Carrara marble - help!

11 years ago

Hi - my husband and I just moved into our new home and there's beautiful Carrara marble everywhere. What do I need to know about caring for it - specifically how to clean it? I understand we should use microfiber cloths and chamois, but what cleaners have people used? Any specific non-irritating cleaners? And if they're organic, that'd be great! Can I put a soap dispenser on the marble? And a dish rack for drying dishes? Thank you!!!!

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Comments (3)

Jumpilotmdm
11 years ago
Marble not recommended for many surfaces, due to it's maintenance requirements and softness. BE CAREFUL what you put on it and do your research. I've seen bad marble torn out and laminate put in!
gr8daygw
11 years ago
I would make sure it is sealed and if you aren't sure just seal it again with a high quality product such as 511 Impregnator sealer I think you can get it at Home Depot or for sure online. After that you shouldn't really have too much to worry about. The sealer won't help with etching from citrus but it will with stains big time. You can clean it with just dish soap and water, that's what I use in my upstairs bath. I bet your new home is beautiful! ... I have a soap dispenser on my Carrera but it is in one of those wire holders such as Williams Sonoma has with the matching lotion bottle. I don't see why you couldn't put a dish rack on it if it has covered feet but if you are really concerned you could put something under it to protect it.
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breezygirl
11 years ago
Carrara owner here. Eight months. No need to sound the panic alarm has jump seems to indicate. In addition to making sure it's sealed as Gr8day mentioned, there's not a lot to do. Etching will happen regardless when acids contact the marble. If your marble is honed, etches will be less visible. Think of it as adding to the patina. :) It can also scratch.

I have at least several etches (I don't keep track) but have no stains. I cook from scratch everyday and don't worry about my Carrara. Berries haven't stained it nor as coffee. I don't have a drying rack, but as long as yours doesn't have feet that can scratch, you'll be fine. Same goes for the soap dispenser.

As far as cleaning, my fabricator gave me this formula. Fill a new, clean spray bottle with distilled water and add two or three drops of dishwashing liquid. Spray and wipe. Sometimes I use a dry washcloth or towel to wipe or sometimes even a paper towel if I'm being really lazy and am rushed.

Long-term maintenance is only resealing when necessary. The water drop test is a good method to tell when its time for that. Drop a drop of water on the marble. If the drop's margins are fuzzy and uneven, get out your sealer. The areas you wipe down more often will need resealing more quickly.

HTH! I love my marble. Hope you will too!