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Since ancient times, marble has been a symbol of gorgeous and elegant taste. The softness and uniformity of the stone make it easy to carve, but it is precisely because of the unique properties of white marble that allow light to penetrate the stone that it gives the marble sculpture a unique “live” appearance, making it the material of choice for sculptors and architects around the world. In addition, the marble's varied and colorful patterns make it a popular and widely used decorative material. This beautiful stone brings a sense of grandeur to the environment, which is why it is one of the most frequently selected and appreciated materials in bathrooms and kitchens. However, the most common type of marble in the home is the so-called cultured marble, which combines marble powder with cement or synthetic resin to make it cheaper, stronger, and easier to maintain. Solid marble, on the other hand, is very porous and more vulnerable and requires a lot of extra care.

However, over time, or because abrasive materials or acids are mistakenly used to clean your expensive marble countertops, they can easily be stained or scratched and often begin to look dull due to considerable wear. Here are some handy tips to restore the luster of this wonderful natural stone by simply polishing the marble countertops to remove small imperfections on the surface.

Clean regularly

Proper maintenance of the marble countertops will, of course, greatly extend the beauty and luster of the material. All you need is a soft cloth (microfibers are considered the best), warm water, and a few drops of mild cleaning product. Marble is very fragile, so avoid any abrasive products, and remember that even washing powder and soap leave residue on the surface. Rinse the surface thoroughly and always wipe with a clean, soft towel.

What to pay attention to when cleaning marble countertops

Never use bleach or cleaning products containing alkaline substances (even lemons) or other acids, as the sealants of marble can deteriorate.

Remember, vinegar and other substances containing natural acids can also darken the surface.

Abrasive cleaners or hard brushes attack marble, and even tiny scratches reduce the luster of the material, while deeper scratches can seriously damage it.

Use only cleaning products specifically designed for marble. They should have a neutral pH so that they do not damage the stone. You can safely clean dark marble with acetone and light marble with hydrogen peroxide, but certainly not the other way around.

Always use plenty of hot water to make sure you have thoroughly rinsed the countertop with no residue.

Do not let the wet marble air dry, as water stains will remain all over the surface.

Instantly remove spills

If you don't quickly clean up any spills on the countertop, the liquid will penetrate into the porous marble, leaving ugly stains that are hard to remove. Oil, coffee, wine, juice, and sauce should be wiped off immediately with a sponge to prevent damage. A large rag scratches the countertop, so be careful – instead of scrubbing, gently wipe it in circles.

Also, remember to use cup cushions under cups and glasses, and never place hot cutlery or sharp objects directly on the countertop. Avoid placing metal containers on marble surfaces to avoid rusty stains and use pallets to place bottles, cosmetics, or anything else that could damage the counter in the event of accidental spillage.

If despite all the precautions you take, there are still stubborn stains on the marble, you can use baking soda to dissolve in water, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Wet stains, paste, cover the area with cling film and wipe them with a soft, damp cloth after a few hours (recommended for 24 hours of drying for best results). However, try this approach first in a very small, less obvious area, because the effect depends to a large extent on the specific type of marble in your home, and the security of this method is a very controversial topic. You can also use a specific professional detergent as an ointment instead.

How to polish the marble countertops

The first step is to prepare by thoroughly cleaning the marble surface. Remove any accumulated dirt, dust, or grease with a suitable commercial stone cleaner and soft sponge or cloth and rinse thoroughly to ensure that the marble is completely dry before polishing. Also, make sure to remove any stains as described above.

If you plan to polish the marble yourself instead of going for hiring a professional marble polishing company, it's a good idea to buy a ready-to-use repolishing and sealing kit that includes specific polishes, all the necessary materials, and specific instructions, and the right tools. You need a variable speed sander for home use, or at least very fine sandpaper to handle real mild scratches.

You should be able to wet the shallow scratches and surface stains. If the results are satisfactory, rinse and dry the countertop. Don't forget to finish polishing with the right product.

However, more efficient and professional polishing of marble countertops requires the use of specific equipment and appropriate technology.

  • Install a 1 to 3-inch thick magic backing felt wheel and hard backing on your low-speed polisher or grinder.
  • Pour in the right amount of polish on the surface and work at low speed with a felt wheel.
  • Polish the marble in a rotating way, not forgetting the corners and edges.
  • Remove the polish from the vacuum cleaner and finally wipe it with a damp cloth to make sure that nothing is left on the surface.

Another traditional way to restore the luster of marble countertops is to polish them with soda. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda with a quart of water, coat the surface, and let it air dry for a few hours. After washing with hot water, scratch the table with crushed chalk, rinse it again, and dry it with fur cloth. Marble should be polished well, but the prevailing view lately is that this approach could actually destroy the stone, as described above.

In fact, without damage to the countertop, a gentle dishwashing liquid in warm water using a simple fur cloth can also restore the marble luster.

Finally, use marble sealant

Either way, you think it's appropriate, remember to seal the marble the next day to better protect the surface and help prevent future damage. Sealants protect against moisture and stains and mold. Make sure your product of choice is suitable for the type of marble in your home, non-toxic and safe for food preparation.

Apply impregnated stone sealant with a soft cloth or soft brush. When it's completely dry, your countertop is ready to use and a visual treat.

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