Prevent stains on marble and extend the life of your natural stone’s beauty with these 7 tips for daily maintenance!
As a naturally occurring stone, marble is a truly precious material – there is a limited supply, and every piece is one-of-a-kind! This is part of what makes it so valuable, and well worth taking care of. Like most of the finer things in life, there are a few extra steps needed to ensure it maintains its beauty for the long haul.
Thankfully the most important daily maintenance tips aren’t difficult, and take just a few minutes a day:
1. Preventing stains on marble starts with wiping up spills immediately:
When you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to think you can clean up later, but wiping up quickly can make all the difference! Natural marble is porous, so soaps and shampoos, wine or acidic liquids, peroxide, hair coloring, toothpaste, and other products can soak right into your marble and discolor it. The same goes for harsh chemicals, from all-purpose cleaners to typical bathroom/kitchen cleaning products (see #2 for the best alternative). So, first, keep a microfiber cloth handy in the bathroom, kitchen, or anywhere you need quick cleanups, and then…
2. Use a pH-Neutral Cleaner ONLY (Say it again: NO Harsh Chemicals!)
When something spills on your marble, wiping it off fast is key. Using a cleanser designed for marble is best. If you miss something and a stain gets started, treat it promptly by applying a poultice made of baking soda and water to the stained area, then cover with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24 hours before wiping away. This will clean the surface without damaging the stone or its sealant.
BONUS TIP: To keep your shower bacteria-free, mix up your own daily spray! Mix ½ c distilled water, ½ c hydrogen peroxide (3% solution), and 3 drops green Palmolive® dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray your surface and after your shower let it sit for about 10 minutes, then wipe down. If you like, you can polish lightly with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.
3. Dry Surfaces After Use:
Regardless of any of the above, after using the bathroom, shower, or any area that tends to stay wet – like around the sink – DRY the marble surfaces with a soft towel. This helps prevent water from penetrating the stone and causing dark spots.
4. Use Mats and Rugs:
Mats or rugs are extremely helpful for protecting areas that are frequently wet, such as in front of the sink, shower, or bathtub, and preventing stains on marble. They’ll help absorb water and prevent it from sitting on the marble surface.
5. Use Coasters and Trays:
And not just for your coffee mug or wine glass: in areas where you place toiletries, soap dispensers etc, use coasters or trays to prevent products from directly contacting the marble. This is especially important for items like perfumes, hair dyes, or acidic products.
6. Address Mildew in Grout Promptly:
For mildew in grout, use that mixture of baking soda and water again, or a specialized grout cleaner. Apply the paste to the grout, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. Ensure this area is well-ventilated to prevent mildew from returning – in fact, that’s worthy of a step all of its own…
7. Control Humidity:
Ensuring good ventilation in the bathroom is key to controlling humidity levels. Excess moisture can penetrate marble and lead to stains or mildew growth. Use an exhaust fan during and after showers to reduce humidity.
And, for the very best results in preventing stains on marble, schedule these maintenance steps every 6-24 months:
1. Seal the Marble Regularly:
Sealing marble is crucial to prevent it from absorbing liquids that can cause stains. It's a good idea to apply a high-quality marble sealer every 6 to 12 months. This will create a protective barrier that repels water and other substances.
2. Regular Maintenance:
Perform regular maintenance checks on your marble – or have a professional do so. This may include resealing it depending on how heavy your usage is of the area, but also checking for any microfissures, small cracks, or chips that could allow liquids to penetrate and cause stains.
3. Professional Inspection:
To truly protect your investment, every other year have a professional inspect your marble. In the northern New Jersey and New York City area, TersoMR is here to:
provide deep cleaning safely;
assess and fix microfissures in your grout and help avoid mold and mildew growing under the stone;
repair any damage;
and offer advice specific to your marble type and bathroom conditions.
By following these additional tips, you can greatly extend the life and beauty of your marble surfaces, ensuring they remain stain-free and attractive for years to come.
Comentários