How to Care for Marble Homewares — The Complete Guide

Marble is one of the most beautiful and timeless materials in interior design — but it does require a little care to keep it looking its best. Whether you have marble tabletops, decorative objects, or serving pieces, this guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, protecting, and maintaining your marble homewares for years to come.

Why Marble Requires Special Care

Marble is a natural stone, which means it is porous and sensitive to acids, heat, and abrasive cleaning products. Unlike sealed surfaces, unsealed marble can absorb liquids quickly, making it prone to staining if spills aren't addressed promptly. Understanding these properties is the first step to keeping your marble in pristine condition.

Daily Cleaning — What to Use and What to Avoid

For everyday cleaning, less is more. A soft, damp cloth is all you need to wipe down marble surfaces. For light dirt or residue, add a small amount of pH-neutral dish soap to warm water and gently wipe the surface, then rinse and dry immediately.

Avoid the following on marble:

• Vinegar, lemon juice, or any acidic cleaners — these will etch the surface
• Bleach or ammonia-based products
• Abrasive sponges or scouring pads
• Spray cleaners not specifically formulated for natural stone

How to Remove Stains from Marble

Act quickly — the faster you address a spill, the less likely it is to stain. Blot (never rub) the spill with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible.

For stubborn stains, a marble-safe poultice can help draw out the stain from the stone. Apply the poultice to the stain, cover with plastic wrap, and leave for 24 to 48 hours before gently removing and rinsing. For deep or set stains, we recommend consulting a professional stone care specialist.

Common stains and how to treat them:

• Oil-based stains (food, cosmetics) — use a small amount of acetone or mineral spirits on a soft cloth
• Organic stains (coffee, tea, wine) — try a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution (12% or lower) on light-coloured marble only
• Water marks — buff gently with a dry, soft cloth in circular motions

Sealing Your Marble — Is It Necessary?

Sealing marble creates a protective barrier that significantly reduces its porosity, making it more resistant to stains and everyday wear. For marble homewares used regularly — particularly in dining or kitchen settings — sealing is highly recommended.

Use a high-quality, penetrating stone sealer and reapply every 12 to 24 months depending on usage. To test whether your marble needs resealing, place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water absorbs within a few minutes rather than beading on top, it's time to reseal.

Protecting Marble from Heat and Scratches

While marble is durable, it can be scratched by sharp objects and damaged by extreme heat. Always use coasters under glasses, placemats under hot dishes, and trivets under cookware. Avoid dragging objects across marble surfaces — lift and place instead.

Long-Term Marble Care Tips

• Dust marble surfaces regularly with a dry microfibre cloth to prevent buildup
• Keep marble away from prolonged direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration over time
• Store marble pieces away from other hard objects that could cause chipping
• Polish occasionally with a marble-specific polish to restore shine and protect the surface

Shop Marble Homewares

Looking to add marble pieces to your home or trade project? Explore our curated collection of marble homewares, tabletop accessories, and decorative objects — all crafted to bring timeless elegance to any space.