How To Clean Marble

You can add an elegant and timeless beauty to your home with marble, but you must carefully maintain it to keep its allure. Cleaning marble only requires a few simple cleaning ingredients and the right strategy, whether you have marble countertops, floors, tables, or showers. Read how to properly clean marble surfaces and remove stubborn stains below.

General Tips for Cleaning Marble

Marble is susceptible to staining, scratching, and other damage if you use the wrong cleanser or even the wrong cloth or sponge. Cleaning marble requires a few key ingredients that you might not typically use for other surfaces. Don’t scrub too intensely, as this could result in scratching or “etching.”

Essential Tools and Products for Marble Cleaning

Collect the tools and materials below before you start cleaning marble.

Safe Cleaning Solutions

• Acetone or mineral spirits (for oil-based stains)
• Ammonia (for use with hydrogen peroxide)
• Hydrogen peroxide (12% solution)
• pH-neutral dish soap
• Marble-specific cleaners

Recommended Cleaning Tools

• Dry dust mop (for floors)
• Soft, lint-free cloths or microfiber towels
• Soft-bristled brush or sponge
• Spray bottle
• Squeegee (for shower cleaning)

Avoid using acidic cleaners, abrasive tools, or rough sponges, as these can damage marble surfaces.

Step-by-Step Guide To Clean Different Marble Surfaces

Different marble surfaces in your home may require slightly different approaches to cleaning. Follow the steps below.

How To Clean Marble Countertops

Clear the countertop of all items and dust the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water, dampen a soft cloth with the solution, and wipe the countertop. Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water and dry it immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth.

If stains are especially stubborn, create a paste using baking soda and water. Apply it to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit overnight. Rinse and dry the area in the morning.

For tougher stains like wine or coffee, TOH’s Danny Lipford recommends making a poultice with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide instead of water, mixed to a pasty consistency. Hueston advises applying it like icing a cake: use a plastic putty knife to spread a quarter-inch layer over the stain and beyond it by a quarter inch or more. The older and darker the stain, the longer the poultice needs to stay in place — a fresh stain may clear in 10 hours, but most stains require a full 24 hours. For deep-set discoloration, you may need to repeat the process multiple times.

How To Clean Marble Floors

Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose dirt and debris. Mix a small amount of pH-neutral soap with warm water. Damp mop the floor, and be careful not to over-wet the surface. Rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water, then dry the floor immediately with a soft towel or microfiber cloth.

To prevent scratching, place doormats at entrances and place furniture pads under heavy items.

How To Clean Marble Tables

Dust the table surface with a soft, dry cloth and mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a soft cloth with the solution and wipe the table. Rinse the surface with a clean, damp cloth and dry it right away with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Always use coasters under drinks to prevent water rings and stains.

How To Clean Marble Showers

Squeegee the shower walls after each use to prevent soap scum buildup. Mix a small amount of pH-neutral soap with warm water and apply the solution with a soft sponge or cloth to address especially stubborn stains. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the surfaces with a soft towel or squeegee.

If you have especially tough soap scum, use a commercial marble-safe shower cleaner. Follow the product instructions carefully.

Preventing Stains and Damage on Marble

Prevention is key to maintaining the beauty of your marble surfaces. Consider the strategies below.

Sealing Marble Surfaces

Applying a marble sealant creates a protective barrier against stains and etching. To seal your marble, clean the marble surface thoroughly and allow it to dry completely. Apply the sealant according to the manufacturer’s instructions and allow it to penetrate for the recommended time. Buff off any excess sealant with a clean, soft cloth. Reapply the sealant every 3–6 months or as recommended by the manufacturer.

Daily Maintenance Tips

Wipe up spills immediately, especially acidic substances such as wine or citrus juices. Always use coasters under drinks and trivets under hot dishes. Dust or dry mop marble floors regularly to prevent scratching from grit. Don’t place toiletries directly on marble surfaces in bathrooms.

Removing Stubborn Stains From Marble

Stains may occasionally manifest even if you clean and maintain your marble diligently. Read how to address different types of stains below.

Organic Stain Removal

Follow the steps below to address stains from coffee, tea, food, or other organic materials:

1. Mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia.
2. Apply the solution to the stain with a soft cloth.
3. Cover with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours.
4. Rinse thoroughly and dry the area.

Oil-Based Stain Removal

Remove oil-based stains from cosmetics or cooking oil by applying a small amount of acetone or mineral spirits to the stain. Then, gently blot the area with a soft cloth, rinse it thoroughly with water, and dry it.

Ink and Paint Stain Removal

Apply a small amount of 12% hydrogen peroxide to ink stains. Let it sit for a few minutes, then blot it with a clean cloth. Repeat these steps as necessary, then rinse and dry.

For Stubborn Stains, Try a Poultice: If hydrogen peroxide alone doesn’t lift an ink or paint stain, make a poultice by mixing the peroxide with baking soda or flour to create a paste with a creamy peanut-butter consistency. Spread a quarter-inch layer over the stain (extending beyond it by at least a quarter inch), cover with plastic wrap, and let it sit for 24 hours. The chemical dissolves the stain while the powder absorbs it, literally pulling the discoloration out of the stone. For older, deeper stains, you may need to repeat the process multiple times.

If you’re dealing with paint stains, carefully scrape off excess paint, then use lacquer thinner or acetone. Let it sit for a few minutes then blot it with a clean cloth.

Additional Care Tips for Long-lasting Marble

You must take care of marble routinely to preserve its beauty. Consider the tips below.

Seasonal Care

Adapt Cleaning Routines: Adjust your maintenance schedule based on seasonal changes. Pay extra attention to sealant in wet months, and makes sure your floor is clean during dry periods.

Evaluate Changing Needs: Your marble surfaces may face different challenges depending on the season. Humidity can affect sealing in summer, while winter might bring in more grit and dirt from shoes.

Special Considerations for Outdoor Marble

Routine Inspections: Regularly inspect outdoor marble for signs of wear and damage. Addressing small issues early can prevent the need for larger repairs in the future.

Weather Protection: Protect outdoor marble installations with weatherproof coverings or sealants. These protect marble from rain, sun, and temperature variations.

Professional Help for Marble Cleaning

Consider investing in the services of a professional cleaning company to properly maintain your countertops, floors, or shower. The Cleaning Authority offers a variety of housekeeping packages.