A marble table creates a sophisticated feel to the dining room, and provides a smooth, cool surface to eat on. However, marble tables are prone to scratches, etching, and stains, which can create an opposite effect, and make your dining room look unkempt.
Proper and frequent cleaning is a must for marble surfaces as cleaning will keep the marble surface looking smooth and glassy. Regular cleaning is fairly simple: just wipe the marble tabletop with a clean, dry cloth to remove any dust and dirt. Deep cleaning, on the other hand, will require a cleaning solution safe for natural stones.
How to Clean a Marble Table
General Everyday Cleaning
For general, everyday cleaning, you can use a clean and dry cloth to wipe away the dust that settled on top of the table. Dampen the cloth with a bit of warm water, and give the surface a quick wipe to remove dirt. Clean up any spilled liquids as they happen, and wipe away crumbs or food particles after eating.
Deep Cleaning
Step 1: Wipe the Surface
Take a clean microfiber cloth, and wipe the surface dry. This will remove any dust and dirt sitting on the surface, and clean up spilled liquids, food particles, and other debris. Use a dry cloth to clean, or dampen it with some warm water to pick up dust easily.
Step 2: Use a Soapy Solution to Clean
Use dish soap, castile soap, or other natural soap to clean marble tables. Soap is a base, and won't etch the marble surface like vinegar or lemon juice would. Steer clear of acidic liquids, as these dissolve the upper layer of the marble, and cause rough, cloudy etches on the surface.
Instead of using acidic cleaners, use a soapy water mixture instead. dish soap and castile soap work best in cleaning marble countertops as they do not react with the natural stone or sealant, and efficiently remove grime, oils, and dirt from the surface.
Mix warm water with a few drops of dish soap to create a mild, soapy solution. Dip a clean cloth or paper towel in the solution, and use this to wipe the marble table clean. Alternatively, you can place the mixture in a spray bottle to spritz the solution on the marble table top as you wipe it with a clean cloth.
Step 3: Remove Stains
Remove stains with a baking soda solution. Baking soda is also a base, and therefore won't etch the surface of the marble table. Let the paste sit on the stains for at least 15 minutes, then wipe away the baking soda solution. The stain should lift right off.
Step 4: Wipe Clean, and Dry
Place clean water in a spray bottle, and spritz the marble tabletop. Use a cloth to wipe the surface clean, and remove any remaining soapy residue. Let the tabletop dry completely before setting anything on top.
Stain Removal
To remove stains from your antique marble table, use a mixture of baking soda and water for light stains, or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for heavy stains. Do a patch test on a small area of the table to make sure that the solution won't etch the stone. Let the paste sit on the stains, and the baking soda will work to lift out oil and grease stains, inks, and other spots.
Tips on Maintaining Marble Surfaces
When properly maintained, marble surfaces can withstand the test of time. Marble is a durable material, and can last for generations with the proper care. It is important to have professional marble polishing services routinely to keep the smooth and glassy finish to the marble, and to remove scuff marks, etches, or stains.
- Clean marble daily with a damp cloth to remove dust.
- Avoid putting acidic cleaners or liquids on top of the marble. These will cause etches on contact.
- Have marble etches professionally removed before they dull the surface.
- Reseal your marble dining table every year or every other year depending on frequency of usage. This will keep moisture out of marble, and keep the surface pristine.
Keeping your marble surfaces clean is one step in home maintenance. Make the cleaning shores simple with Luce Home, and avail of our house cleaning services that will be sure to create a spotless space for you to dine in!
Check out our blog for more tips and tricks on maintaining marble surfaces.
