Cleaning marble tables requires specific techniques to maintain its beauty and integrity. In this guide to cleaning marble table tops, we will discuss effective methods for cleaning marble surfaces, removing stains, and caring for your marble furniture. By following these steps, you can keep your marble looking its best for years to come.
Café Solutions provides high quality countertops for your residential or commercial space, and we break down all you need to know about the proper care of marble furniture, ensuring that your marble tables stays pristine.
Key Takeaways
Regular cleaning with a mild dish soap and damp cloth is important for maintaining marble surfaces.
Immediate attention to spills can prevent stubborn stains from seeping into the porous marble.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid damaging the marble surface.
Seal your marble table regularly to protect it from stains and etching.
Use coasters and mats to protect it against scratches and heat damage.
Preparing to Clean Your Marble Table (tools and materials needed)
Maybe you’ve spilled something on the table, or perhaps you just want some tips for regular cleaning. Either way, you have to prepare properly! Before you begin the cleaning process, gather the necessary tools and materials to ensure an effective clean. The main items you’ll need are:
Soft, Lint-Free Microfiber Cloths: A clean cloth is essential for dusting and wiping down the surface without scratching it.
Mild Dish Soap: A pH-neutral cleaner or soap is essential. Steer clear of harsh chemicals that can cause stains and etching.
Soft Bristle Brush or Toothbrush: This helps in reaching crevices and removing stubborn grime without scratching.
Marble Sealer (optional): It isn’t necessary to seal your marble table, but using a sealant regularly can protect your marble from stains and make your table-top last longer.
Start by removing any decorative items from the surface of your marble table. This will give you a clear area to work on, preventing any accidental damage during cleaning. Now we’re ready to get started!
How to Clean Marble Table Tops
Now that you’ve prepared, and you’re armed with a cleaning product, dry and slightly damp cloth, and bristle brush/toothbrush, you can start cleaning. Here’s a step-by-step guide for cleaning marble countertops:
Dust the Surface: Use a dry, soft microfiber cloth to dust the surface of the marble. This step is important as it removes loose dirt and debris that could scratch the marble or etch the stone when wet.
Moisten Your Cloth: Dampen another microfiber cloth with warm water. Make sure it’s not soaking wet. It should be just damp enough to lift dirt without saturating the marble tabletop.
Add Mild Dish Soap: If necessary, add a small amount of mild dish soap (pH-neutral) or stone cleaner to the damp cloth or directly into a bowl of water. A good mix of soap and water is old school, but it works well! Avoid using harsh, acidic chemicals that can cause damage or marble etching.
Wipe Down the Table: Using gentle circular motions, wipe the entire surface of the marble table. Pay close attention to areas that may have accumulated grime or fingerprints.
Rinse and Repeat: Rinse your cloth frequently in clean water to remove accumulated dirt and soap residue. You may need to repeat this process multiple times for more stubborn spots when you clean a marble table.
Dry Thoroughly: After cleaning, take a clean, dry microfiber cloth and gently dry the entire surface of the marble clean and fresh. This prevents water spots from forming on the marble.
Final Inspection: Check for any missed spots or areas that need additional attention, and repeat cleaning as necessary. At this point, you can also seal or do some marble polishing to make it look brand new!
By following these steps, you can make sure your marble table remains clean and keeps its elegant look over time.
How to Remove Stains on Your Marble Surface
Even if you regularly clean your natural stone table-top, it isn’t invincible to stains! If you’ve accidentally stained a marble piece of furniture, whether it be marble floors or tables, don’t panic. Removing stains from your marble surface requires fast action and careful techniques. Here’s how to effectively tackle stubborn stains:
Immediate Action: If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a clean, damp cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible without rubbing it in, which could spread the stain. This is especially important for water stains.
Identify the Stain Type: Figure out whether the stain is organic (like coffee or wine) or inorganic (like ink). This will help you choose the right treatment method.
Create a Stain Paste: For organic stains, mix two parts baking soda with one part water to form a paste. Apply the paste directly onto the stained area, covering it completely. This is one of the most effective ways to clean and maintain marble.
Cover and Wait: Cover the paste with plastic wrap and let it seep into the marble for 24 hours. This allows the paste to draw out the stain from the porous marble surface.
Remove the Paste: After 24 hours, gently scrape off the dried paste using a plastic scraper or spatula. Be careful not to scratch the marble while doing this.
Rinse with Water: Rinse the area thoroughly with distilled water to remove any residual paste, and then dry it with a clean cloth.
For Deep Stains: If stains persist, consider using a mixture of acetone and baking soda applied similarly as above, or consult professional cleaning services for super serious cases.
How to Care for Marble Table Tops
Caring for your marble table tops involves more than just cleaning. It requires ongoing maintenance to protect against stains and scratches. Regularly dusting your marble surfaces with a soft cloth helps prevent dirt buildup that can lead to scratches when cleaned.
When necessary, use distilled or purified water for wet cleaning, as tap water may contain minerals that could dull the finish. Sealing your marble table every six months or as needed is also important for protecting it from stains and etching caused by acidic substances.
Finally, coasters should always be used under drinks to prevent condensation rings or spills directly on the surface of the marble.
By taking these preventive measures, you can keep your beautiful marble dining table-top looking its best.
Café Solutions: Affordable High-Quality Tables
Marble is a beautiful material for your table, so it’s important that you know how to clean it! Maintaining your marble dining table or other pieces of furniture is essential for preserving their sophisticated look and functionality.
By using these simple yet effective cleaning methods and preventive measures, you can make sure that your marble surfaces remain stunning for years to come.
If you’re looking for high-quality yet affordable options, Café Solutions offers a wide range of table tops!
How to Clean Marble Table Top FAQs
What cleaning products are safe to use on marble?
Mild dish soap and water, pH-neutral cleaners, and specialised marble cleaners are safe to use. Avoid acidic or abrasive products that can damage the surface.
Can I use Windex on marble?
No, Windex contains chemicals that can etch and dull marble. It’s best to avoid using it on marble surfaces.
Are there any stains that cannot be removed from marble?
Some deep-set oil or rust stains can be very difficult to remove. Professional treatment may be needed for stubborn stains. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to get a new table-top!