marble cleaning tips

If your marble floors or countertops are looking a bit lackluster, chances are they're begging for a cleaning. 

Then again, those streaks or that surface film could instead signal that you've actually over cleaned the surface, using too much soap.

Yes, the results of over cleaning and under cleaning this stone surface are roughly the same. Either way the solution is the same, too - you'll need polish them.

The important thing is this: Follow the marble polishing product's directions to the letter, using neither too little nor too much of the cleaner.

Or, if you'd like to just get back to square one, call in a professional stone craftsman who can republish (and reseal if necessary) for you. And in the future, keep these marble cleaning and care tips in mind:

Marble Cleaning and Care Tips

• Keep marble surfaces clean. Dust or wipe dingy, dirty surfaces with a damp cloth. 

• Don't let spills or food sit on your marble. Clean up spills as they happen.

• If the inevitable happens (food sits and dries), tackle the spots by sprinkling a bit of borax or baking powder on them. Rub gently with a damp sponge or cloth. Loosen the food and remove. Wipe clean with a damp, clean cloth. 

• Warm water only should be used on the floor. Vinegar, often added as a cleaning agent, is acidic and will make your floor worse. 

• Always polish-dry your marble floors and countertops. As you know, marble spots quite easily, and requires high maintenance to retain its luster.

How to Remove Water Spots from Marble Floors

To remove water spots from marble, apply several drops of hydrogen peroxide with a medicine dropper, followed with a drop or two of ammonia. This may create a cloud of fumes, but it is not toxic. After 20 minutes, wipe clean.

Or, try a soap scum-removal product such as Tilex, which should work just as well on water spots. Polish with a stone sealer or marble polish, which covers up the smaller scratches and restores marble's natural gloss.