Care
Marble may be stone, but it is porous and stains
easily. Wipe off anything spilled on marble immediately, just as you
would from a wood surface. Use coasters under beverage glasses to avoid
moisture rings.
Regular Cleaning
Occasionally wash marble surfaces with luke warm
water and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Wiping surface with a damp
chamois will not leave streaks. Once or twice a year, depending on
soil, wash with a mild detergent solution (hand dishwashing detergent
and warm water), rinse and wipe dry.
A light coat of wax will protect the surface of
marble but is not considered essential. Use colorless wax. Don't wax
white marble as it may tend to yellow it. A marble sealer can be
applied to clean marble which will protect from staining and allow soil
to be wiped off with a damp cloth.
Special Cleaning
Marble which has become dull, can be livened up by
using a commercial marble cleaner and polish. Buy from a company that
sells marble. Companies generally carry imported polish-cleaners, which
are used on softer imported marbles and hence safe for the harder U.S.
marble. They work faster and easier than the old "marble care kits"
which used to be distributed by marble companies.
Putty powder, (tin oxide) can be used to polish
dulled or etched surfaces, rubbing on with a damp cloth, folding and
refolding to clean damp areas, and preferably using an electric
polisher for buffing. However it's very hard to find. Severely damaged
surfaces, scratched or etched, can be polished by a business making and
selling tombstones or other marble products.
