Marble is a natural stone that has been used in many different ways throughout history. It was first discovered by the Greeks and Romans, who used it to make statues of gods and goddesses. Today Carrara marble is often seen as kitchen countertops due to its beautiful colors and durability. However, this material does need care to maintain its beauty for years to come.
This post will outline how you can properly care for your Carrara marble countertops so they are not damaged or discolored through improper use or neglect.
Contents
Step 1: Avoid Anything Abrasive or Acidic on Your Countertops
First of all, you should never use anything abrasive or acidic to clean your countertops as this can take off the surface and leave behind scratches that cannot be polished away. Furthermore, if a marble cleaner is too harsh for your counters, it might even etch them.
Avoid using hot water when cleaning marble surfaces as extreme heat can warp or crack the stone. Instead, use warm water and lukewarm soapy water to remove any stains or dirt.
Step 2: Maintain a Neutral PH Level
Cleaning and maintaining Carrara marble is not always as simple as it may seem. You can’t just run out and buy any old cleaner and expect great results with this material. Marble is porous, so too much moisture or harsh chemicals can damage the stone.
Clean the surface regularly with a mild soap and water solution. Do not let food particles collect on the surface as this will cause stains. The warmer the water, the better. Make sure you rinse very thoroughly after cleaning to avoid spotting or streaking. Marble cannot handle sitting wet for long periods of time.
Marble loves to be clean but hates harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based cleaners because the chemicals will damage the stone. It is also important to avoid using too much soap because it can leave a film on your countertop that decreases its shine.
Marble will also dull over time if not properly maintained, so make sure to take the time every now and then to wipe down your countertops with warm water and a little bit of vinegar. This will help keep them looking like new.
Step 3: Use Coasters
Use coasters to protect the surface from hot items such as pots and pans, which can discolor or damage the material. Do not let plates with citrus fruit juices sit on your countertop for extended periods of time because these acidic liquids will etch into marble and leave a permanent mark.
Make sure to use separate marble coasters for drinks and other substances that could cause staining if left on the stone too long (such as oil or vinegar).
For extra protection, we recommend using a tray underneath your drink coaster to catch any spills before they get onto the countertop material itself. This helps prevent permanent stains from taking hold.
Step 4: Avoid Direct Sunlight
Keep your marble countertop out of direct sunlight in order to prevent discoloration. If you do not have enough space to move the countertop, choose a different material for this area since marble is easily damaged by UV rays.
Step 5: Use a Marble Sealer
Marble is porous, which means that it absorbs things easily. If you want your countertops to maintain their beauty and color, then they need a good sealer. A marble sealer will prevent stains from seeping into the stone by creating an invisible shield around its surface.
It can also protect against heat damage due to hot pots or pans. It is important to seal the stone regularly. This will help to protect your marble from stains and water damage that could change its color over time.
We recommend using a high-quality sealer once every six months or so depending on use patterns in order to keep your Carrara marble looking strong and beautiful.
Step 6: Maintenance
Regularly wiping down the surface with a damp cloth can help prevent dirt and grease from becoming stuck to it, which could lead to damage. Additionally, make sure you wipe up spills immediately after they happen so that stains do not become permanent.
