How to clean marble and make it shine? Techniques to use and products to avoid

Marble is a durable multipurpose material that is greatly appreciated for its refined, noble and timeless beauty. However, those lucky enough to have marble objects at home know very well that this luxury material requires regular maintenance if it is to be kept in perfect condition. So how do you clean marble and make it shine in all its glory? Which substances and techniques to use for which surfaces and which products should certainly be avoided at the risk of damaging its texture? How to remove stubborn stains from old marble? Here are the answers to all these questions and more in the current information sheet!

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How to clean marble: the complete sheet!

Considering that marble is a metamorphic limestone, its structure is relatively soft and easy to damage. Also, its porous nature makes it particularly susceptible to acids (found in citrus fruits, wine, vinegar and some chemical cleaning products) which can cause corrosion. So, if you find yourself with a stained countertop after spilling red wine or if your marble floor needs a thorough cleaning, check out our guide and find out how to clean marble easily and restore its shine. yesteryear without risk of damaging it.

Everyone knows that prevention is the best cure. And this applies all the more when we talk about the maintenance of surfaces and objects at home. As cleaning the microwave or the ceramic hob becomes an ever more tedious chore over time, marbled surfaces also require regular maintenance to preserve their original beauty. Likewise, :

Before explaining how to clean marble and with which detergents, it is advisable to list which products are necessarily to be avoided. So, if you want to preserve the appeal of your marbled objects, steer clear of:

*In some cases, ammonia can be used to make the white marble shine, but it must be diluted in advance

What products should I use to clean marble?

When aiming to clean tough yet delicate marble, a gentle approach is always best. That is to say not only to use products that are not very aggressive, but also not to apply too much force when rubbing. So try one of the simple yet effective methods below to remove dirt and stains from marble in your home.

Hot distilled water

Distilled water is recommended for cleaning marble, as it contains almost no impurities or minerals, which means that the risk of staining or discoloring the surface is reduced to zero. Hot distilled water is ideal for quickly removing recent dirt and if used frequently, you reduce the need for chemical cleaning products, the excessive use of which can potentially damage the marble. It is, however, rarely sufficient in itself and it is mainly used to dilute another product...

Mild dishwashing liquid / soaps

So get some mild dishwashing liquid or another type of delicate detergent like this. A few squirts in a large basin of warm water are completely sufficient. Using liquid black soap or Marseille soap to clean marble is another very good idea and although the pH of these products is very high, they are safe for your compact limestone objects. Logically, soaps and dishwashing liquid are perfect for greasy stains.

Almighty Baking Soda

Is there any dirt Miracle Baking Soda couldn't get rid of and any surface it couldn't deep clean? If so, it's definitely not marble! To get the most out of it, you will first need to dilute the white powder in question in hot water. Then, dip a clean cloth in water, wipe your marble countertop with it, and make it shine like new! Keep in mind that you can also apply the powder directly and leave it on if it's a set-in stain.

Baking soda is a very mild abrasive (which you can even use to whiten your teeth naturally!), but being careful is never out of place. So be careful not to apply too much force when rubbing, but rather gently wipe the surface in circular motions using a clean cloth. It is the ideal product for removing stubborn stains and polishing counters or floors at home. Not even to mention that it's inexpensive, easy to find/use, and it has deodorizing abilities too!

corn flour for cleaning marble

Cornmeal is a super absorbent product that is great for removing grease stains from your marble surfaces. For best results, try to treat oily spots as soon as they appear. Sprinkle some cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for about half an hour to absorb the grease. Then, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off the cornmeal as well as the dirt residue. For old stains, spray the stain with distilled water and apply a thick layer of cornstarch. Leave on for at least 24 hours before wiping off.

The special marble and natural stone cleaner

Of course, you can also use special marble and natural stone cleaners, at best without rinsing, which will save you a lot of time and effort. However, these pre-made detergents are more expensive than the means listed above and they often contain various chemicals. Along these lines, pay even more attention if it's the marble countertop that you want to clean. Make sure that the product used is suitable for food contact.

How to make marble shine?

To make marble shine at home, you must first clean it perfectly using one of the aforementioned methods. You can similarly benefit from a little rubbing alcohol to both loosen and polish the targeted surfaces. Then, you must apply an extremely thin layer of linseed oil or olive oil. Usually two or three drops on the cloth for the entire worktop will be completely sufficient and you may even need to wipe off the excess.

As an alternative, one can take advantage of petroleum jelly, natural beeswax or soy wax. Always, we clean the surface very well before polishing it, we only apply minimal quantities of the products offered and we wipe off any possible remains. Except for white marble, colorless jellies, paraffins and oils work for sour cherry, cipolin, black marble, Genoa Green, Maurin Green and so on, which is quite a big advantage.

Another tip for polishing and shining marble is to use crushed white chalk. Simply break a stick of white chalk and grind it to a fine powder using a pestle and mortar. Next, lightly dampen a cotton cloth and gently buff the marble in circular motions to restore the shine. Finally, wipe off any chalk residue with a clean, dry cloth. You can also polish dry using talc. As you might guess, chalk and talc are best suited for white marble.

Antique marble items may be easier to clean, especially when exposed to the weather. A good example are tombstones. If you're wondering how to clean a marble headstone, a good solution is to try the dish soap or black soap approach.

Prepare in advance a solution of one tablespoon of mild detergent for every 2-3 liters of water. Scrub the headstone using a soft, natural bristle brush. Rinse with pure water and dry with a clean cloth. Repeated once a year. Be aware that deep scratches can be removed with an abrasive treatment, but it is advisable to seek the services of a professional so as not to run unnecessary risks.

Sources used: www.cleanipedia.com

www.thespruce.com