With a unique pattern and shine, marble countertops make an elegant addition to your home. However, marble surfaces can be easily damaged by spilled foods or using the wrong cleaning products. You can protect marble by cleaning it with a soft cloth and a stone-safe cleaner. Marble usually costs more than granite, quartz or concrete countertops, so you’ll definitely want to make sure you avoid damaging it.

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Here’s how to clean and care for your marble countertops.

How to Avoid Stains on Marble Countertops

According to The Spruce, marble is composed of calcium carbonate and is vulnerable to stains and etching. Make sure to soak up spills immediately to avoid stains. Wipe the area as soon as possible with a soft cloth and marble cleaner. You can also use mild soap and water to clean marble surfaces and follow up by drying the marble with a soft towel.

What Cleaning Products Are Safe to Use on Marble?

The following types of products are safe to use on marble:

• pH-neutral stone cleaners
• Cleaning products made especially for marble
• Warm water and gentle soap

Harsh or acidic cleaning products are useful for cleaning many parts of the kitchen, including ovens, sinks and microwaves. These cleaners should never be used on marble. Even vinegar, lemon and other natural cleaning products can cause etching.

Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Marble?

A small amount of mild dish soap, like Dawn, mixed with water is a safe way to clean marble. Just make sure you don't use dish soap that is abrasive or contains acidic ingredients like lemon juice.

How Do You Get Stains Out of Marble Countertops?

You may be able to remove some stains with baking soda. Cover the stain with a mixture of baking soda and water, then let it sit. After 12 to 24 hours, gently wipe it away.

If the baking soda mixture doesn't work, you can try cleaning the spot with hydrogen peroxide. A final option is to remove the marble's sealant and clean the stain. This can be tricky and may leave part of your counter less shiny than the rest, so some people choose to hire a professional to handle this task.

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• How Much Does It Cost to Repair, Resurface or Refinish Countertops?
• How Much Do Marble Countertops Cost to Buy and Install?
• Concrete Countertops: You’ll Never Take ’Em for Granite
• How Much Do Quartz Countertops Cost?
• How Much Are Granite Countertops?

How Do You Make Marble Countertops Shine?

Stone sealant helps keep marble shiny, and it should be reapplied at least once per year. Rubbing or buffing marble polishing powder on an etched area of marble may return some of the shininess. You may also be able to repair etched or chipped areas with stone epoxy.

What’s the Best Product to Clean a Marble Shower?

Mild dish soap and water in a spray bottle makes a good marble shower cleaner, or you can use cleaners made for marble. According to The Spruce, a 12% hydrogen peroxide solution can help with tough stains. Avoid using vinegar, general household cleaners and bathroom cleaners containing chlorine.

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