How To Clean & Polish Marble Countertops (The Complete Guide)

Keep your home clean and green. Read this guide to clean and polish marble countertops without chemicals or single-use plastic.

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Marble has been a symbol of sophistication and refinement for centuries due to its timeless beauty and exquisite allure. It represents luxury and brings an upscale feeling to any space it is installed in. It can be used for a wide variety of decorations including flooring, countertops, backsplashes, and more. Regardless of where it is used, it captivates homeowners with its intricate design and natural veining patterns.

However, despite its ability to stand the test of time, marble isn’t immune to wear and tear. Over time with constant use, marble can start to show the signs of daily use such as scratches and water marks.

Fortunately, marble can be strengthened to be more durable and resistant to such blemishes with the correct polishing treatments. And, best of all, you can clean and polish your marble countertops without toxic chemicals and single-use plastic. Keep reading to find out how to polish marble and rejuvenate your marble surfaces in a way that will keep your home clean and green. 

What is marble? 

Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed from limestone. Metamorphic rocks are created under intense heat and pressure within the crust of the earth over extended periods. It is characterized by its smooth surface and signature veins. As it is a natural stone, it has a porous structure. In other words, it has tiny holes all over it that allow liquids and dirt to seep into the stone, thus creating stains and bacterial growth.

Moreover, it is vulnerable to acidic ingredients such as vinegar and lemon juice. Acids can cause the marble to etch, dulling its shine and causing it to look worn down. A comprehensive understanding of the structure of marble will help you maintain the marble as best as possible. 

Before polishing 

Before starting the polishing process, you should thoroughly examine the surface of the marble countertops, backsplash, or flooring. Through careful inspection, you can notice and identify the marks of wear and tear on the stone. By discerning these signs, you can create a game plan to address all of those issues and see how they should be dealt with For example, scratches or etching need to be resolved before applying the polish.

Moreover, areas of the stone that have a higher concentration of scratches or staining might require more polish compared to unblemished parts to ensure better protection. 

Gather supplies

Having the correct supplies will help immensely with the polishing process. Polishes that are made specially for marble will not only make the process go smoother but will also yield a better result. 

First of all, you will need protective gear such as gloves so that the chemicals won’t contact you directly. This is necessary as the polish can be irritating to your skin. Moreover, before polishing you should ensure that the area you are polishing is well ventilated and open any windows. 

You also need a polish that is suited for natural stones, even better if it is made to use on marble surfaces. To apply the polish, you will need polishing pads and clean microfibre cloths. 

To clean the surface beforehand and wipe any excess polish afterward, you should also keep some mild detergent and water close by. 

Clean the surface 

To achieve the best results you should work on a clean and dry surface. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly wipe the surface to get rid of any dust or debris. With a soft microfiber cloth and mild marble cleaner, you can gently wipe the surface without using excessive force.

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It is important to be gentle with the marble as too much pressure or abrasive materials can cause damage. After the surface is sufficiently clean, rinse the surface with a clean wet cloth and thoroughly dry. Remember that any moisture that is left on the surface will be trapped under the polish. 

Repair any possible damages 

Before polishing, you will need to ensure that any scratches or stains are removed. The best way to get rid of scratches is to gently buff them using a slightly abrasive pad. Use circular motions to buff the area of the scratch until it is gone and the marble is back to looking smooth. If it is a very deep scratch, you might need to use a buffing tool with a finer grit.

To ensure that any stains are removed before polishing, you can use a baking soda paste and leave that on the stain for a few hours. Alternatively, you can also try stain removers. 

The polishing process 

With all of the supplies ready and the surface prepared for polishing, you can start the application process. Choose a high-quality polish that is designed for marble specifically and read the instructions on the package before applying. Furthermore, after carefully reading the instructions, apply the polish on a small area of the marble to ensure compatibility before committing to the whole surface. 

Apply the polish on the surface in small sections. Use circular motions to carefully and equally apply the polish all over the surface with either a polishing pad or a soft cloth. After the polish is applied, use a dry cloth or pad to buff the surface to remove excess polish. This will also help make the surface shinier. Cover the whole surface with the polish using equal force so that you can create a uniform appearance throughout. 

Aftercare & Sealing 

Depending on the level of protection you want to achieve, you can also apply a sealant on the marble countertops or floors after the polish is completely set. Sealing the marble will help protect it against liquids and dirt, ensuring resistance to stains and bacteria. You should always ensure that the polish and the sealant you wish to use are compatible with each other to avoid any unwanted outcomes.  

Maintenance 

Once the marble is polished and sealed, you should do your best to maintain it so that all of your hard work doesn’t go to waste. Using harsh cleaners and highly abrasive materials should be avoided because they can cause damage.

Moreover, whenever a spill occurs, wipe it as soon as possible so that the liquids can’t have long enough contact with the stone to cause staining. Clean and rinse the area with mild cleaners and water to ensure there isn’t any staining left. You can also use coasters and trivets to further create a barrier to protect the marble. 

Learn More

In conclusion, polishing your marble surfaces will breathe new life into your home and elevate and rejuvenate the space immensely. Restoring the natural elegance of your marble countertops will add further sophistication and make you fall in love with it all over again.

If you want to elevate your space with marble countertops, islands, backsplashes, or flooring, visit suppliers like Keystone Marble and Granite. Since 2006, Keystone has offered a wide range of marble color and pattern options. The company has also taken sustainable initiatives such as recycling waste stones by turning them into brand-new countertops. 

Moreover, their high-quality selection ensures that your new home improvements a built to last you a lifetime. Visit their website to learn more about their products or experience their personalized advice to learn more about how to take care of your marble countertops.

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