Marble is beautiful, timeless and surprisingly delicate. It scratches, stains and etches more easily than most people expect, and many everyday cleaners can damage it. The good news is that knowing how to clean marble is simple once you understand what the stone needs. This guide covers everyday cleaning, removing stains, the difference between stains and etch marks, cleaning marble floors and showers, sealing, and caring for marble-look furniture tops.
Why Marble Needs Special Care
Marble is a natural stone made mostly of calcium carbonate. That makes it soft and porous compared with granite or quartz. Two things follow:
- Acids etch it. Lemon juice, vinegar, wine, tomato sauce and many bathroom cleaners react with the calcium carbonate and leave dull, rough marks.
- Liquids soak in. Oil, coffee and wine can sink into unsealed marble and leave stains.
The rule for natural stone surfaces is simple: clean gently, use pH neutral products, and wipe spills immediately. Acidic substances and harsh cleaners are what damage marble surfaces most often, far more than everyday use.
What You'll Need
- Soft microfiber cloths and a soft towel for drying
- A spray bottle
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap or a pH neutral cleaner made for stone
- Baking soda and plastic wrap for stain poultices
- Hydrogen peroxide (for organic stains on light marble)
- A soft bristle brush and a soft mop for floors and grout lines
How to Clean Marble: Everyday Cleaning
- Wipe away loose dirt. Crumbs and grit can scratch, so start with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Mix a gentle cleaning solution. Add a few drops of mild dish soap to a spray bottle of warm water, or use a pH neutral stone cleaner.
- Spray and wipe. Mist the surface and wipe with a damp cloth in gentle circles.
- Rinse. Wipe again with a clean cloth dampened in plain water to remove soap residue.
- Dry thoroughly. Buff with a soft, absorbent towel or dry microfiber cloth. Standing tap water can leave water spots and mineral deposits.
That's all most marble countertops and tables need day to day.
What Is the Best Thing to Clean Marble With?
Warm water with a little mild dish soap, or a pH neutral cleaner labelled safe for marble. Use soft cloths, not scrubbers. Avoid anything acidic, alkaline or abrasive.
What Not to Use on Marble
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Vinegar and lemon juice | Acids etch the surface |
| Bleach and ammonia | Harsh chemicals can dull the finish and break down sealer |
| Abrasive cleaners and powders | Scratch the polish |
| Scouring pads | Leave fine scratches |
| Generic bathroom and tub cleaners | Often acidic, made for soap scum on tile |
| Excess water left standing | Can mark and seep in |
Is Dawn Dish Soap Good for Cleaning Marble?
Yes, in small amounts. A few drops of gentle dish soap in warm water is safe for sealed marble. Rinse well so soap film doesn't build up, which can make marble look dull.
Can I Use Murphy's Oil Soap on Marble?
It's made for wood. Oil soaps can leave a film on stone and may darken some marble over time. Stick with a pH neutral stone cleaner or diluted mild dish soap.
Stains vs. Etch Marks: Know the Difference
| Stain | Etch mark | |
|---|---|---|
| Looks like | A darker or colored spot | A dull, lighter, rough spot |
| Cause | Liquid soaked into the stone | Acid dissolved the surface |
| Fix | A poultice draws it out | Polishing powder or a professional |
How to Remove Stains From Marble
A poultice is a paste that pulls a stain out of the stone as it dries.
- For oil stains (cooking oil, lotion), mix baking soda with water. For organic stains (coffee, tea, wine, food) on light marble, mix baking soda with hydrogen peroxide.
- Spread the paste about a quarter inch thick over the stain.
- Cover with plastic wrap and tape the edges. Poke a few small holes.
- Leave for 24 to 48 hours.
- Remove the plastic, let the paste dry, then scrape it off gently with a plastic spatula.
- Rinse with a damp cloth and dry. Repeat for stubborn stains.
Test hydrogen peroxide on an inconspicuous spot first; it can lighten dark marble.
How to Make Marble Look New Again
For light etching on polished marble, a marble polishing powder buffed with a damp cloth can restore shine. For deep etches, scratches or a dull countertop overall, a stone restoration professional can hone and repolish the surface.
How to Clean Yellowed White Marble
White marble can yellow from old sealers or wax, iron in the stone oxidizing, or dirt ground into the surface. Start with a deep cleaning using a pH neutral cleaner. If that doesn't help, a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide poultice can lift surface yellowing. Yellowing from within the stone usually needs a professional.
How to Clean Marble Floors
- Dust mop or vacuum (without a beater bar) daily to remove grit.
- Damp mop with warm water and a pH neutral cleaner using a soft mop.
- Don't flood the floor; excess water can seep into grout lines.
- Dry with a clean towel or microfiber mop.
- Put mats at entrances to catch grit from shoes.
How to Clean a Marble Shower and Tile
Marble shower walls get soap scum and hard water deposits, but regular tub cleaners are too harsh. Squeegee after every shower to prevent buildup. Clean weekly with a pH neutral stone cleaner and a soft bristle brush for grout lines. To remove soap scum, use a cleaner specifically labelled safe for marble. A bathroom vanity top follows the same everyday routine as a kitchen counter.
Sealing Your Marble
Sealer doesn't make marble stain-proof, but it buys you time to wipe up spills. To test, drip a little water on the surface. If it darkens the stone within a few minutes, it's time to reseal. Kitchen marble countertops often need resealing about once a year, sometimes more with heavy use. Follow the sealer maker's directions.
How to Clean Marble Countertops Step by Step
Kitchen countertops see the most spills, so they need a daily cleaning routine:
- Clear the counter and brush off crumbs.
- Spray a solution of warm water and a few drops of pH neutral dish soap.
- Wipe with a soft microfiber cloth, paying attention to areas around the sink and stove.
- Wipe again with clean water to remove soap.
- Dry and buff for a glossy finish.
Once a week, do a slightly more thorough pass with a stone cleaner, and check for dull spots that might mean the sealer is wearing thin. Regular cleaning like this keeps clean marble countertops looking polished and prevents stains from settling in.
Marble Cleaning Do's and Don'ts
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use pH neutral soap or stone cleaner | Avoid vinegar, lemon and other acidic cleaners |
| Blot spills right away | Wipe spills across the surface, spreading them |
| Use soft cloths and soft brushes | Use steel wool or scouring pads |
| Dry the surface after cleaning | Leave wet areas to air dry |
| Use coasters and trivets | Set hot pans or wet glasses directly on stone |
| Reseal when water darkens the stone | Assume sealer lasts forever |
Marble in Bathrooms: Preventing Soap Scum
To prevent soap scum on a marble vanity or shower, wipe surfaces dry after use, store soap on a dish rather than directly on the stone, and use liquid soap where possible. Rinse surfaces with clean water before drying. Daily cleaning takes seconds and prevents buildup that would otherwise need stronger products.
Marble vs. Other Materials
Granite and quartz resist acids better than marble, which is why marble needs more care than other materials. Its protective layer of sealer slows staining but doesn't stop etching. If you love the look but want less maintenance for kitchen countertops or furniture, marble-look surfaces are a practical alternative. Either way, gentle cleaning protects the marble's appearance and prevents surface damage.
Caring for Marble-Look Furniture
Many furniture pieces have marble-look tops made from engineered materials, laminates or high-gloss finishes rather than natural stone. They don't etch like real marble, but they still scratch and can be damaged by harsh products. Always follow the maker's care instructions:
- The Nacre TV Stand pairs mother-of-pearl fronts with a high-gloss, UV-finished marble-look top.
- The Nacre 5-Drawer Chest with Mother-of-Pearl Fronts and Marble-Style Top has a marble-look top over five drawers and anti-tip hardware.
- The Grand Framed-Glass Kitchen Island with Marble-Look Top calls for a soft, dry cloth, and avoiding abrasive cleaners, harsh chemicals and excessive moisture to protect the marble-look surface.
- The Rocca 71" Kitchen Island has a high-gloss stone-look finish; its care instructions recommend a soft, dry microfiber cloth and coasters or protective mats to prevent scratches and heat damage.
In general: wipe with a soft cloth, dry spills promptly, use trivets for hot pans and coasters for glasses, and skip abrasive pads.
Everyday Habits That Protect Marble
- Wipe spills immediately, especially acidic ones.
- Use coasters, trivets and cutting boards.
- Put trays under oils, perfumes and toiletries.
- Dust regularly so grit doesn't scratch.
- Reseal natural marble as needed.
Related: see our furniture care guide (by material) and guide to cleaning travertine.
FAQ
What is the best thing to clean marble with?
Warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap, or a pH neutral stone cleaner, applied with a soft microfiber cloth and dried thoroughly.
Can you use vinegar on marble?
No. Vinegar is acidic and etches marble, leaving dull marks.
How do I get stains out of marble tile?
Use a poultice of baking soda and water (for oil) or baking soda and hydrogen peroxide (for organic stains on light marble), covered with plastic wrap for 24 to 48 hours.
How do I get my marble to shine again?
Clean thoroughly and buff dry. For dull or etched areas, use a marble polishing powder, or call a stone restoration professional for honing and polishing.
How often should marble be sealed?
It depends on the stone and use. Do the water drop test; if the marble darkens within a few minutes, reseal.
For other surfaces, see our guides on cleaning a glass table, cleaning wood furniture and cleaning white furniture.