Best and Safest Marble Counter Top Cleaning Agent

QUESTION:

What is the best and safest marble cleaning agent for bathroom countertops?

ANSWER:

Well, our favorite product for cleaning marble and stone, in general, is this Granite & Marble Cleaning spray. Cleaning a bathroom countertop is no different than cleaning a kitchen countertop.

We've found this product to be the best and most effective providing superior performance all-around. Of course, totally safe for marble and all natural stone.

Additional Marble Cleaner Advice & Recommendations

You can click the link and learn all about how to clean marble properly, but here are the key points to remember...

• You can't use common generic cleaners like bleach, vinegar, and ammonia since they will etch leaving dull and discolored spots.


• Also bad are nearly all name-brand cleaners. Windex, 409, Tilex, Kaboom, Lysol.... nearly all such household cleaners are too harsh for cleaning marble and will also etch.


• Unfortunately, even some cleaners labeled "for marble" are very poor performers. Most of these tend to be generic type cleaners with a "marble" label sold in some stores.


• Avoid any type of abrasive cleaners or pads or you may scratch the finish.


• The best products or agents to use for cleaning marble, granite or any natural stone is a specifically formulated professional product safe for marble cleaning like the spray suggested above.

Granite is a little more forgiving and will not etch immediately with use of generic or harsh products, but that's almost worse since you won't notice

the damage and dullness for months to years.

One day you look at your granite tops and think... "geez these used to be real shiny". And re-polishing granite requires professional help.

Marble Cleaners for Special Situations

Etching... Unlike dull granite noted above... marble etching can almost always be repaired by the homeowner using the ETCH REMOVER / Marble polishing product (polished marble only).

Hard water stains and mineral deposits can be removed using the Bath & Shower Hard Water / Soap Scum Remover. This problem is usually seen as a crusty white film around sinks and faucets.

Cleaning soap scum is a snap using the same product as above to remove hard water deposits. Soap scum is primarily a problem for a marble shower, but can occur anywhere soap is used regularly.

To remove mold & mildew use this Mold & Mildew Remover.

A non-acidic toilet-bowl cleaner is a good idea to avoid etch spots from drips and spills of typical caustic toilet cleaners.

For extra shine use the Topical Polish Enhancer. This is not a "repair" product, though. It won't fix dull marble.... just enhances the shine to make it really pop.

For stains (dark spots) you'll have to follow the DIY procedure in the Removing Marble Stains e-book.

Marble stains and etching are often confused. Each results from a different cause and each requires a different solution.

And if you need some help deciding which product to choose, just drop us a line... we're glad to help anytime!

Best Marble Cleaning Products

by Cindy Fusco
(New Haven, CT)

QUESTION:

I am inheriting a white marble coffee table and a rose marble dresser with two matching night stands.

They have been in my family for over 60 years and are in mint condition.

I have an active family with children and pets. I would like to know the best way to take care of and preserve these pieces. Thank you for any information.

ANSWER:

First, you'll find extensive information about marble, repair, maintenance and Marble Care: Do's & Don'ts on various pages of this website to give you general guidelines to follow on a regular basis.

The most detailed and comprehensive step-by-step "how to" information that includes absolutely everything you'll ever want or need to know about cleaning marble, sealing marble, general care including simple DIY solutions for any problems you might encounter and marble cleaner recommendations is in the Cleaning Marble Secrets Guide.

But bare bones basics... you'll want to always use trivets, coasters, and place mats to avoid contact with any acidic foods or drinks that will etch and dull the surface finish.

The best products are those specifically made safe for cleaning marble as detailed above (at the top of the page). Most common and brand-name household cleaners will cause dull etch marks.

Best Marble Floor Tile Cleaner

by PSB
(Houston)

QUESTION:

Have about 2000 sq. feet of white marble floor tile in kitchen, dining, living areas, hallways, stairways.

How to clean marble flooring easily, inexpensively, quickly?

ANSWER:

First, it's most important to know what you should not use for marble cleaning.

Avoiding problems and damage is the first step toward painless, easy maintenance.

Marble floor tile is chemically sensitive to acidic substances, as well as most name-brand and common household cleaners.

A chemical reaction occurs when using products that are too harsh for cleaning marble that results in dull and discolored spots, areas or even the entire marble floor or countertop.

It's called etching and the only way to prevent etching is to avoid contact with damaging substances.

Go to the marble polishing page to learn more about etching and check out the marble repair page as well.

"Cheap" cleaners like vinegar, ammonia and bleach are out along with brand cleaners like Lysol, 409, Comet, etc. and just about all others. These will damage the finish on contact.

You can use hot water, but it will leave your marble tile floor streaky and isn't too effective on grease/grime.

So.... what is the best marble floor cleaner?

I highly recommend using this Granite & Marble Floor Tile Cleaner.... it's the best we've used. Very effective cleaner and leaves a streak-free shine. Quick and easy!

Of course, it isn't the cheapest, but in the long run, it saves you time, effort, and repair hassle. You get many cleanings from one bottle without ever risking damage and your marble floor tile will look stunning... it's worth it!

Marble Cleaners in Canada

by J
(Cambridge On.)

QUESTION:

Where can I buy the MB marble cleaner in Cambridge, Ontario Canada?

ANSWER:

The MB marble cleaner and product line is not available at stores in Canada.

Professional grade stone care products are rarely sold in big box stores or other retail locations even in the US. However, you can order MB products for delivery to Canada and all other countries (see below).

Canada / International Granite & Marble Cleaning Products

Click the following link to order Granite & Marble Care Products for Canada and International delivery at our Stone Care Center where you'll find MB and other product solutions for all natural stone care and cleaning issues.

Nearly all products at the Stone Care Center ship to most countries save a couple exceptions that are noted in the product description.

In case you don't know.... Most common household cleaners including brand-name cleaners will damage natural stone particularly marble, travertine, and limestone.

To properly clean, maintain and protect granite and marble you should use only products made specifically for safe use on natural stone.

We recommend (and use) only the top-performing, best value granite & marble cleaners on our website and store.

The MB product line is excellent and highly-respected in the stone industry. Also, very popular with homeowners. You'll love 'em!

At the Stone Care Center, you'll find MB stone care products and other top products for:

• Restoring Marble Etching, Water spots, and Glass Rings


• Sealing Granite Countertops, Marble, and Travertine Tile


• Enhancing Color of Honed Surfaces


• Cleaning Soap Scum & Hard Water Stains


• Cleaning Mildew & Mold Removal


• Repairing Chips & Pits


• General Granite & Marble Cleaning


• Tile Floor Cleaner


• Polishing Marble, Travertine tile and Limestone

And we'll happily answer any and all questions regarding product selection, use and stone care at any time.

Cheap Marble Cleaning Product

QUESTION:

What can I clean my marble vanity top with that is not expensive to buy?

ANSWER:

Well, that depends on what you consider expensive and also how well do you want to clean and maintain your marble.

Most products are developed for specific uses on certain surfaces.

You wouldn't use Windex on fine wood furniture would you? It's cheap and it will clean it, but it will also damage it. Marble is no different.

All kinds of cheap chemicals will "clean" marble, but also damage it... so, when you ask for "cheap" I can only compare what is appropriate to clean marble with.

I recommend using Granite & Marble Cleaning spray VALUE KIT because it is perfectly formulated for cleaning marble safely, effectively and streak free so it looks great... it's also the cheapest marble cleaner available.


Hot water is the only other appropriate alternative, which is perfectly fine. It will require a lot more effort to remove any gunk on your countertops, and you'll have to buff it dry to remove streaks, but it won't damage the marble.

Many will recommend using dish soap too, which won't hurt your countertop. That is most soaps are safe, although a few are acidic enough to etch marble.

Using dish soap is not the best idea because eventually a residue builds up and dulls the shine.

This soap film cannot be cleaned by water or even a standard marble cleaner.

You'll need to use a special cleaner formulated to cut through and remove soap scum, which is particularly tough to clean.

Bleach, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and vinegar are cheap, will "clean" marble, but all are too harsh (acidic or caustic) and will definitely damage the marble countertop or floor finish.

So, the cheapest is hot water, which is my primary method and then 2-3 times a week or as needed after a messy meal I use Granite Countertop & Marble Cleaning spray suggested above. I don't use it up very quick, so it's pretty cheap on a yearly basis.

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