How to Care for Marble Furniture: Expert Maintenance Guide

The good news is that natural stone requires minimal daily maintenance when done correctly. Here is your essential routine:

Daily Cleaning:

• Wipe surfaces with a soft, damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and light debris
• Use lukewarm water only – no chemicals needed for routine cleaning
• Dry the surface with a clean cloth to prevent water spots

Weekly Deep Clean:

• Add 2-3 drops of pH-neutral soap (like castile soap) to warm water
• Gently clean the entire surface in circular motions
• Rinse with clean water and dry thoroughly

What to Avoid:

• Never use acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, citrus-based products)
• Avoid abrasive materials like rough sponges, steel wool, or scrub brushes
• Skip generic multi-surface cleaners – they often contain acids or ammonia
• Do NOT use bleach or hydrogen peroxide directly on marble

While marble and onyx are surprisingly durable, they are porous materials that require proactive protection:

Prevention is Key:

• Use coasters for all glasses, especially those containing wine, coffee, citrus juices, or alcohol
• Wipe spills immediately – the faster you act, the less likely a stain will set. Blot, don't wipe, to avoid spreading
• Use placemats for meals to catch any potential spills
• Use trivets or felt pads for hot items – extreme temperature changes can stress the stone

High-Risk Substances:

These items can etch or stain marble quickly if not cleaned immediately:

• Red wine, coffee, and tea
• Citrus fruits and juices (lemon, lime, orange)
• Tomato sauce and vinegar
• Perfumes and cosmetics
• Cooking oils

Professional Sealing:

We recommend professional sealing every 12-18 months for dining tables and high-use surfaces. Sealing creates an invisible barrier that gives you more time to clean spills before they penetrate the stone.

Your marble's finish affects how you should care for it:

Polished Marble Care:

• More resistant to staining due to the closed surface pores
• Shows fingerprints, water spots, and scratches more easily
• Dust with microfiber cloth at least twice weekly
• Avoid dragging objects across the surface – always lift
• Benefits most from stone-specific polish (quarterly)

Honed (Matte) Marble Care:

• More natural feel but slightly more porous
• More forgiving with scratches – they blend into the matte surface
• Requires more frequent sealing (every 6-12 months vs 12-18 for polished)
• Will develop a natural patina over time that many owners love
• Easier to maintain a pristine appearance day-to-day

If prevention fails, here is how to address common marble stains:

Organic Stains (Coffee, Tea, Food):

• Make a poultice with baking soda and distilled water (paste consistency)
• Apply a 1/4 inch layer over the stain
• Cover with plastic wrap, tape edges
• Leave for 24-48 hours, then remove and rinse
• Repeat if necessary

Oil-Based Stains (Cooking Oil, Butter):

• Use baking soda or cornstarch to absorb fresh spills
• For set stains, try a poultice of baking soda mixed with acetone
• Apply, cover, and leave for 24 hours

Etching (Dull Spots from Acid):

• Light etching on polished marble can often be buffed out with marble polishing powder
• For deeper etching, professional restoration is recommended
• On honed marble, light etching usually blends in and is less noticeable

When to Call a Professional:

• Deep or widespread staining
• Scratches you can feel with your fingernail
• Chips or cracks
• Antique or extremely valuable pieces

Keep your marble in pristine condition with this yearly care plan:

Every 6 Months:

1. Deep clean with stone-specific cleaner
2. Inspect for any etching, scratches, or damage
3. Check honed surfaces for sealer wear (water should bead, not absorb)

Annually:

1. Professional sealing – especially for dining tables and frequently used surfaces
2. Professional inspection – address chips or damage before they worsen
3. Polish restoration (polished surfaces) – restore shine if needed

Our Recommendation:

For DLA Stone pieces, we recommend using Tenax or Bellinzoni brand stone care products, which are professional-grade and widely trusted in the stone industry.

Need product recommendations for your specific stone? Contact us at care@dlastone.com