Consider The Upkeep Before Committing To Marble Countertops

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If marble countertops are a must-have item on your kitchen renovation moodboard, we can't blame you. With the stone boosting the look and ambience of any kitchen, our eyes (and hearts) are naturally drawn to the elegant design. Before you start deciding on whether you want your white marble to have gray or brown etches, though, just know that the countertop material isn't the easiest thing to take care of.

Marble is one of the most popular kitchen countertop materials for several good reasons. The natural stone's unique, luxurious look is a selling point for homes, and it can last ages if you put in the work — and it's a lot of work. Although installing marble countertops is key to designing a kitchen that doesn't look dated down the line, you'll only reap that benefit if you stay on top of the constant cleaning the material requires. The stone is porous, so any stains or spills can easily become a permanent part of the marble's colored design if not cleaned up right away.

Anything from spilled tea to splashes of gravy can stain marble countertops, but be especially wary of acidic ingredients like lemon juice, tomato sauce, or coffee. Acid works away at the stone, leaving the lustrous material with matte, muddy spots. Along with food, keep sharp objects and hot pots and pans away from your marble countertop. The soft stone scratches easily and can develop discoloration and cracks when exposed to high temperatures.

Since marble tends to stain and scratch quickly, you'll have to abandon your lemon juice and vinegar cleaning hacks for something more delicate. When spills happen, use a soft, microfiber cloth to clean them up, and make sure to avoid swiping at the mess so the stains won't spread further. Products like Granite Gold's Daily Cleaner were created specifically for cleaning marble and other natural stones, but some mild dish soap and lukewarm water can do the trick.

If the gentle cleaners aren't clearing away food stains like you want them to, a dash of hydrogen peroxide with a small amount of ammonia should do the job. After cleaning, go over the countertop with water and dry it thoroughly to prevent rusting or keep it from becoming even more porous. To ensure the marble remains as durable as possible, get it sealed. Applying a protective coat after installation wards off stains and scratches, in addition to maintaining the natural sheen of the stone.

Sealing your kitchen countertops every six to 12 months helps with the upkeep, but the frequency is determined by several factors, particularly the kind of marble you have. While popular picks like Carrara and Calacatta marbles have a low-porosity finish that isn't in need of constant sealing, dark Emperador and Volakas marbles will require more of your time and attention.