Keeping Marble Clean

by Tracey Burnside
(Garden Grove, Ca )

Cleaning Marble Tile Countertop

QUESTION:

I believe this is a rolled Italian marble, natural in color and porous. I have lived at this residence for 2 1/2 years and am seeing major discoloration and staining in the kitchen (it is used on all countertops). I have done all I can to keep it clean, but it is not working. Is there some sort of maintenance that should be done, or am I neglecting this in some way?

In general, the major amount of discoloration is happening around the edge of the counter where bodies rub.

ANSWER:

Tracey, thanks for the picture. Don't know why it got turned, but still nice to have. Looks like a tumbled or rolled travertine to me, which is similar to marble and limestone. For cleaning and maintenance purposes, they are all in the same family.

I'm seeing some discoloration in the tiles, but it looks like the major problem is with the grout. I'm 99% certain neither have been sealed.

Marble, travertine and limestone are not typically good choices for a kitchen countertop (maybe not your choice). Polished travertine is very stain resistant (not absorbent), but it will etch (corrosion causing dull light spots) easily upon contact with acidic foods, which there are many.

So, if someone really wants travertine, limestone, marble in the kitchen they will have it honed or tumbled so etching is not as noticeable, but a non-polished surface is way more absorbent and must be sealed every few years. Grout must be sealed too.

As you note, most of the staining is from probably from oily substances. Typically oily stains require a poultice, but over this large an area let's try regular cleaning first.

I recommend you start by trying to clean it with MB-3 Cleaner ... follow link under Bath & Shower). This is a heavy duty cleaner that is safe for travertine and will be good for future use once you get this all sorted out.

If the MB-3 doesn't get it all out, then use acetone from your hardware store. Spread some on and let it soak... scrub with soft bristle brush.

Hopefully, the MB-3 will get it, because the acetone won't be fun. Once you have the stains clean you will may want to consider re-filling the pits in the travertine if they are not flush with the surface and then seal the entire countertop.

For sealing I'd use MB-4 Impregnating Sealer. Follow the directions especially don't let the excess dry on the surface. Considering the porosity of the surface, this may not be an issue. The sealer will get sucked up by the travertine.

Then of course, always clean up spills quickly, wipe and dry the surface after every use and use the MB-3 or MB-5 at the end of the day or a couple times a week... whatever seems necessary.

The sealing is the main issue. That is why you've been fighting an uphill battle. Oils get on the countertop and can be quickly absorbed. Even though you clean up, residues build up and stain, etc.

Once you clean the stains and apply the sealer, you should find life in the kitchen much less frustrating!

Good Luck,
Ryan

I highly recommend MB Stone Care Products to maintain all your marble, stone and granite countertops and floors in optimal condition. I've used other good products (Stone Tech, Miracle) but found MB Stone Care is the most reliable and effective.