Polishing Marble Countertops: Tips and Mistakes to Avoid

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  • Beginner
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What You'll Need
Baking Soda
Chamois Cloth
Water
Powdered Chalk
What You'll Need
Baking Soda
Chamois Cloth
Water
Powdered Chalk

Before attempting to polish marble countertops, there are a few things that must be considered to assure that you do not diminish its natural beauty. Marble is one of the most widely chosen materials for kitchens and bathrooms because it gives the room a unique ambiance. And with proper maintenance, this uniqueness can last a lifetime. Taking good care of your marble countertops demands that you be informed and persistent in maintenance routines. The results will be worth the extra effort.

At one time, polishing marble was a tiresome job. Several workers need to scrub the marble surface by hand just to achieve a polish. Modern techniques have been developed so there are a lot of ways to polish your marble countertops. Here are some tips and a few of the most common mistakes you will want to avoid making whenever you are doing so.

Clean Your Marble Countertop Regularly

Cleaning the counter one of the important things to do to properly maintain a marble countertop. You can use a damp cloth, preferably a chamois or microfiber. Use warm water and a few drops of mild dishwashing agents. Use warm water to rinse the marble countertop making sure that you have completely cleared the countertop of liquid detergent.

Do not use either bar or powdered soap because it will leave a residue on the marble. Also, avoid using bleach and other cleaning products containing alkaline and acid because it will degrade the sealer on the countertop. Vinegar, ammonia, orange, or lemon must also be avoided because they contain natural acids. Though a quality sealer is important to protect your marble countertop, it may not always be necessary because not all types of marble require sealing. Some marble doesn't absorb sealers, leaving them dry on the surface. If this is the case, it is best not to apply them.

Fix Spills Right Away

When you accidentally spill something in your countertop, you should clean it at once so that the material will not penetrate your marble. Materials such as cooking oil, wine, juices, coffee, and sauces will stain your countertop. Do not use coarse wipes in cleaning your countertop or you will end up scratching it.

Use Cleaning Products with Neutral pH

Since maintaining a polished marble countertop does not allow either alkaline or acidic substances then having normal pH will not do harm to the marble. It is recommended to also use only those polishing products that are specifically made for marble countertops. These types of products will ultimately provide peace of mind.

Polishing Your Marble Countertop

When you need your marble to look its best, always remember that marble is a delicate material and do not overdo it. Apart from cleaning agents with neutral pH, you can use acetone or hydrogen peroxide or clear ammonia mixed with water for polishing your countertops. Acetone is used for light-colored marble and hydrogen peroxide is used for dark-colored marbles, but you cannot interchange their usage.

Another way to polish your marble countertop is with baking soda. Mix 3 tablespoon of baking soda to 1 quart of water and apply it to your countertop, let it stand for 5 hours before rinsing it off. Next, wipe crushed chalk on your countertop then rinse thoroughly. Wipe thoroughly with a microfiber cloth and you will achieve the polish you desire.