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Marble is not just visually stunning—it’s also a durable material that can enhance your home for years. Commonly used for countertops, flooring, and even showers, marble is known for its strength and elegance. However, its hardness doesn’t make it immune to damage from improper care.
While many cleaning products work wonders elsewhere in your home, they can harm marble surfaces. To help you avoid this, the experts at ThisOldHouse.com have created a comprehensive guide to cleaning marble safely. Here are the key takeaways.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Marble
To begin, let’s identify what can harm marble, ensuring you know what to steer clear of. According to the editors of ThisOldHouse.com, here are some key examples:
Applying excessive force or scrubbing too hard can lead to scratches or etching on the marble surface.
Cleaning agents with acidic properties—whether natural or synthetic—can quickly erode marble. Common culprits include vinegar, lemon juice, Windex, bleach, and rust removers.
Alkaline or basic cleaners, such as ammonia, borax, and lye, can also cause harm to marble.
Using abrasive cleaners or rough sponges can result in surface etching.
Proper Techniques for Cleaning Marble Safely
With the potential hazards in mind, here’s how to clean marble surfaces in your home without causing damage, as recommended by the editors of ThisOldHouse.com:
Opt for a gentle, pH-neutral, non-abrasive soap, such as dish soap. While specialized marble cleaners exist, dish soap is effective and readily available, eliminating the need for additional purchases.
Apply a few drops of a safe soap to a damp cloth or mix it with warm water in a spray bottle. Gently wipe the marble surface. Remember, a little soap goes a long way, and excess can leave a residue.
After cleaning with soap, rinse the marble immediately and dry it thoroughly to prevent streaks or water spots.
