A marble countertop is an exciting addition to your home. If you choose to add one of these beautiful pieces to your home, remember to treat it with extra care. Since marble is composed of calcium carbonate, it is susceptible to etching by any acids. Also, because marble is softer and more porous than a granite countertop, you may see more scratches, cracks, stains, and lacking luster over time if not taken care of properly. To maintain the longevity of your marble countertop, take a look at some of the ways you should be caring for it.
Daily Countertop Care
When you’re prepping meals in your kitchen, don’t let vinegar, citrus, splashes of acidic foods and drinks, coffee, wine, and other foods, to sit on your countertop. Even small amounts of these items can damage your marble countertops. If you plan to use your countertop for food preparation, it may be a good idea to put down a protective sheet or use a large cutting board.
For extra protection, if you plan to set hot dishes on your counter, you should always use placemats and coasters to serve. Once your meal is finished, immediately clean the countertop, and don’t let items sit!
Cleaning Your Marble Countertop
Before cleaning your countertop, check with your countertop company for their professional recommendations for cleaning your marble countertop. Altogether you should avoid using cleaning products that can etch the stone surface over time. Also, you should especially avoid any cleaning products that include vinegar, bleach, ammonia, lemon juice, or other citrus juices. All of these ingredients can damage or dull your countertop finish. Make sure you always have the appropriate cleaning products on hand and keep them separated from your other household cleaners.
Keep Up with Regular Maintenance
Marble should be sealed regularly, as recommended by the manufacturer. Sealing your countertop helps prevent stains and damage and will keep your marble countertop in pristine condition. Every marble countertop is different, and some marble surfaces don’t need as frequent maintenance as others. Always ask a professional before you move forward with any decisions.
Purchase a Reliable Marble Countertop
If you’re ready to install a marble countertop or have questions about the maintenance of marble, contact MC Granite Countertops. We’d be happy to help you answer any of the questions you may have. Contact us online to learn more!