Knowledge Builders

what should you not use on marble

by Yvonne Pollich Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Marble Cleaner Tips to Avoid Damage

  • Do not use common cleaners like bleach, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia since these will etch marble (travertine and limestone too) leaving dull spots, rings, or spray marks. Etching is a chemical burn to the marble surface which requires re-polishing. ...
  • Avoid acidic & citrus cleaners. ...
  • Also bad are nearly all name-brand cleaners like Windex, 409, Tilex, Lime Away, Kaboom, CLR, and Lysol. ...

Unfortunately, most common and popular household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners, and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for use on marble and will cause damage to the finish. This includes brand-name cleaners as well.

Full Answer

What can you not use on marble countertops?

Take a pass on products containing lemon, vinegar, or other acids that will dull or etch marble surfaces. Stay away from scouring powders or abrasive creams and rust removers containing trace levels of hydrofluoric acid (HF); these will damage marble.

Can I use vinegar to clean cultured marble?

Do not use vinegar for cleaning cultured marble. White vinegar (and all other types) is a strong acid. Acidic chemicals will dull or etch the surface when used as a regular cleaner. Do not use hydrogen peroxide.

What happens if you clean marble with acid?

Most cleaners will corrode or burn the marble finish creating dull spots called etching . Cleaning marble with products bought at your local store that contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals will etch the countertop or tile surface and degrade the sealant leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.

Can you use bleach on marble countertops?

Unfortunately, most common and popular household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners, and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for use on marble and will cause damage to the finish. This includes brand-name cleaners as well.

image

What can you not put on marble?

Avoid placing toiletry products such at hair products, perfumes, toothpaste, nail products, creams, lotions, and colognes on marble surfaces because they can etch the surface resulting in a ring shape. We recommend using a decorative tray to store these items if you want to leave them displayed.

What cleaners can you not use on marble?

Acidic Cleaners Most have hydrogen peroxide (pH 4), low vinegar (pH 3), or citrus (lemon-orange pH 2-4) which end up etching marble. Avoid any cleaner with a PH below 7. These common cleaners can leave dull spots, rings, or spray marks on your floor.

What is safe to use on marble?

5 Safe Cleaning Products for Marble You Can Count On#1: Good Old Soap and Water. One of the easiest and best ways to keep stone surfaces clean is with a mixture of warm water and gentle dish soap. ... #2: Hydrogen Peroxide Solution. ... #3: Baking Soda Paste. ... #4: Specialty Stone Cleaners. ... #5: Microfiber Cloths.

What is the best way to clean marble?

There are special marble cleaning solutions out there, but regular dish soap works well. You can mix a little soap into warm water in a spray bottle or simply put a few drops onto a wet cloth. Wipe the marble surface down with this sudsy cloth and follow immediately with a rinse and a dry.

Is vinegar safe for marble?

Because marble is a natural stone, mostly calcium carbonate, it is vulnerable to acidic liquids and cleaners. Even a bit of lemon juice or vinegar can leave etches or blemishes on your marble countertop. To avoid this, use the most basic cleaning solution you can on your marble surfaces.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for marble?

Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Marble? A small amount of mild dish soap, like Dawn, mixed with water is a safe way to clean marble. Just make sure you don't use dish soap that is abrasive or contains acidic ingredients like lemon juice.

Is it safe to use Windex on marble?

Avoid acidic & citrus cleaners. Any cleaner with pH above 10 etches marble which is why bleach (pH 12) and ammonia (pH 11) are not for cleaning marble. Also bad are nearly all name-brand cleaners like Windex, 409, Tilex, Lime Away, Kaboom, CLR, and Lysol.

How do you clean marble naturally?

Homemade Marble Cleaner and Disinfectant of warm water, 2 oz. of rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol, and 3 drops of castile soap or another mild dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. To clean, spray this onto your counters and wipe it off with a damp microfiber cloth.

Can I clean marble with hydrogen peroxide?

For light-colored marble, hydrogen peroxide is a good natural cleaner. For darker marble, a small amount of acetone can safely wipe away potential stains. In either instance, be sure to rinse the area with water so that the chemicals don't sit too long on the surface.

Can I use baking soda on marble?

Although baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaner, you shouldn't use it on marble every day, as frequent use could dull your marble countertops. Instead, you can give your counter a quick clean daily (or as needed) with a little dish soap and a damp rag.

How do I make my marble shiny again?

Eco Polishing of your Marble: Use a mixture of Baking Soda and water as a polish. Combine (45 g) of baking soda to (0.9 L) of water and mix well. Then using a clean cloth, apply the mixture to your surface in a thin layer. Allow to dry for about 5 hours.

Can you use magic eraser on marble?

Magic Erasers are abrasive, so avoid using them on delicate countertops such as marble and granite. Not only can you damage the sealant but the eraser may make the countertop appear dull. All of these cleaning products can cause more harm than good.

Can cleaners damage marble?

Yeah, unfortunately, you can't use just any old product on marble. Most common household cleaners will damage marble. Vinegar, ammonia, bleach must not be used, but this also includes "brand-name" cleaners like Lysol because they are too alkaline or too acidic and just too harsh for marble.

Can you use Fabuloso on marble?

Anyway, I googled Fabuloso and looked at the ingredients listed on the Colgate website. The cleaning ingredients were not familiar to me, so I called Colgate's customer service. They assured me that the ph of the product was safe for sealed and unsealed marble.

Is Scrubbing Bubbles safe for marble?

To maintain the shine and to protect your cultured marble product, only use liquid cleaners such as Scrubbing Bubbles, Lysol Basin Tub & Tile Cleaner, or Scrub-Free Soap Scum Remover. It is not recommended that you use any abrasive cleansers like Soft Scrub, powdered Comet, or Ajax.

Can I use baking soda on marble?

Although baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaner, you shouldn't use it on marble every day, as frequent use could dull your marble countertops. Instead, you can give your counter a quick clean daily (or as needed) with a little dish soap and a damp rag.

1. Lemon Juice Or Lemon Oils Will Etch The Marble Surface

One of the first reasons why using lemon juice or lemon oils on the surface of marble or most other natural stone surfaces is because lemon contains high amounts of acids.

2. Lemon Can Damage The Sealant On The Marble Surface

Most marble and natural stone surfaces are finished with sealants to protect them from staining and damage. The sealant is a thin layer of material that will help the surface from getting stained or scratched easily.

3. Lemon Can Erode The Porosity Of The Marble Surface

Natural stones are porous for certain peculiar reasons such as their crystallization process. That’s why you will see some pores on the surface, which is part of what leads to its natural beauty and charm.

4. Lemon Can Make Marble Surfaces Very Sticky

Not only does lemon affects the look of the marble or natural stone surface but it also affects how the marble surface feels.

5. Lemon Juice Can Leave Behind An Unpleasant Odor

Lemon juice or lemon oil also leaves behind an odor that may be unpleasant for some people who might have allergies to lemon or citrus scents in general.

6. Decrease The Resale Value Of Your Marble

When all is said and done nobody would appreciate marble surfaces that is etched all over. It’s a hassle and will substantially decrease the resale value of your home because some people may be turned off by this.

Tips On How To Maintain Your Marble Surfaces Without Using Lemon

Below are some of the best ways to maintain your marble floors and other surfaces without using lemon:

Why is marble counter so hard to clean?

Marble as a kitchen countertop is troublesome because it is impossible to completely prevent etching. Using cutting boards will protect against scratching and direct contact with food juices that may etch. These cutting boards are a super choice. Grip the counter, catch juices, dishwasher-safe, reversible.

What is the best way to clean marble?

Do: Clean Surfaces Using a Sponge or Soft Cloth. The only cleaning agents you should use on a regular basis are hot water and a specially formulated marble cleaner. I recommend this Marble & Granite cleaning spray or the "green" version is excellent and more environmentally-friendly.

What is marble cleaning?

Marble cleaning is simply a matter of learning the particular traits of marble countertops and floors and the correct procedures... then it's just routine. Again , you'll find comprehensive info on marble cleaning, marble polishing, sealing, prevention and marble repair solutions in the Cleaning Marble Secrets e-book .

Why put decorative tray on marble vanity?

A decorative tray on a marble vanity can look very nice and it will protect the surface from the damaging chemicals contained in many toiletry products.

What are the dots on marble called?

And dropping anything heavy on marble can create little white dots called "stun marks" that cannot be removed or repaired.

Why do you clean marble rugs?

However, rugs and mats must be cleaned regularly to eliminate dirt and dust that builds up within the rug that could then also scratch the marble.

Is marble more acidic than granite?

Marble is much more sensitive than granite to acidic substances like wine, coffee, fruit juices, tomato sauce, sodas, toiletry products and cleaning products that can stain or etch (dull) the surface finish. Tip: check out our marble stains & etching page for specifics on diagnosing the different types of "spots" you may see on marble.

What cleaning products cannot be used on granite?

Many websites recommend these cleaning products as essentials to your at-home cleaning kit. While they may be extremely helpful in other areas of your home, you should not use the following items on your granite countertops.

What is the worst way to clean granite countertops?

Bleach. Bleach is one of the worst options for cleaning your granite countertops. Bleach can cause extreme staining as well as cause the sealant to wear off faster. While a great disinfectant, we recommend looking elsewhere for antibacterial solutions.

What can be used on granite?

Now that you know what ingredients to avoid for your granite countertops, you may find yourself asking: “Well, what can I use?”

Can you use Clorox on granite?

Clorox should absolutely not be used on natural stone features as it contains many ingredients that can cause damage, including the aforementioned bleach and citric acid. Whether using Clorox wipe or the multi-purpose cleaning fluid, this brand should not be used on granite countertops.

Can Windex be used on granite?

Most Windex or glass cleaner products contain ammonia, which is not recommended for use on natural stone. Glass cleaning products can create a dull finish on your countertops, and may even dry in an uneven, patchy way leading to even further unattractive issues. This product can even strip the sealant off your granite countertops , leaving it susceptible to other damage. It typically has a pH level of around 9.

Is granite a durable stone?

Last updated on May 26, 2021. Granite is a gorgeous, durable stone with extremely simple cleaning instructions. These cleaning instructions are so simple that many homeowners tend to overcomplicate the cleaning process required to care for their granite countertops. There are many ingredients that may further damage your granite, ...

Can glass cleaner be used on granite countertops?

Glass cleaning products can create a du ll finish on your countertops, and may even dry in an uneven, patchy way leading to even further unattractive issues. This product can even strip the sealant off your granite countertops, leaving it susceptible to other damage. It typically has a pH level of around 9.

How to remove stains from marble?from erinkestenbaum.com

Make a natural poultice to remove stains. If there is a stain, though we haven’t yet had one in here, I make a natural marble poultice from mixing baking soda and water to create a paste, smear the paste over the stain and cover it with cling wrap to keep the poultice in place.

What to do when buying marble for a bathroom?from designingidea.com

Checking online reviews can help to ensure previous customers are happy with the quality of the materials being offered. Quality is crucial if you want a beautiful bathroom.

How much does a marble shower pan cost?from designingidea.com

All in all, the estimate for a cultured marble shower pan ranges from $300 to $600.

How much does cultured marble cost?from designingidea.com

Cultured marble has a cost range of between $8 per square foot and $24 per square foot , depending on factors such as what type of cultured marble you are buying. It’s important to note that all marble can be cultured, so if you have a preference of, for example, Calacatta over Emperador, you can find cultured marble to suit your needs.

What is cultured marble?from designingidea.com

This is a man-made marble that utilizes a blend of resins and particles and is made to be both durable and attractive. Once the cultured marble is formed, it is placed into molds to create the shapes needed. The cultured marble is then covered with a bonding gel and polished so it looks it’s best.

Why do you use marble panels?from designingidea.com

Marble panels are chosen by many for a variety of reasons. For one, there is no grout when you use marble wall panels unlike when you use tiles. This makes regular cleaning and maintenance much easier on the homeowner.

What to do if you spill on marble?from designingidea.com

Not only will it stain, just like any other surface, spills such as conditioner or body wash can make the marble floor even slicker. You can also use anti-slip products to help make your marble shower floor safer.

How to keep cultured marble in top condition?

To keep your cultured marble in top condition, you must use the proper cleaners, avoid damaging products, and develop good maintenance habits.

What is the best cleaner for marble?

Instead, use a marble cleaner or non-abrasive, all-purpose cleaner like the highly-regarded Puracy for proper cleaning. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, super-effective, and dries streak-free.

What is the best way to clean cultured marble?

Soap or a mild detergent is commonly recommended but is counterproductive (see why below). Use a pH neutral hard surface cleaner like Puracy for daily cleaning. A quality Marble Cleaner (made for real marble) is also an excellent and safe cleaner for cultured marble. Avoid using soap as a general cleaner.

How to remove yellowing from marble?

Rinse thoroughly with clean water. If the above procedure doesn't work, then you may have to sand down and refinish the cultured marble surface. Do not let the bleach solution sit on the surface for too long. Apply it and scrub a bit, then rinse it very well. Repeat until yellowing is removed.

What is cultured marble?

It’s a common point of confusion. Cultured marble is a man-made solid-surface material made with marble dust and resins. It is similar to Corian countertops. Cleaning and maintenance requirements, repair options, and types of products used are different from regular marble and other materials. Follow the recommendations provided in this detailed ...

Why is my marble bathroom yellow?

Over time cultured marble can yellow for a couple of reasons. Lack of natural light or fresh air in the bathroom can cause the surface to yellow after many years.

Can you clean cultured marble?

You’ll clean cultured marble sinks the same way as the countertop. The same rules apply.

image

1.What Not to Use to Clean Marble - Limestone

Url:https://www.limestone.com/about-us/limestone-learning-center/what-not-to-use-to-clean-marble/

28 hours ago  · One of the things that you must avoid on the marble floor or any other surface is store-bought cleaners. Most of these products contain harmful chemicals that not only pollute …

2.6 Reasons Why You Should Not Use Lemon On Marble

Url:https://favoredstoneguides.com/lemon-on-marble/

33 hours ago  · What products should you not use on marble? Harsh or acidic cleaning products are useful for cleaning many parts of the kitchen, including ovens, sinks and microwaves. …

3.Marble Cleaning Do's & Don'ts Guide | Countertop …

Url:https://www.countertopspecialty.com/marble-cleaning.html

31 hours ago  · What Should You Not Use on Marble in Paradise, NV? Is Vinegar Safe or Corrosive? Can I Use Sandpaper & More

4.What Products Should Not Be Used on Granite?

Url:https://marble.com/articles/can-you-use-bleach-on-granite-countertops

30 hours ago  · Another thing you want to avoid using on marble is abrasive cleaners and scrubbers. Marble is a very soft material and it doesn’t need to be scrubbed. You just need to wipe it down with a soft microfiber cloth and you will be good to go.

5.Using Marble In Shower (12 Pros And Cons You Must …

Url:https://favoredstoneguides.com/using-marble-in-shower/

22 hours ago Unfortunately, most common and popular household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners, and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for use on marble and will cause …

6.How To Clean Cultured Marble Countertops & Showers

Url:https://www.countertopspecialty.com/how-to-clean-cultured-marble.html

18 hours ago  · Clorox should absolutely not be used on natural stone features as it contains many ingredients that can cause damage, including the aforementioned bleach and citric acid. …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9