Carrara Marble’s beauty and timeless appeal is not without some sacrifice. Here are the 5 hard truths for proper care and maintenance of this gorgeous natural stone.
Sealing
Natural stones are typically more porous than factory made alternatives- and Carrara Marble is no exception. To protect the surface from stains and moisture absorption, it’s critical to seal the surface with a high quality impregnating sealer. You can hire a professional to do this to take out all of the guess work (I did!) or you can totally DIY. I worked with a local company, Allgood Stone Care & Restoration, and they recommend using this sealant— which has a unique super penetrating permanent bonding technology for long lasting protection. It even has a 15-year written performance warranty if applied by a Stain-Proof Accredited Applicator. He assures me that I could’ve totally done this myself, but I was happy to watch and learn. The odor can be intense- so be sure to do it on a day where you can have adequate ventilation.
Everyday Cleaning & Care
Despite having a properly sealed Carrara Marble surface, you should always try to wipe up spills immediately to keep the counter looking its best (especially if the spill is colored or acidic.) Blot the stain vs. wiping it to prevent the acidic or colored material from spreading around. It’s important to find a ph-neutral, non-abrasive cleaner that is specially created for marble or natural stone. My stone professional recommended this cleaner. I have been using it for a year and it’s worked great. To be honest, I only use the cleaner on the countertops once a week- otherwise I just wipe them down with water and a flour sack towel. Another everyday care tip is to be sure to have lots of wooden cutting boards on hand. Not only does it encourage family members to use them to protect the marble surface from acidic fruits, food spills, and knicks from a knife, they are also handy to put down hot items from the range or oven. Marble is more heat resistant than man made countertops- but I prefer to play it safe and protect them unnecessary heat exposure.
Etching Prevention
Etching is when something acidic comes into contact with the marble and leaves dull, light colored spot or mark on the surface. Etching tends to be less visible on honed marble vs. polished marble. I use cutting boards for everyday tasks and use them as my “home base” for meal prep in the kitchen to prevent spills from etching the surface of the stone. In all honesty, I was more concerned about the etching and perfection of the stone when it was first installed. Now, I don’t regularly offer guests coasters or overreact when there’s a spill. The patina of the stone is beginning to take on a beauty of it’s own- and if I ever get sick of the tiny dots or rings from glasses- there’s a technique that can be done to remove the etching and bring the stone back to it’s original honed glory. Find out about that treatment (here.)
Stain Treatment
No matter how careful you are, a stain on your marble countertop is inevitable. Luckily, there is an easy solution to combat stubborn stains- a poultice. A poultice is a paste like substance that helps to draw out stains from a porous material like marble. It’s made of easy household ingredients- baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water. All you have to do is mix into a paste, apply to the entire stain, cover with plastic wrap, and let sit for 24-48hrs. or until completely dry. This is how a poultice worked on my countertop. (hyperlink to post about poultice- coming soon.)
Carrara marble countertops are a stunning addition to any home and can match well with a myriad of different design styles. By following these simple tips you will enjoy this material for years to come. Personally- the extra care and maintenance are well worth the elevated aesthetic the natural stone brings to our home.
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