2010-01-11
Marble is commonly used as house floorings, counters, and ornamental arts. Because of its absorbent surface, countertop can easily be damaged. To maintain its attractive finish whether it is colored or pure white, it is important to clean it properly. Cleaning marble is easy, but it could be damaged if you do not know how to do it.
Experts say that the following techniques would help:
1.Get warm water and mix it with mild soap. Use this mixture to clean your china granite counter section by section.
2.Use a cotton cloth to clean the marble counter. It is done section by section so that you will see which part is already clean. Because of the marble design, it is sometimes difficult to see the smudges that are still remaining.
3.Do not air dry or do not just let the water dry on top after cleaning. Remove the soap with a towel, and repeat it with another dry towel until all the water is gone.
4.When the marble is dry check to see if there are still smudges or stains. If the stain or smudges are bumpy, clean it again with your warm water and soap applied by a clean cotton cloth. If the smudge is not bumpy that means it has already penetrated in the surface so it needs professional cleaning.
5.After successfully cleaning your marble counter, the next step is to wax it in order to bring back its original luster. Put some wax on the cotton cloth and apply it in circular motion. It should be section by section again.
6.White marbles turn yellow when waxed.
7.Wipe the excess wax with another clean soft cloth.
8.Regular cleaning of marble counters or marble floorings is done 3 to 4 times a year. Only warm water and soap is used. On a daily basis, you will only use warm water and sponge. Soap makes the appearance of the marble dull.
9.Marble table tops require fast cleaning action when some spills or stains appear. Its porous surface is receptive to stains. Without spills, no cleaning agent is required. Hand lotions and other oil based stains can be successfully removed by corn starch. Leave the corn starch overnight, brush it off then wipe it dry.
10.Always clean marble table tops dry. Watermarks dull the shine and leave a spotted appearance. If the marble surface is etched, tin oxide is the proper remedy. This can simply be applied on a damp cloth then fold the damp cloth over the etched surface. Repeat the damping over and over the etched surface until they are hardly visible.
Cleaning your marble counters and returning it to its original looks gives you a feeling of accomplishment. Many households cannot afford to use marble floorings and furniture because of its cost. They are more expensive than tiles and other flooring materials. Maintaining its gloss will keep your house an extravagant one.