How to Clean Marble Countertops

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How to Clean Marble Countertops

Staff Writer · Mar 22, 2011

Knowing how to clean marble countertops without damaging them is a must for any apartment dweller who may owe a hefty fee if responsible for damage to the apartment furnishings. Because marble is porous, it’s highly susceptible to scratches and stains if you don’t maintain it well.

Materials Needed:

  • PH-neutral cleaning solution or a mixture of 1 gallon warm water and 1/4 cup pH-neutral dish detergent
  • Warm water
  • Several soft rags
  • Hand-held soft-bristled brush and small dust pan
  • Step 1: Brush Away Debris and Dust

    Even when not giving your marble countertops a full cleaning, you regularly maintain them. This involves removing debris and dust from the countertops each day. The longer crumbs and other residue remains on them, the more likely it is to scratch the marble. Use your soft-bristled brush and dust pan to sweep away dust and debris.

    Step 2: Use Cleaning Solution

    When giving your countertops a thorough cleaning, you’ll need to use your pH-netural cleaning solution mixed with equal parts warm water. Unless you know how to clean marble countertops with this particular cleaner, it’s wise to test the cleaning solution first. Test the solution by putting a small amount on a rag and rubbing the rag on a small portion of the counter. If the solution does not stain or damage the marble, it should be safe to use.

    Dunk a soft rag into your solution and water mixture and wring out any excess. Use the damp rag to wipe the countertops in uniform back-and-forth motions. Try not to go over a section more than once.

    Step 3: Dry as You Clean

    To clean marble countertops properly and effectively, you shouldn’t wipe the entire countertop down with the damp rag all at once. Pause every few strokes and use a dry soft rag to dry the section you just cleaned. Dry the surface in a similar back-and-forth motion. Drying the surface quickly will help  decrease the risk of developing water stains.

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