How to Clean Marble

We have had a handful of inquiries about how to clean marble, especially when it comes to green cleaning methods. Rest assured that marble can be cleaned without harsh chemicals or high-priced cleaners. In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of eliminating commercial cleaners and then we’ll give you our top ten tips for green cleaning marble.

There’s a reason why cleaning product companies rarely include a list of ingredients on their product packaging. They hope you won’t investigate, that you won’t realize the dangers these products can pose to your family’s health. Commercial marble cleaners typically contain solvents and other chemicals that can be extremely irritating and often hazardous to our bodies.

Because marble surfaces are often found in kitchens, where we spend a lot of our time and where our families and our food are likely to come in contact with whatever cleaning products we use, it’s important to clean without the toxins. Plus, when you switch to natural products, you’ll immediately begin saving money. When you think about it, there aren’t many reasons to stick with chemical cleaners. Here are our top ten ways on how to clean marble:

• Dust or vacuum marble floors frequently to remove crumbs and dirt that can damage marble surfaces. If you’re using a vacuum cleaner, make sure the wheels aren’t scratching the marble before you do the entire floor.
• The best method for the regular cleaning of marble floors is to run over them with a soft mop dampened with a small amount of plain water. How’s that for chemical free?
• Those areas that call for more than just water can be cleaned with a soft sponge and some castile soap diluted with water. This will effectively remove grime, but it’s best to use this method only on the areas that really need some extra cleaning. Always dry marble surfaces after using liquids on them. Also, use coasters on marble countertops to avoid getting moisture rings.
• Never use acidic cleaners, such as vinegar, on marble. Because marble is a naturally porous stone, the acid can leave permanent scratch marks.
• Use cornstarch to remove oily rings or spots from marble. Sprinkle cornstarch onto the oil, and let it sit for a few hours, or even overnight. Then, wipe the cornstarch off with a damp rag. Repeat this process if you can still see some of the oil. Finally, clean the spot with soap and water and a soft cloth.
• Dry spills or wet spots immediately to prevent them from causing damage to marble surfaces. Because marble is so porous, those stains soak any quickly. Getting to them immediately will save you from having to do more serious stain removal later.
• A layer of colorless wax can be applied to protect marble surfaces. Wax, even the colorless kind, should not be used on white marble though, because it can cause yellowing.
• Wiping spills, especially when it’s something like fruit juice or wine, can cause streaking or an even larger stain. Instead, buff or dab in small circles.
• Use soft, gentle cloths and sponges when cleaning marble, instead of abrasive ones that will cause damage.
• Keep soap residue from building up on marble surfaces in bathrooms by wiping them with a clean dry towel after each use.

So, marble does take a little extra care, but you can keep it clean, green, and looking great for a lot less money.

Thanks for checking out our article about how to clean marble.

Happy cleaning!