To maintain the pristine outlook of your marble, you need daily cleaning and periodic professional care (weekly). Since marble is porous in nature, the stone is highly sensitive to abrasive materials and acids.
Key Takeaways
- Using a pH-neutral cleaner and non-abrasive cloths or soft sponges is essential to keep the marble shiny and looking stain-free.
- Sealing the surface after a water test every 6-12 months is crucial, as marble is porous.
- Mats and Coasters can protect the originality of marble, especially in the kitchen or high-traffic areas.
A report shows that the Indian marble market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5%, and by 2035, it will reach $7.0 billion. The increasing demand for marble in corporate and residential areas in India is highly driven by minimalist and traditional preferences, and now it plays a pivotal role in improving the overall aesthetics.
So, how can you take care of marble in Indian houses? What should you use and what shouldn’t you to maintain the practical value and natural aesthetics of marble? Here are our recommendations.
1. Use pH-Neutral Cleaners and Non-Abrasive Materials
5-minutes-attention everyday is essential to ensure the consistency of marble – whether it’s the glow or performance. Here’s our premium marble care guide to secure the stunning look of your marble for years:
- Use a soft microfiber cloth with a small amount of pH-neutral cleaner and warm water to wipe down the marble surface daily. You can also use mild dish soap.
- Since standing water often leaves mineral spots on the marble, dry the surface immediately to avoid staining.
- Before wet cleaning, dry Indian marble for flooring or kitchen countertops with a microfiber cloth, chamois, or soft sponges. Do not use stiff-bristled brushes, steel wool, or scouring pads for marble scratch prevention, and preserve the natural shine of the marble.
- Every week, use a marble-specific polish if the surface looks dull between sealings.
Pro Tip: Keep a separate spray bottle of pH-neutral marble cleaner beside the sink, since it will be easier to grab and use consistently.
2. Blot Spills Immediately
Since marble is a metamorphic rock, formed from limestone, it often contains microscopic spaces and interlocking mineral crystals; it is porous in nature. Because of this, coffee, citrus, or wine often seeps in and creates deep stains.
Here are our suggestions on how to get rid of staining issues:
- Do not wipe, but blot. In this regard, use a soft cloth to absorb the spill with a gentle press, without spreading it on the marble surface.
- Wipe the area, once blotted, with a clean cloth. Use warm water for the best rinsing.
- Use a clean cloth to dry the surface immediately to avoid unwanted water spots.
Pro Tip: For stubborn stains, use a mixture of water and baking soda. Apply the paste to the stained area, and leave it untouched for a few hours before you wipe it. Immediate stain-removing intervention ensures the marble surface is pristine and bright for years.
3. Seal the Surface
Since marble is porous in nature, you need to seal the surface every 6-12 months to protect its beauty and performance. Here are our suggestions on sealing, essential for marble restoration.
- Start with a Water Test. Pour a few drops on several areas of the marble, and check if the water beads up after 5-10 minutes or not. If the water darkens the surface of marble and is absorbed quickly, you need to reseal.
- Remove the dirt or grease with a pH-neutral cleaner and wait 24 hours to let it dry completely.
- Apply the sealer carefully on small sections, using an applicator pad, foam brush, or spray.
- Allow the sealer to dry for 10-15 minutes, and make sure the marble remains wet during this period.
- Wipe off the excess sealer by cleaning it thoroughly before it dries. This is crucial as leaving the additional sealer on the marble surface will create a hazy, sticky film, which will affect the marble’s aesthetics and durability.
4. Prevent Scratches with Mats and Coasters
Here’s our suggestion on marble scratch prevention, which eventually enhances the consistency of marble aesthetics and performance.
- While keeping glasses on the marble, use coasters under them, especially if they contain alcoholic or acidic drinks, as these are able to create stains and hamper the spontaneity of the marble’s outlook.
- In cases of hot pans or pots, use trivets to prevent discoloration and thermal shock.
- Protect marble from sharp objects like knives. Knives create scratches and dull the marble’s natural aesthetics.
- In high-traffic areas, use doormats or area rugs to trap the constant grit, acting like sandpaper.
5. Schedule Professional Polishing
Minor etching and scratches are often found on the marble surface after years of use. So, professional marble polishing is essential to keep the shine intact.
- Seek professional support for honing, as they provide coarse diamond pads (100-200 git) to remove the scratch-driven issues.
- Get professional marble restoration services for improving the marble shine with polishing powder and surface sealing.
Get the Best Marble Maintenance Guidance and Professional Help from a Reputed Company.
Looking for the best-quality marble and care guidance? Opt for a marble brand with positive customer reviews and testimonials. Don’t forget to check the pricing to avoid budget overrun issues.
