Marble is a magnificent and timeless material that brings elegance to any house. Unfortunately, its porous and sensitive nature necessitates extra care to retain its beauty and functionality.

Many homeowners make unintentional blunders that cause lasting damage to marble surfaces, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

In this post, we’ll look at the common mistakes to avoid when caring for marble countertops so you can safeguard your investment and keep it looking great for years to come.

Ignoring regular care and maintenance

Adherence to fabricator recommendations is critical for preserving the longevity of your marble surfaces. Fabricators have essential knowledge about the correct cleaning and maintenance of marble surfaces. They can make specific recommendations for cleaning supplies, sealing schedules, and other preventative steps.

By carefully following expert guidance, you can retain the elegance and integrity of your countertops while also extending their lifespan.

One of the most common mistakes many homeowners make is ignoring stains when they happen. Marble’s porous nature allows spills, particularly acidic ones like wine, coffee, or juice, to permeate the surface and leave swift stains. If you don’t remove them as soon as you should, they can become permanent.

To avoid this, wipe up spills promptly with a soft cloth or paper towel to prevent them from soaking into the stone. For stubborn stains, apply a marble-specific poultice or seek professional assistance to remove them safely.

Immediate care for spills is essential for preventing stains and protecting your marble surfaces from damage.

Failing to seal Marble regularly

Marble is porous, which absorbs liquids, oils, and other chemicals that cause stains. If you don’t adequately seal your Marble, these liquids will infiltrate the surface and produce irreversible discoloration.

Seal your marble surfaces every 6-12 months to avoid this issue. Of course, the frequency of sealing that you go with depends on usage and the type of marble that you have.

Pay close attention to high-traffic areas like kitchen countertops, where accidents are more probable.

Regular countertop sealing functions as a protective barrier, preventing stains from coming about and keeping your Marble looking great.

Using harsh or abrasive cleaners

Using aggressive or abrasive cleansers on marble surfaces can cause irreversible damage, including etching and dulling. These acidic cleaners react unfavorably with the Marble’s calcium carbonate composition, resulting in unattractive flaws.

To be on the safe side, use softer, pH-neutral cleaning solutions that make effective cleaning easier without damaging the fragile marble surface, conserving its beauty for future pleasure.

At the same time, Marble can become scratched and damaged when scrubbed with abrasive sponges, brushes, or scouring pads, leaving behind ugly blemishes and dull patches. If a cleaning cloth is overly abrasive, it might hurt even something that seems innocuous.

To prevent this, use non-abrasive sponges or gentle microfiber towels when cleaning marble surfaces. Remember that steel wool and wire brushes can scratch the surface, so stay away.

Allowing moisture to accumulate on the countertop surface

Excess moisture and humidity can weaken the marble surface, particularly in kitchens and baths. Mold, mildew, and discoloration can also result from prolonged exposure to water.

Use a dehumidifier to control humidity levels in places like restrooms that are prone to moisture accumulation. After cleaning, make sure your Marble is completely dry and properly sealed.

Failing to reseal the countertops after professionals cleaning

After a professional cleaning or restoration, you should reseal the Marble to prevent further stains and damage. Failure to do so may expose the Marble to further damage.

To have an easy time, have your marble care technicians reseal the surface following comprehensive cleaning or restoration.

If you do it yourself, use a high-quality sealant made for Marble and follow the proper application instructions.

Placing scalding items directly on the surfaces

While Marble is somewhat heat resistant, it is always a good idea to use trivets and hot pads to prevent it from discoloring or breaking.

Furthermore, continuous exposure to high temperatures can impair Marble’s structural integrity over time, making it more susceptible to harm.

Using trivets or hot pads protects the surface from immediate damage while reducing the danger of long-term deterioration.

This straightforward preventative approach guarantees that your marble countertops maintain their perfect beauty and structural integrity, extending the life of your kitchen investment.

Using the wrong cutting boards and utensils

Using the appropriate cutting boards, cutlery, and kitchenware is essential for protecting your marble surfaces from scratches and damage.

You should note that metal or abrasive objects can permanently mark the delicate surface of Marble. Choosing marble-friendly cutting boards and utensils made of wood, plastic, or silicone helps to reduce surface abrasions and maintains the countertop’s smooth finish.

Failing to hire a professional when necessary

Many homeowners attempt to manage marble difficulties on their own, such as severe stains, scratches, or polishing, unaware that expert assistance is required. DIY attempts may aggravate the damage or result in unsuccessful fixes.

Consider professional marble restoration services to avoid serious difficulties like deep stains, etching, or significant wear.

Regular professional polishing can help restore the stone’s luster and keep it looking good for a long time.

When hiring a professional, ensure they are experienced and know their craft. Many people make the mistake of hiring the cheapest contractors they can afford, and this is wrong as, in most cases, cheap means poor service.

This means that the cheap contractor you hire tends to deliver inadequate services that ruin your countertops.

As mentioned, research and find a contractor who will add value to your surfaces.

Parting shot

Marble is a magnificent stone that requires specific maintenance to preserve its beauty and longevity. By avoiding typical blunders such as using acidic cleaners, failing to protect the stone, and ignoring accidents, you can keep your marble surfaces looking great for years.

For the best results, always use marble-safe cleaning methods, address issues as soon as possible, and don’t be afraid to seek expert help. With proper care, your kitchen countertops Durham will continue to shine as a focal point in your house, and you will be proud of it.