Marble Countertop Care Guide
Simple habits and expert guidance to keep your marble countertops beautiful for the life of your kitchen.
- Every daySoap & water
- WeeklypH-neutral stone cleaner
- Every 3–5 yearsReseal
- First 3 yearsResealing covered
Getting to know your stone.
Hard marble is a dense, durable natural stone, tougher and less porous than traditional marble, which is why it performs so well in busy kitchens. Like every natural stone, marble has two traits worth understanding: a natural porosity, protected by the sealer we apply at installation, and a mineral makeup that reacts to acids. Nearly every care question comes back to one of these two things.
Usually removableA stain
A darker or discolored spot where a liquid has soaked into the stone.
Common causes: cooking oil, grease, butter, red wine, coffee, tea.
Needs professional repairAn etch
A dull, lighter spot where an acid has reacted with the surface. It may feel slightly rougher than the stone around it.
Common causes: lemon, lime, vinegar, tomato sauce, soda, harsh cleaners.
Have traditional marble? Softer marbles are more porous and etch more easily than hard marble. The same care applies, just with more attention: wipe acids up right away, and ask us for the sealing schedule for your stone. [CONFIRM]
Marble wears in. That's expected.
Marble is a softer, more reactive stone than granite or quartzite. Over the years it picks up small marks from everyday life. That's not a defect. It's how marble has looked in kitchens for centuries, and many owners choose it for exactly that.
Etching
Acids like lemon, vinegar, wine, and tomato leave dull spots in the polish. Wiping quickly limits it, but over time some etching is normal.
Scratches
Marble is softer than granite. Knives, dishes, and pots slid across the surface leave fine scratches that show more on polished finishes.
Minor staining
Even sealed and well cared for, oils and dark liquids left too long can leave light marks. Most come out. A few become part of the stone.
Think of it as a patina, not damage. Keep up the daily habits in this guide and your marble will age evenly and gracefully. If a mark bothers you, send us a photo. Many etches and scratches can be professionally restored.
Three habits. Decades of beauty.
- Every daySoap & water
Wipe with warm water and a few drops of mild, oil-free dish soap. Dry with a soft towel.
- WeeklyStone cleaner
Use a pH-neutral cleaner made for granite and natural stone to lift soap film and restore shine.
- Every 3–5 yearsReseal
Refreshes your stone's protection. Resealing is covered by the GranitePro warranty program for the first 3 years.
Your cleaning routine.
Daily cleaning
- Clear the surfaceWipe away crumbs and spills as they happen.
- Wash gentlyUse warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge.
- Wipe dryDry with a paper towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and soap film.
Weekly cleaning
Once a week, use a pH-neutral "granite & stone" cleaner. These are available at most grocery and hardware stores and remove leftover soap film and tougher spills, keeping your countertops clean and shiny.
Check your soap label. Make sure your dish soap contains no oils. Some "natural," organic, or moisturizing soaps include plant oils that can darken your stone over time.
Safe to use
- Mild, oil-free dish soap and warm water
- pH-neutral cleaners labeled safe for granite or natural stone
- Soft cloths, microfiber, and non-scratch sponges
Avoid
- Bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and citrus-based cleaners
- Glass, bathroom, and all-purpose sprays
- Scouring powders, scrub pads, and melamine "erasers"
- Stone polishes, waxes, and oil soaps
Rule of thumb: if a product doesn't say it's safe for granite or natural stone, don't use it on your countertops.
Why we skip "polish" products
Polishing products leave a residue that builds up over time, trapping dirt and grime and making the stone look dull and worn. It can be removed, but it's far better to avoid it in the first place.
Etches aren't stains
A poultice won't fix an etch, because nothing soaked in. The surface itself changed. Etches need professional restoration, so call us.
Sealing your marble.
Every countertop is sealed at installation. Keeping that protection fresh is simple.
3–5Years
Reseal every 3–5 years.
Your marble is sealed at installation. To check it, place a few drops of water near your sink or cooktop and wait 15 minutes, then wipe dry. If the stone has darkened, or you notice dark marks after washing dishes, it's time to reseal. Just give us a call.
The water test
Place a few drops of water on a busy area, near the sink or cooktop, and watch.
- Beads up
After 15 minutes, no darkening. Your sealer is working.
- Darkens slowly
Darkens after 5–15 minutes. Plan to reseal soon.
- Darkens fast
Darkens within a few minutes. Time to reseal, so call us.
Time to reseal?
Email info@graniteproremodeling.com or give us a call and we'll get you on the schedule.
Resealing is covered
The GranitePro 10-Year Warranty Program covers any necessary resealing for the first 3 years. Honed and leathered finishes may need sealing more often than polished.
What sealing does, and doesn't do
It buys you time
Sealer slows down absorption, giving you time to wipe up oil, wine, and coffee before they can soak in.
It isn't a force field
Sealed stone is stain resistant, not stain proof. Spills left overnight can still work their way in.
We handle it
No need to buy sealer or do it yourself. Let us know when it's time and we'll take care of it.
Do's & don'ts.
A few simple habits keep your countertops looking brand new.
Do
- Clean daily with mild, oil-free dish soap and warm water.
- Use a cutting board when using knives.
- Keep oil bottles on a small plate or tray when not in use.
- Clean up after cooking the same day, especially oils, acidic fruits, and vegetables.
- Use coasters under wine, juice, coffee, and cocktails.
- Use trivets or hot pads under hot pots, pans, and countertop appliances.
- Keep fresh fruit in a bowl rather than directly on the stone.
- Reseal every 3–5 years, or sooner if the water test says so.
- Call GranitePro with any questions or concerns.
Don't
- Leave acidic foods or drinks sitting on the surface.
- Leave cooking messes for extended periods of time.
- Use cleaners with bleach, ammonia, abrasives, or harsh chemicals.
- Set hot cookware directly on the stone, and never over a seam.
- Stand, kneel, or sit on countertops, or put heavy weight on unsupported overhangs.
- Drag heavy or rough-bottomed items like cast iron or stoneware across the surface.
- Leave fruit to ripen on the stone. Natural oils and juices from overripe fruit can stain.
- Try DIY stain or damage remedies. Contact us first and we'll give you the right fix.
24h
The same-day rule
If it spilled today, clean it today. Oils, acids, and sugary drinks only cause problems when they're left to sit. A quick wipe after cooking prevents nearly every stain and etch.
Spills, spots & stains.
Don't worry. Most marks on marble can be resolved. The first step is identifying what you're looking at.
Spilled something? Do this now.
Wipe it up right away, especially anything acidic: lemon, vinegar, tomato, wine, soda. Wash with warm soapy water, rinse, and dry. If a dark spot or a dull patch remains, send us a photo before trying anything else.
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Dark spot or ring that doesn't fade | Cooking oil, grease, butter, lotion | StainSend us a photo. Usually removed with a poultice. |
| Brown, pink, or tan discoloration | Red wine, coffee, tea, fruit, food coloring (tannins) | StainSend us a photo. Usually removed with a poultice. |
| Dark area that fades as it dries | Water from the sink or dishwashing | NormalIf it happens often, it's time to reseal. |
| Dull, light, or rough patch | Acids: citrus, vinegar, tomato, soda, harsh cleaners | EtchA poultice won't help. Contact us about professional restoration. |
| Cloudy or hazy film | Soap buildup or polish residue | FixClean with a pH-neutral stone cleaner. Call us if it persists. |
Removing a stain, step by step.
- Send us a photo
Email a photo and a short note on what you think caused it to info@graniteproremodeling.com. We'll reply within 24 hours.
- Get the right product
In most cases we'll recommend MB Stone Care Stain Reaper Poultice Paste and confirm it's right for your stain.
- Apply and wait 48 hours
Spread a thick layer over the stain, extending slightly past its edges. Let it sit 48 hours until completely dry.
- Remove and inspect
Gently wipe away the dried paste and clean any residue with your stone cleaner. The spot may look dark for a few hours while it dries. If any stain remains, repeat step 3.
What we recommend.
- Cleaner · WeeklyStone Care InternationalGranite, Quartz & Stone Daily Cleaner
A pH-neutral spray that cleans and degreases sealed natural stone without leaving residue behind. Use weekly, or anytime you need more than soap and water.
- Stain remover · As neededMB Stone CareStain Reaper Poultice Paste
A ready-to-use poultice that draws oil and organic stains out of the stone. Please contact us before using it so we can confirm it's the right fix.
We're here for the life of your countertops.
“If something isn't right, we'll make it right. Our relationship doesn't end on installation day.”
Other care guides.
Marble care questions.
Don't see yours? Call (410) 875-7579 and ask a real person.
Will lemon or vinegar damage marble?
Acids like lemon, lime, vinegar, tomato sauce, and soda can etch marble, leaving a dull, lighter spot. Wipe them up right away and keep them off the stone.
What's the difference between a stain and an etch?
A stain is a darker spot where a liquid soaked in, and it's usually removable. An etch is a dull, lighter spot where an acid reacted with the surface, and it needs professional repair.
How often should I seal marble?
Every 3–5 years for hard marble, or sooner if the water test shows darkening. Traditional marble may need it more often, so ask us for your stone's schedule.
Is resealing covered?
Yes. The GranitePro 10-Year Warranty Program covers any necessary resealing for the first 3 years.
Can an etch be fixed?
Yes, with professional restoration. A poultice won't help because nothing soaked in. Contact us and we'll take a look.
What should I clean marble with?
Warm water and mild, oil-free dish soap every day, and a pH-neutral "granite & stone" cleaner once a week. Skip bleach, ammonia, vinegar, and citrus-based cleaners.
Will my marble stay looking brand new?
Not forever, and that's normal. Marble picks up some etching, fine scratches, and light marks over the years. Daily care keeps it even and graceful, and many marks can be professionally restored.
Is hard marble different from regular marble?
Yes. Hard marble is denser, tougher, and less porous than traditional marble, which is why it performs so well in busy kitchens.
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