Marble countertops can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen’s aesthetic, but many homeowners avoid installing it because they fear to ruin the delicate surface when sanitizing. Marble reacts with acid because it has a calcium carbonate makeup, meaning when the two interact, it creates dull spots otherwise known as etches. Many common disinfecting products are going to leave a residue or mark of some kind, so it’s important to know how to prevent this as much as possible without having to forego the sanitation of your counters. So what products and techniques should you use?
Hot Water and Soap?
Although it doesn’t technically function as a disinfectant by killing germs, soap and hot water work to remove them. It may sound overly simple. Still, the CDC refers to it as the first and most effective step for the disinfection of a surface. The issue with using soap on marble surfaces is that eventually, it will still dull the marble due to soap scum build-up. It’s great for a gentle, quick clean, but not as ideal for daily use.
Hydrogen Peroxide or Bleach Mixtures?
Diluting hydrogen peroxide with water can tame the acidity levels a bit, but it also means diluting its effectiveness on germs. Plus, it’s a game of trying to find the right amount of each to minimize damage, meaning you need to be mentally prepared for the potential of your surface etching anyway.
Bleach might give your countertop a chemical burn, which has the same visual result as hydrogen peroxide: etching and dulling your beautiful counter.
Natural Disinfectants?
It seems as though natural disinfectants would be softer on marble, but despite consisting of natural components, they are still acidic. Many people try to use vinegar, but it also leaves marks and isn’t as effective as for sterilization.
Specially Formulated Products
There are specialty marble spray cleaners specifically formulated to help kill or remove most pathogens without overly damaging the surface or accumulating soap scum. Of course, we highly recommend our own MORE® Stone & Quartz Cleaner - with Antimicrobial Protection. This product now has an antimicrobial feature that inhibits the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew and also compliments the MORE™ Premium Plus Stone Sealer. It can also be used on countertops that have not been sealed with MORE® Premium Plus Stone Sealer.
Save the Quality of Your Marble Countertop with a Stone Sealant
Far more effective and less time consuming, a stone sealer protects against stains in the first place and can be used on marble counters or floors. Our MORE® Premium Plus Stone Sealer - with Antimicrobial Protection not only acts as a barrier to prevent stains, it also curbs the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew with an antimicrobial agent. Water-based and with low odor levels, it’s great for warding off stains and germs in the first place. Prevention is always far easier than trying to remove stains later.
Since acid is going to come into contact with your marble countertop at some point—whether from something so simple as a spilled cup of lemonade or squeezed lime droplets that missed the glass—protecting your marble with an antimicrobial sealant in advance is your best bet for maintaining the quality and shine. Significantly less effort, cleaner, safer, and very effective - all qualities that we think are hard to pass up.
