When it comes time to choose your kitchen or bathroom countertops, it can feel a little overwhelming. There are many options to choose from! With so many choices, it helps to have information about the long-term care that some countertops require. For example, marble countertops require specific care to keep them stain-free and looking their best. Keep this useful info in mind when considering marble as your next countertop:
The Basics:
Though beautiful, marble is soft and more porous than granite and other manufactured materials, making it more susceptible to damage. It is prone to scratching, etching, and staining. Once the damage is done, it is hard (if not impossible) to repair. How do you use your countertops? Are you rough on them? If so, marble’s aforementioned characteristics can make it a somewhat impractical choice for kitchens and bathrooms that see a lot of traffic. Worry not, there are ways to care for your marble:
How to Care for Marble:
To protect your investment, seal your marble countertops! Sealing your countertops prevents them from absorbing liquids that can damage the marble. How often your countertops are used (and to what degree of use they see) will affect how frequently you need to seal them. It’s recommended that you seal them at least once every six months. For countertops that see more wear and tear, sealing them more frequently is suggested. When choosing a sealant for your kitchen counters, you will need to find a sealer that is non-toxic and food safe.
How to Clean Marble:
Marble requires special care. Spills of food and liquid should be cleaned immediately after they occur. Instead of wiping, the spill should be soaked up or blotted as gently as possible to avoid spreading the spill over more of the marble. This will help prevent staining. To clean your counters, use a mild liquid dishwashing detergent or a cleaner made specifically for marble countertops. After cleaning with soap, countertops should be wiped down to remove any excess soap.
What to Avoid:
To prevent staining, acidic food should not be used on marble counters. There are also many liquids and foods that are likely to stain your countertops, like red wines, coffee, and foods with artificial coloring. Harsh cleaners and soaps should also be avoided. Marble countertops are also at risk of damage from heat, so using coasters, pot holders, and trivets is highly recommended.
Still not sure if marble is right for you? Get in touch for a free consultation! We can go over the many different types of countertops we work with and help you find the right one for you and your family. Send us an email or give us a call at (503) 232-6206 today!