How to Clean a Marble Tabletop

Marble tabletops are notoriously difficult to keep clean. Marble is prone to staining and etching, and it's not always easy to remove those stains. In this post, we will share the best methods for cleaning your marble tabletop, as well as how to remove common stains. We'll also give you some general tips for keeping your marble table looking its best.

If you'd like any help keeping your dining table (or room) clean, book a professional cleaner on Homeaglow.

What you need

- Distilled water

- Mild dish soap

- Fuller's earth or clay

- Marble cleaner

- Baking soda

How to remove oil-based stains from marble

If it is an oil-based stain, you'll want to try and draw the oil out of the surface. Start with the cornstarch method below and if it doesn't work, move on to the next method.

Cornstarch for mild oil stains

For fresh stains, try cornstarch.  Sprinkle it over the stain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then, wipe it off.

Dish detergent, acetone, and ammonia for set stains

If that doesn't work, try a combination of liquid dish detergent and a few drops of acetone or ammonia.  Rub this gently onto the stain with a soft cloth and let it sit for 30 minutes. Wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.

Clay-based poultice for tough stains

For older stains, you can try using a Fuller’s earth or clay-based poultice. Make a paste with water and apply it to the stain. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours. This is the gold standard method for removing oily stains from marble.

How to remove water-based stains from marble

If you have a water-based stain, such as from coffee or tea, you can try using water and baking soda.  Make a paste with baking soda and water and apply it to the stain with a cloth. Gently work it into the stain and wipe it off straight away. Be careful not to etch the surface with this method.

How to remove rust stains from marble

If you have a rust stain, you can try using the clay-based poultice trick.  Make a paste with Fuller’s earth and water and apply it to the stain. Cover the area with plastic wrap and let it sit for 24 hours.

How to remove etched marks from marble

For etched areas, you will want to use a marble polish. Apply it to the area and buff it with a soft cloth until you're happy with the result. Be careful not to overdo it and remove more surfaces than necessary.

Never use vinegar on your marble tabletop

While vinegar is great for cleaning most things in the kitchen, from removing stickers on glass to  cleaning electric stovetops, it's a no-no for marble. Vinegar is acidic and damages marble. Avoid using it to clean your marble tabletop. The same goes for lemon juice. Both can easily stain marble surfaces, particularly when the coating has been compromised.

Why marble table tops stain so easily

Marble is a soft stone, which makes it prone to staining and etching. The porous nature of marble means that it can easily absorb liquids, which leads to staining. Even something as simple as spilled water can cause a watermark.

Oil stains tend to happen when marble is in contact with an oily substance, such as cooking oil or cosmetics. The oil can seep into the surface of the marble and cause a stain.

Water stains generally happen when water sits on the surface of the marble for too long. This can happen if you leave a wet glass on the table or if water droplets from a vase sit on the surface.

Rust stains come from contact with metal objects, such as a metal vase or a piece of jewelry.

Etching is when the surface of the marble is dulled or scratched. This can happen from contact with a sharp object or from acidic liquids, such as vinegar and lemon juice.

General cleaning and maintenance of your marble tabletop

Frequent small cleans are the secret to keeping marble looking great. Wipe down regularly on a daily basis and try to catch stains after each meal, before they can soak into the marble. Use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe down the surface of the table. Be sure to rinse the cloth often to avoid streaks.

Along with regular wipe-downs, follow these tips to keep your tabletop at its best.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your marble tabletop

Marble is a delicate surface and it's easily damaged. The last thing you want is to make any stains worse.

Wipe up spills immediately

If you spill anything on your marble tabletop, it's important to wipe it up right away. The longer a substance sits on the surface, the more likely it is to stain.

Use coasters and placemats to protect the surface from stains

If you're worried about stains, you can use coasters and placemats. Placemats are especially helpful if you have young children

Dust and dirt can act as abrasives, so be sure to clean your tabletop regularly

Use a soft cloth to dust the surface of your marble tabletop. You can also use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.

Apply a sealer to your marble tabletop to help protect it from stains

A sealer will create a barrier between your marble and any spills. This will help to prevent stains from setting in. Be sure to reapply the sealer every 6 months to a year.

The easiest way to keep your table clean

The best way to keep your marble table top clean is is to prevent stains in the first place and regularly reseal your table top.

If you'd like any help keeping your tabletop and the rest of your home sparkling clean, book an affordable and reliable cleaner with Homeaglow. Book a cleaner now.