these do’s and don’ts that marble fabricators in Toronto swear by.

Do’s

1. Be Careful

When dealing with a marble kitchen countertop, be careful when handling acidic food and drink as it’s a sensitive natural stone, even more so than granite. Items such as wine, coffee, soda, tomato sauce, and fruit juices can dull or etch the surface. And, when left standing for a long time, the resultant stains are virtually impossible to get rid of.
To prevent these, it’s a good idea to use coasters and placemats in kitchens. In bathrooms, protect your marble countertop from acetone and other damaging chemicals. A good idea is to keep beauty and hygiene products on a decorative tray or cloth to add an extra layer of protection against different stains.

2. Use Coasters, Trivets, and Cutting Boards

Kitchen marble countertops need to be taken care of to prevent etches and scratches. This is why marble fabricators recommend using cutting boards when chopping vegetables and cutting meats. Additionally, you should always use trivets before setting down hot pots and pans to prevent scorching and coasters before placing anything containing liquids on the surface.

3. Apply Sealant Regularly

A marble countertop should be sealed in order to retain its gorgeous appearance. This is especially true of honed ones which are more porous and prone to staining. Any small hole in this surface will absorb debris or spills if not sealed regularly. That is why it is recommended that you seal your marble countertop at least once every year. A polished marble countertop does not require sealing as often.

It is vital that you use safe techniques to protect and maintain your marble countertops. If you are not sure how to do this, consult our professionals. Failing to seal this marble countertop may damage it, and this damage can be so difficult to repair that you have to buy a new one.

4. Use Safe Cleaning Products

Always use safe cleaning products on marble countertops to avoid damage. Buy ones that are specially designed for marble and other natural stone countertops. Harsh cleaners or creamy solutions may damage the marble. Your marble fabricator in Toronto may suggest a suitable cleaning product.

When cleaning this countertop, allow the solution to sink in. This will allow you to wipe away debris or stains on the marble. Carefully read the instructions on the product label to ensure you are using it correctly.

5. Polish Your Marble Countertop

If you have scratches or etched rings on your marble countertop, add stone polish to treat its damaged surface. This technique will keep your marble countertop in good condition.

Don’ts

1. Use the Countertop as a Workbench

Don’t use your marble countertop as a worktop or staging area to complete DIY projects or other home repairs. While marble is durable, it isn’t invincible. Moreover, being a natural stone, marble has a certain softness that hammers, nails, screws, and screwdrivers can gouge and scratch. Once damaged, it will be costly and time-consuming to repair, if it can be done at all.

2. Use Standard Household Cleaners

Regular household cleaners will either burn or corrode the marble finish and create etching or dull spots. This is because they are rich in alkalis, acids and other destructive chemicals. These chemicals may etch the countertop and even corrupt the sealant, thereby leaving the marble more at risk of staining.

3. Use Bleach, Hydrogen Peroxide, Vinegar, Ammonia, Orange or Lemon Cleaners

Popular cleaners like bleach, ammonia, citrus, vinegar and hydrogen peroxide are harsh on marble and will cause permanent damage. Using only a sponge with hot water for regular cleaning and a high-quality marble cleaner occasionally is enough to keep your marble countertop clean and beautiful.

4. Put Too Much Weight

Marble countertops aren’t meant to handle too much weight so don’t place heavy objects on them and avoid standing or sitting on them. In time, this will weaken the material and may result in the countertop losing its structural integrity.

5. Keep Toiletries on Marble Countertops

Shampoo, toothpaste, hair colours, colognes, creams, lotions, and nail polish can etch or stain the marble surface and leave behind dull spots or rings. To protect your countertop, keep these items on a tray or elsewhere. Follow the same advice when it comes to keeping bottles of cooking oil on the marble countertop in your kitchen.

6. Use Bathroom Tile or Grout Cleaners

Bathroom tile and grout cleaners contain abrasives that scratch and dull the surface. As mentioned, use only cleaners that are meant for cleaning marble.

Marble countertops add a touch of elegance and sophistication to a home. They are considered luxurious and match well with all kinds of decor. Many homeowners invest in marble slabs and countertops for their Toronto homes because of their durability, visual appeal and functionality.

Now that you are well aware of what you should and shouldn’t do with marble countertops, you can ensure that it lasts many years while retaining its beauty and durability. But make sure you choose a reliable marble fabricator to ensure a lifelong investment.