Marble has been used for centuries to create beautiful, legendary structures. Today, marble is a popular choice for kitchen upgrades all across America. Marble countertops add a touch of elegance to every kitchen. Its use has become a kind of social status symbol in recent years. It is a symbol of superb, high-end sophistication for the most discerning consumer. As with all natural stone surfaces, the proper care and maintenance of marble is essential in order to maintain its natural beauty. Before cleaning marble, it is essential to understand basic facts.

Stone is composed of natural minerals that must be treated gently. They can be damaged easily, so follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care. Marble is classified as Calcareous stone. Composed mainly of calcium carbonate, marble is extremely vulnerable to any product containing acidic materials. Acid causes marble to erode over time and appear cloudy. Marble finishes included polished or honed. Polished finishes produce that beautiful shiny surface. Beware, that shiny surface is easily damaged. Certain juices, like lemon, will leave a nasty stain. Honed finishes are more appropriate for kitchen use. This type of finish has a matte appearance and is easier to maintain.

In order to extend marble’s useful life and pristine shine, it requires tender loving care. The type of marble cleaner used is vital to the surface’s longevity. Choose a cleaner specifically engineered for marble maintenance. Do not, under any circumstances, use cleaners that contain acid. Acids will erode the surface. Before cleaning marble, gather the following items:

• Specialized marble cleaner

• Soft cloth

• Soft bristle brush to remove dirt

• Bucket

• Warm water

• Specialized marble sealer

The first step is to fill a bucket with warm water. Next, wipe down the marble surface with a damp, soft cloth. Then use a soft bristle brush to remove any remaining dirt. Finally use a cleaner specifically manufactured for marble surfaces. That’s all there is to it! Special marble cleaners may be found online. Simply type the words "marble cleaner" into a search engine, such as Google, and the next page will populate with many articles about marble cleaners. It is wise to speak to the installer, as well. Installers are quite knowledgeable in regard to marble maintenance. The local hardware store has salespeople just waiting to assist customers. If all else fails, the manufacturer will be able to suggest the proper marble cleaning agent for all marble surfaces.