You can't go wrong with marble for elegant and timeless home design. This natural material is a great option for countertops due to its looks, heat resistance, and longevity, which is why so many homeowners choose it during kitchen and bathroom renovations. The proper care is crucial to keep your counters looking fantastic, so here are a few smart cleaning tips to keep in mind. 

Common Challenges When Cleaning Marble Counters

Marble is a soft stone. Because of this, homeowners with marble fixtures shouldn't use abrasive tools on it that might scratch the surface over time. Acidic cleaners have a similar effect, as these solutions can cause the surface to break down. Consider that this stone is porous, which means it allows liquids to seep inside the material. The chemicals in a lot of cleaners may penetrate the surface too easily, causing noticeable damage. 

How to Clean Your Marble Countertops Effectively 

Hot water and a soft sponge usually suffice when it comes to daily cleaning. You can also add one tablespoon of mild dish soap to a spray bottle filled with one quart of warm water. Spritz the countertop with the solution. Then, wipe it down with a soft sponge or cloth. Take a dry microfiber cloth and sop up any excess water when you're finished. 

You'll also need a solution for stuck-on stains. While lightly abrasive, the careful use of baking soda is a great way to deal with tougher stains. Lightly sprinkle a tiny amount onto the chosen area. Then, use a damp microfiber cloth to rub it onto the surface gently. Once the spot is removed, rinse the area with water. Make sure you remove all the baking soda from the marble before using a soft towel to dry it. You can also replace baking soda with white flour or kaolin, a type of clay used to make medicine, cosmetics, and many other consumer products. 

The team at Stone Statements is always happy to provide maintenance tips to their customers. Along with their expansive marble collection, this Cincinnati, OH, business stocks many other gorgeous natural stone slabs in their 30,000-square-foot showroom. Once you've chosen a slab, their skilled fabricators will get to work custom-cutting it for your home. Because this team has over 90 years of combined experience, you can rest assured of a job well done. Get started on a free estimate by calling (513) 489-7866, or visit the website to take a look at their current marble selection.