Marble countertops are the epitome of luxury and elegance in any kitchen or bathroom. Their natural veining and timeless beauty add a touch of sophistication that is hard to replicate with other materials. However, marble is also a porous and relatively soft stone, making it susceptible to stains, scratches, and etching. In fact, we see countless homeowners forego installation of their otherwise dream countertops due to the level of maintenance they believe is required to keep its appearance.
It’s true – unlike a number of alternative countertop surfaces, marble needs a little extra attention. Don’t let that deter you from having the beautiful stone countertops you want for your space though. With proper care (and a secret weapon we’ll get to later) your marble countertops can remain as beautiful as the day they were installed with far less effort than you may expect.
This comprehensive checklist will guide you through the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your marble countertops, ensuring they remain a stunning centerpiece in your home for years to come.
Daily Cleaning Routine
Marble countertops may require a bit of daily cleaning, but we assure you it’s nothing too strenuous. The goal is to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can dull the surface of your marble countertops over time. Here’s what you can do:
Wipe Down Countertops: For the most part, your marble countertops will just need a simple wipe down at the end of every day. Just be mindful of the material you use to wipe with. Never use abrasive scrubbers or scouring pads, as these can scratch or dull the surface of your marble countertops and diminish their natural shine.
Blot Spills Immediately: Marble’s porous nature means it can absorb liquids quickly, leading to stains that are difficult to remove. Whenever there’s a spill—whether it’s water, coffee, wine, or a splash of olive oil while cooking dinner—use a soft cloth to wipe it up right away. Try blotting away the majority of the spill and avoid scrubbing back and forth, as this can spread the spill and increase the risk of staining.
Dry After Cleaning: After wiping down the countertops, it’s important to dry the surface to prevent water spots. Use a clean microfiber cloth to gently buff the marble until it’s completely dry.
Weekly Maintenance
While daily cleaning is crucial, weekly maintenance helps to address the hidden threats to your marble countertops. Here’s what you should do on a weekly basis:
Dust Countertops: It may not seem like a big deal, but dust is actually fairly abrasive. If your sealer isn’t applied well or is worn down, a buildup of dust can dull the appearance of your countertops or even scratch the surface.
Clean Full Surface: When it comes to wiping your countertops every night, chances are you’re only focusing on the surfaces you can see. Lift up appliances and decorative items that adorn your countertops once a week and clean the entire surface to avoid any grime accumulation.
Monthly Care
Monthly care involves preventive measures that will help extend the life of your marble countertops and keep them looking their best:
Deep Clean: Once a month, give your countertops a deeper clean – but avoid harsh, acidic chemicals, including those with lemon, vinegar, or bleach. These can etch the surface, causing permanent damage. Opt for a pH-neutral stone cleaner or a mild dish soap diluted in warm water, then use a soft cloth or a microfiber mop to clean the surface. For stubborn spots, apply the cleaner directly to the area and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.
Inspect for Stains: Regularly check for any stains or discoloration that might have set in. If you notice any, address them immediately with a marble-safe stain remover or a homemade poultice (a paste made of baking soda and water). Apply the poultice to the stain and let it sit for 24 hours before wiping it away.
Check the Sealing: Marble countertops should be sealed to protect against stains and etching. Depending on the type of marble you have, its level of use, and the sealer you apply, you may need to reseal the surface every few months. To check if your countertops need resealing, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the seal is still effective. If it you see a ring or dark spot start to form, it’s time to reseal.
Annual Maintenance
Annual maintenance focuses on deep cleaning and resealing, which are crucial for long-term protection and beauty:
Professional Deep Cleaning: Once a year, consider having your marble countertops professionally cleaned. Professionals have access to specialized products and equipment that can clean more thoroughly than at-home methods, removing deep-seated dirt and grime that daily and weekly cleaning might miss.
Resealing the Countertops: Depending on your usage and the type of marble you have, resealing your countertops once a year – at the very least – may be required. You may even find that most traditional liquid sealers require resealing even earlier. Of course, if you want to avoid the hassle all together, our very own TuffSkin Surface Protection boasts greater durability and a much longer lifespan, typically holding strong for 4-8 years before needing replacement. That’s not the only benefit it holds for marble countertop maintenance though.
Sealing Your Marble Countertop with TuffSkin Protection
While a solid maintenance routine is effective, it can be time-consuming and sometimes stressful to constantly inspect your marble countertops for stains and etching. Fortunately, we have a solution that may just alleviate all that extra work and worry. TuffSkin Surface Protection offers a superior alternative to traditional stone sealers by acting as a physical barrier, ensuring nothing touches the stone surface. Similar to a large-scale screen protector for your countertops, it’s a 4-mil polyester film applied directly to the marble and designed to both cover and protect the surface without altering its natural appearance.
How TuffSkin Enhances Your Marble Care
With TuffSkin, you may find that many of the maintenance steps you’ve been following become unnecessary. Here’s how:
Stain Proof and Etch Proof: Since nothing can touch the stone surface under TuffSkin, it effectively makes your countertops stain-proof and etch-proof. TuffSkin creates a barrier against alkaline and acidic products that damage unprotected marble.
UV Inhibitor: Our product incorporates a 99.9% UV inhibitor to reduce yellowing and maintain clarity over time, ensuring your marble stays as vibrant as the day it was installed.
Heat Resistant: TuffSkin can take the heat and stay in the kitchen. It can withstand temperatures up to 400°F, so you don’t have to worry about hot pots and pans causing damage—though we’d still advise the use of trivets and hot pads.
Eliminates Need for Frequent Resealing: Traditional sealants penetrate the natural stone to reduce its porosity, and as noted, require reapplication every few months. TuffSkin, on the other hand, provides a long-lasting protective layer for years, not months. This saves you time and money, all with a superior product.
Simplifies Cleaning Routine: Your daily and weekly cleaning routines become much simpler with TuffSkin. Not only will you not have to stress about investing in special cleaners or avoiding certain products, but you’ll be able to entertain friends and family without constantly hovering over everyone in fear of a mess or spill.
Steps to Apply TuffSkin
The benefits of installing TuffSkin may sound appealing, but what about the installation? Unlike a traditional sealer that can be purchased at your local hardware store and allows for user error upon installation, TuffSkin is installed by our trained professionals to ensure correct application, maximum protection, and aesthetic appeal. Here’s how we do it:
Clean the Surface Thoroughly: Before application, we’ll make sure your countertop is clean and dry.
Apply the Laminate: A slip solution is sprayed onto the stone surface and the TuffSkin film is carefully applied to ensure no air bubbles or wrinkles.
Trim and Finish: Once positioned, the excess laminate is trimmed, and the edges are carefully sealed to ensure a smooth, undetectable finish.
With TuffSkin, installation is quick, allowing you to use your countertops right away without any downtime. Plus, its durable protection means less worry about frequent resealing and unexpected stains or etching, ensuring long-term peace of mind. While there is still some level of maintenance required, TuffSkin does the bulk of the heavy lifting, allowing you to sit back and actually enjoy the beauty of your marble countertops.
Marble countertops bring undeniable beauty into your home, but keeping them pristine can feel like a full-time job. With TuffSkin Surface Protection, you can finally set aside the constant vigilance and worry. By forming a protective barrier that’s both stain-proof and etch-proof, TuffSkin drastically reduces the time, effort, and stress of caring for your countertops. No more scrambling to wipe up spills, wrestling with specialized cleaners, or crying over spilled wine. Instead, you’ll be able to enjoy the allure of marble without the hassle, trusting that TuffSkin has you covered. Ready to throw your checklist out the window and invest in TuffSkin Surface Protection? Call us today and allow our team to walk you through the process, answer any questions you might have, and schedule your installation date.