How to Keep Marble and Granite Shining? – The Complete Maintenance Guide
Marble and granite add a touch of luxury and elegance to homes and commercial projects, but keeping them shiny requires regular care and the right cleaning methods. Over time, strong cleaners or neglect can cause them to lose their shine and develop stains and scratches. In this guide, we share the top expert tips to keep your stone surfaces looking like new for many years.
1. Daily cleaning with gentle products
Use a soft cloth or a microfiber mop with warm water and a cleaner made for marble or granite. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, or concentrated bleach, because they can damage the stone's surface and make it lose its shine.
2. Quickly removing stains
When coffee, juice, or oils spill, make sure to clean them up right away using a dry cloth, then wipe the area with a suitable cleaner. Leaving liquids for too long can cause them to soak in and create stains that are hard to remove.
3. Using safe natural materials
You can clean surfaces with a mix of lukewarm water and a few drops of mild soap, then dry them right away with a soft cloth. This method helps remove everyday dirt without affecting the stone's shine.
4. Protecting the surface from scratches
Avoid dragging furniture or placing sharp metal tools directly on marble or granite, and use hot pads and cutting boards to protect kitchen surfaces from scratches and direct heat.
5. Applying the sealer
Regularly applying a sealant helps reduce liquid absorption and protects marble and granite from stains and moisture, especially in kitchens and bathrooms that get a lot of use.
6. Periodic polishing
You can restore shine to surfaces using polishing products made for natural stone, or by calling in specialists to polish marble and granite when needed, especially if the surface has lost its luster due to long-term use.
Mistakes to avoid
- Using vinegar or lemon juice to clean marble.
- Using a metal wire or rough sponge.
- Leave fluids and stains for long periods.
- Using cleaners that contain acids or abrasive materials.
- Neglecting to dry the surface after cleaning.
