Marble is a natural stone that can be used as building material in floors, counters, showers, fireplaces and fountains. It is a great addition to a home and something that will help to maintain and/or raise its value, provided that you take care of it.
Since it is soft and porous it is important to be careful in selecting which products you use to maintain it as it can be stained or damaged.
Cleaning Marble
The Marble Institute of America recommends that the best way to clean your marble surfaces is to be diligent in keeping them clear of dust and dirt. Since it is a soft stone you run the risk of something abrasive marring the surface. You also want to be careful in what you place on them. Liquids such as coffee can stain.
Use a clean and nontreated dust mop regularly to keep the dust and dirt from accumulating. It is O.K. to use a wet mop provided you are using just warm water. Anything that is acidic can have a negative impact upon your marble.
Alternatively you can use "stone soaps." These are specially made soaps specifically for use with soft natural stone such as marble. If your marble is located within your shower, wipe those surfaces down with a squeegee following use.
There is an art to cleaning stained marble. The first step is try to identify the stain and determine if it is something that a layperson can handle.
Restoration
Sometimes homeowners purchase a home that has marble surfaces that were installed by the prior owner but were not properly taken care of. Scratches, stains and abrasions may exist that require professional care to restore.
However that is not always the case, and you can try to repair the situation yourself. The Marble Institute of America lists more than 10 different kinds of stains, including grease, paint, coffee, water rings and mildew.
The solution for home-based care of these situations varies. Sometimes they can be handled by creating a mixture of substances. For example, oil-based stains can be removed by using a solution of baking soda and water.
Water spots and rings can sometimes be removed by using dry 0000 steel wool. However it is important to remember that soft stones like marble merit caution, as restorative measures can sometimes be more challenging.
Considerations
Marble can be a wonderful addition to your home that adds beauty and value to it. The key to it is establishing a good maintenance routine. One of the things to consider as part of your maintenance is whether to seal your surface or not.
The purpose of the sealant is to help protect your stone and to help minimize the wear and tear upon it.
Sealants are usually broken down into two categories, topical and impregnators.
Topical sealants are easier to apply and can be done by laypeople. Over time their appearance can sometimes change. There may be a buildup in which footprints can be seen or a yellowish tinge can come about.
Those situations are usually handled by stripping and reapplying the sealant.
Sealants that fall into the impregnantor category last longer and do not require reapplication as frequently. They cost more than topical sealants and should be handled by professionals.
The question of whether the benefits of having a sealant outweigh the disadvantages are subjective. Before making a decision one way or another it is worth writing down a list of how your surface is going to be used and by whom, as that can help you make an educated decision.
