How to Care For Marble Countertops

Marble is one of the most elegant and beautiful countertop materials on the market: Its natural, unique striations, polished finish, and luxurious feel make it a popular choice for all styles of kitchen design. It's also highly functional, heat resistant, and because it naturally keeps cool, excellent for rolling out dough and pastry. However, the same natural properties that make marble such a stunning choice also make it susceptible to damage. Marble, like granite, is a naturally porous material, meaning it can be stained, scratched, and chipped if not properly cared for. But, with a little precaution and some regular maintenance, marble can make a durable, hard-wearing countertop surface in your kitchen for years--and even decades--to come.

Here are the most important dos and don'ts when it comes to caring for marble countertops.

Do:

-Seal your countertops regularly. Sealing your countertops will prevent unnoticed spills or acidic liquids from penetrating an staining the surface of the marble.

-Choose honed marble for easier care. If you're worried about upkeep for polished marble countertops, opt for honed marble instead. It's easier to care for since it's not prone to scratching like polished marble surfaces.

-Clean up liquid spills immediately. When cooking or cleaning, avoid letting pools of liquid sit on top of your counters for longer than a minute or two. After that, the liquid can begin to permeate the countertops and cause a water stain.

-Use coasters. Coasters will prevent unexpected condensation rings from leaving their permanent mark on your counter. And be sure to always put wine bottles and glasses on coasters, too: Red wine is an especially damaging culprit for marble countertop stains.

Don't:

-Use abrasive cleaners. If you choose polished marble countertops, avoid any physically abrasive cleaners or scrubbing sponges, which can leave behind scratches.

-Or harsh chemical cleaners. Harsh chemical cleaners made of ammonia or bleach, or acidic natural ones like vinegar can penetrate the surface of marble, causing it to deteriorate faster

The bottom line: Marble countertops are a wonderful choice, but require regular maintenance to preserve their beauty. Make sure you're up for it before installing marble!