Marble is luxurious product and is a durable and beautiful choice for floors and counters but to keep it looking it's best it is necessary to care for it properly. Like granite, marble can be very porous, and traditional cleaning products are often too harsh to use on it. Marble is susceptible to acids and things like vinegar, lemon juice and harsh cleaners can etch the surface leaving dull marks on the marble. Because the surface is porous, marble is easily stained by things like oil and red wine. Care should be taken to prevent spills as much as possible.

Keeping marble countertops in the kitchen or bathroom clean can be a challenge since they are exposed to water, grease, acids and food stains. The best way to avoid damage to the granite is to clean up spills as soon as they occur so that liquids and other substances do not have time to penetrate the porous granite. In doing so, however, avoid using cleansers that have the potential to scratch or etch your surface, like abrasive powder cleansers or acidic formulas that contain ammonia.

Clean the marble with warm water and detergent; don’t use soap, as it is fat based and can cause the stone to darken. You can use a cleaner specifically meant for marble or store-bought detergent. Rinse the stone with clean water and then thoroughly dry it with soft cloth. Do this several times a week or as needed to keep your stone clean and fresh. Never use anything abrasive on marble.

Remove ink stains with household bleach. Apply the product with a clean cloth until the stain lifts and then rinse the cleaner away with water before drying the stone. Remove food stains with hydrogen peroxide, rinsing the stone clean with water and buffing it with a dry cloth.

Get rid of water spot buildup or rings by lightly buffing the stone with steel wool, ensuring you don’t buff any more than necessary to remove the spot.

Kill mold or mildew with diluted ammonia, mixing 1/2 cup with one gallon of water. You can remove oil based stains with detergent, preferably a dishwashing detergent with grease fighting ingredients. With either of these options, always rinse the stone clean with water and buff it dry with a clean cloth.

The most effective way to maintain the appearance of marble countertops or flooring is to make sure that the material has been properly sealed. A good marble sealant actually prevents the stone from absorbing liquids that may cause stains or surface etching. Seal the marble two to four times a year with a marble sealant. Sealant prevents the naturally porous stone from absorbing spills and moisture, prolonging its beauty and its life. To choose the best sealant for your stone, talk to the dealer you purchased the marble from for product recommendations and then apply according to the manufacturer directions. If you are sealing marble counter tops in a kitchen, ensure you use a product safe for food preparation areas.