How to Clean Marble Without Damaging It
Marble is not only beautiful – stone can become an integral part of your home. This is why it is used for everything from countertops to floors and showers. And, as anyone who has dried himself on a marble floor knows, it’s pretty tricky.
But at the same time, some of the cleaning products and methods that work great for other parts of your home can eventually damage your marble. Fortunately, ThisOldHouse.com has put together a guide to safely cleaning marble . Here’s what you need to know.
Things to Avoid When Cleaning Marble
Let’s start with what can damage the marble, so it’s clear what to avoid. Here are some examples from the editors of ThisOldHouse.com :
- Too much pressure or lubrication on the elbow can scratch the marble (or, in marble parlance, “etch”).
- Acidic cleaners – natural or not – can corrode marble in seconds. Examples include vinegar, lemon wedge / juice, Windex, bleach, and rust removers.
- Alkaline (or simple) cleaners can also damage marble. Examples include ammonia, borax and alkali.
- Coarse, abrasive cleaning agents or coarse sponges can cause etching.
How to clean marble safely
Now that you know what to stay away from, here’s how to clean the marble surfaces in your home without damaging them, also courtesy of the editors of ThisOldHouse.com :
- Use a mild, non-abrasive, pH neutral soap, such as dish soap. There are dedicated marble cleaners on the market, but most people already have a dishwashing detergent (which does the job) so there is no need to buy another product.
- Apply a few drops of safe soap to a damp cloth, or mix a few drops with warm water from a spray bottle. Then wipe off the marble surface. Very little soap is required, and too much can lead to film.
- Once you’re done with soap, wash immediately and then dry the marble.