It’s okay to use marble in the kitchen, and there are ways to do that with just a little bit of added effort. All it takes is a commitment to maintenance and upkeep that you may have put off into the distant future. With the hustle and bustle in today’s life, it’s hard to find the time, but if you really want marble in your life, deal with the added time and upkeep. You can have those marble countertops you’ve been dreaming of for years.
Marble’s Limitations
Maybe you’ve had designers tell you to use marble in bits and pieces throughout your home because of the stain and scratch-prone nature of the stone. Well, that’s unfortunate because the nature of marble is such that when you want to make a dramatic presentation it needs to be in a large expanse. Applications with countertops, backsplashes islands, and other sizeable areas will require the use of marble to that extent. You don’t have to deny yourself or your love of marble because of the fear of not being able to take care of it. So, what should you do to fulfill your dream of more than a side table, tiny vanity, or other small areas of your home?
Sealing Marble
What can you do to make it okay to use marble in the kitchen? For one thing, you can seal your marble countertops professionally, or do it yourself. This will help them withstand water and other liquids. It should be done every 3-6 months. If you have white marble, the upkeep will be more frequent while darker marble requires less effort.
Spills
You want to get to spills on marble up as quickly as possible or you’ll have damage from water, stains, and etching.
Etching
Etching in marble is caused by different products including acidic foods that interact with the calcite (calcium carbonate) that exists in marble. Foods like wine, lemon juice, and vinegar are the top culprits. Cleaners can also cause etching on marble. You want to look for products that are specifically designed for use on marble to avoid damaging the surface. Any length of exposure to an acid can cause the removal of the marble’s polish or sealant. The surface will become dull and more susceptible to scratches. If you do find yourself with stains from red wine and don’t have a professional cleaner on hand, take a little bit of ammonia and a half cup of hydrogen peroxide and wipe over the spot. Do this repeatedly until the stain is gone.
Honing Marble
Honed marble is marble that has not gone through the process of polishing. A honed marble countertop or other surface will not have reflective characteristics like a polished surface but is less susceptible to scratches. With a honed marble surface, you have a matte and less polished effect. Honed marble is susceptible to stains but will deflect the effects of etching but unfortunately won’t stop it completely.
Chipping
With marble being softer than other stones, there are chances for chips. This is one reason why you don’t want to lean against a marble island, countertop or other area wearing a belt or long clunky jewelry as you could easily chip your marble masterpiece.
Don’t Use Harsh or Abrasive Cleaning Products
When using a cleaner, make sure it is a PH-balanced one. Any acid-based product will cause etching. Clean with a soft cloth to avoid scratches. The best cleaning solutions involve the use of plain old hot water and a soft white cloth. You can also disinfect marble countertops daily by putting baking soda on them and gently rubbing it in with a damp cloth.
Use Coasters, Cutting Boards and Pot Holders
Although marble is highly resistant to heat, you don’t want to place hot pans or utensils directly on it. You could discolor or burn the surface of it. You don’t want to set food, plates, utensils or hot ovenware directly on marble. If you continually do that, the results can be etching, staining and scorching. Also, never cut bread or other edible items on a marble countertop as scratches are the end product. When you are cutting raw meat, you want to be doubly careful as you risk bacteria collecting and multiplying.
Is Marble Really for You?
It’s okay to use marble in the kitchen with the right thoughts of care and maintenance in mind. So, you have to do a little extra. What’s that when you have the looks of a polished surface, beautiful veining and the decorative accents that coordinate with such a kitchen? When you have the marble and the opportunity to work with most any design situation, the sky’s the limit. You just have to be willing to go the distance with the upkeep and maintenance of marble.
If you own a home and are looking at fast countertop cleanup, you’ll probably want to forego using it in large areas, but if you really love marble and want to try it, think of the preventative measures with marble talked about here and give it a try. There are always questions as to what marble can do for your home and how to go about finding the right pattern and setup that works for you and your family. Simply complete the online contact form and a representative will get back to you with the answers you need to make marble part of your dreams.
