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How to Clean Marble Countertops: Simple Care Tips for Calgary Home

If you love the look of marble but worry it is “too high maintenance,” you are not alone. Many Calgary homeowners hesitate because they are afraid of stains, etching, and daily care. The good news is that once you understand how to clean marble countertops properly, the routine is simple and very manageable.

At A1 Granite & Marble, we install and care for marble countertops in homes across Calgary, Saskatoon, and Red Deer. Our local team works with these stones every day, so we know what actually works in real kitchens, not just in theory. With the right habits, marble can stay beautiful for years without becoming a full-time job.

Why Marble Is Still Worth It in a Busy Calgary Kitchen

Marble has a soft, timeless look that other materials simply cannot copy. It brightens darker Calgary kitchens and adds character that only natural stone can offer. When you understand basic care, marble becomes a durable, long-term choice instead of something you have to “babysit.”

Calgary families cook, bake, and entertain a lot, especially in colder months. Marble can handle that lifestyle, as long as you use the right cleaners and protect the surface from harsh products. A1 Granite & Marble helps you choose the right finish, show you how to clean marble countertops day to day, and set up a simple maintenance plan.

Step 1: Daily Cleaning with pH-Neutral Soap and Water

For everyday cleaning, you do not need anything fancy. Warm water, a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth are all you need. Wipe the surface gently, then dry it with a clean towel to avoid water spots.

This routine removes dust, crumbs, light grease, and everyday spills without damaging the stone. It also keeps your countertops looking fresh, which is important in busy Calgary homes where the kitchen is the main gathering spot. Simple habits matter more than harsh products.

What Not to Use on Marble

Knowing what not to use on marble countertops is just as important. Avoid vinegar, lemon, citrus-based sprays, bleach, and general “all-purpose” cleaners that are not pH-neutral. These can etch the surface, leaving dull spots and marks that are hard to fix.

Skip abrasive powders, scouring creams, and rough scrubbing pads as well. They can scratch the stone and wear away the finish over time. If you are unsure about a product, test it in a hidden area or stick to pH-neutral soap and water.

Step 2: Treat Spills Quickly to Avoid Stains

Marble is more porous than quartz or granite, so it absorbs liquids more easily. That is why quick action is the key to good marble stain removal. Blot spills as soon as you see them rather than dragging them across the surface.

Common offenders in Calgary kitchens include red wine, coffee, tea, cooking oil, tomato sauce, and juice. If one of these spills, grab a soft cloth and gently blot from the outside of the spill inward. Then clean the area with pH-neutral soap and water, and dry it well.

Step 3: Use a Baking Soda Poultice for Tough Stains

Even with good habits, stains can still happen. When they do, a baking soda poultice is a safe, effective way to draw many stains out of marble. This sounds technical, but it is actually simple.

To make a basic poultice, mix baking soda with water until it forms a thick paste, similar to peanut butter. Apply the paste over the stain in a layer about 3–5 mm thick, then cover it with plastic wrap and tape down the edges. Let it sit for 24–48 hours so the baking soda can pull the stain out of the stone.

After that, remove the plastic, gently wipe away the dried paste with a soft, damp cloth, and dry the area. You may need to repeat this once or twice for deeper stains. If a stain still will not budge, the A1 Granite & Marble team can advise you on next steps, including professional marble stain removal options.

Step 4: Sealing Marble Countertops to Protect Against Stains

Sealing marble countertops is one of the best ways to prevent permanent staining. A quality penetrating sealer does not sit on top like a shiny coating. Instead, it soaks into the pores of the stone and helps slow down absorption.

In a busy Calgary kitchen, many homeowners seal their marble about once a year, depending on use and the specific product. A simple test is to place a few drops of water on the surface. If the water beads up, the sealer is still working. If it darkens quickly and soaks in, it may be time to reseal.

A1 Granite & Marble can recommend sealers suited to your marble and your lifestyle. Our team can also take care of sealing and resealing, so you know the job is done properly and safely.

Step 5: Build a Simple Marble Care Routine

The easiest way to keep marble in great shape is to turn care into a quick routine. It does not need to be complicated. A few small habits go a long way.

Use coasters under glasses, especially with wine, soda, or juice. Place cutting boards under knives rather than cutting directly on the stone, and use trivets or hot pads under hot pans. Combine these habits with daily pH-neutral cleaning and periodic sealing, and marble becomes very straightforward to live with.

Why Choose A1 Granite & Marble for Marble Countertops in Calgary

Marble is a premium material, so you want it supplied, fabricated, and installed by people who work with it every day. A1 Granite & Marble is a trusted local expert in Calgary, Saskatoon, and Red Deer, with years of experience in natural stone. We understand how marble behaves in real homes and real weather conditions.

Our team is licensed and insured, and we take safety and precision seriously at every stage, from slab selection to final installation. We help you choose the right marble, finish, and edges, and we walk you through exactly how to clean marble countertops and protect them long term. When you call us with questions later, you are speaking to a local team that stands behind its work.

After installation, we are still your partner. Whether you need advice about what not to use on marble, help with sealing marble countertops, or support with a stain that worries you, we are here to guide you. That ongoing support is one of the biggest reasons Calgary homeowners choose A1 Granite & Marble.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is marble too high maintenance for a busy Calgary family kitchen?

Not if you understand the basics. Daily wiping with pH-neutral soap and water, quick cleanup of spills, and regular sealing keep marble looking beautiful. Once these habits become routine, caring for marble feels no more complex than caring for other premium countertops.

What is the best way to clean marble countertops day to day?

The best method is simple. Use warm water, a few drops of pH-neutral dish soap, and a soft microfiber cloth. Wipe gently, then dry the surface so water does not sit on the stone.

What should I never use on marble countertops?

Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, lemon, and citrus sprays, as well as bleach, harsh degreasers, and abrasive powders or pads. These can etch, scratch, or dull the surface. If you are unsure, stick to pH-neutral products or ask A1 Granite & Marble for guidance on what not to use on marble.

How often should I seal my marble countertops?

Most Calgary homeowners reseal marble every 12–18 months, depending on how heavily the kitchen is used and which sealer is applied. A quick water-drop test can help you decide. If water soaks in and darkens the stone quickly, sealing marble countertops again is a smart next step.

Beautiful Marble, Simple Care

Learning how to clean marble countertops is really about building a few simple habits, not stressing over every spill. Daily pH-neutral cleaning, fast attention to stains, and periodic sealing will keep your marble looking elegant for years. With the right routine, marble feels like a luxury you can enjoy, not something you have to worry about.

A1 Granite & Marble is here to help you choose, install, and care for marble countertops in Calgary and the surrounding area. Our licensed and insured team brings local experience, precision fabrication, and honest advice to every project. If you are thinking about marble or already have it in your home and want expert guidance, we are ready to help.

Schedule a free consultation with A1 Granite & Marble today to talk about marble options, maintenance, and long-term protection for your countertops. Request a quote online or contact our Calgary showroom and take the next confident step toward a kitchen you will love for years to come.