Table of Contents
Can you use bleach on marble countertops?
No, you cannot use bleach on marble countertops. Bleach is a highly alkaline substance with a pH of 12, which is extremely high. Cleaners with a pH of more than 10 will damage marble, leaving etchings in the stone. The etching shows up as discolouration and unsightly rings in the marble.
You want to look after your marble surfaces and have them look pristine all the time. After all, marble isn’t cheap and you probably use them regularly.
When most people think of cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces, bleach often comes first to mind. But, marble is a surface that needs the right types of cleaners, and bleach isn’t one of them. Bleach is a strong and highly alkaline cleaner.
Marble is a natural stone made mostly of calcium carbonate. This means anything too acidic or too alkaline can damage it.
Why is My Marble Countertop Chipping? Causes & Fixes
Discoloration
Anything with a pH above 10 is going to hurt your marble counter, and bleach has a pH of 12. Using bleach on your marble countertops will damage the surface, causing etching. Etchings are chemical burn marks that can show up like discoloration and rings on the surface and it will require you to repolish your granite surface.
If you decide to use bleach, you’ll notice yellow stains on your marble, this is just the beginning of the discoloration. In order to get your marble back to where it was before the stain, it can take a lot of scrubbing and cleaning.
Erodes your counter
Marble is typically sealed before the manufacturer sends it out to you. Bleach can disintegrate the protective sealant. This will leave the marble exposed to stains and cracking.
You won’t notice the damage bleach does to marble until it’s too late. It’s a slow process to destroying your worktop surface. If you have applied bleach, make sure to seal the marble again.
To clean marble you need only mild soap and warm water with a microfiber cloth. If you feel you need a deeper clean or you want something stronger, there are many specifically formulated store cleaners, too. Unfortunately, many cheap cleaners labelled for use on marble aren’t very good or contain ingredients that may still be harmful.
We recommend visiting your local reputable stores or going straight to the manufacturer for proper cleaners that are safe and effective to use on your marble countertops. These cleaners will contain many powerful natural cleaning agents that will clean and polish your surfaces.
Can you use Windex on marble countertops?
No, you cannot use Windex on marble countertops. Windex has an acidic pH, which will eat up and damage your marble countertops. Like most commercial cleaners, Windex is too harsh to use on marble. Try using a cleaner specifically designed for marble if you want to clean and polish your countertops.
Windex is a popular cleaner designed for windows and glass but is often used for cleaning other surfaces like some natural stones. It’s a popular name brand because not only does it clean well but it also leaves a beautiful streak-free shine. But you should never use Windex on your marble countertops.
Marble is a durable stone but many cleaners are too much for it and can damage it. Most if not all commercial cleaners like Windex that are not specially designed for use on marble will damage it. Windex itself has a low pH which means it’s acidic. This means this cleaner will eat up your marble countertops and damage them.
If you want to clean and polish and leave a streak-free sparkly on your marble countertops, try a cleaner specifically designed for marble countertops.
While soap and water are good enough for cleaning marble countertops, soap can leave a film and may not provide the shine you’re after. So look for cleaners designed for marble countertops at any reputable store or direct from the manufacturer of your marble countertops.
Marble Changing Color | Causes & Fixes
Can you use Clorox wipes on marble countertops?
No, you cannot use Clorox wipes on marble countertops. Clorox wipes are a popular and effective disinfectant, but they’re too acidic to use on marble countertops. The acidity will corrode, eat at, and damage your beautiful marble countertops. Try isopropyl alcohol to disinfect instead.
Clorox wipes are popular, easy to use wipes that clean and disinfect many household surfaces. Many people like them for their versatility and practicality. And they’ve increased in popularity since COVID-19. But, Clorox wipes aren’t suitable for marble.
Marble, while hard and durable, cannot take any cleaning products that are too alkaline or too acidic. Clorox wipes in particular are very acidic, and acidic cleaners will corrode, eat at, and damage your beautiful marble countertops.
If you want to disinfect your marble countertops, there’s a safer and more effective way. We recommend isopropyl alcohol. This is an inexpensive and fantastic way to disinfect your marble countertops that won’t harm, stain, or etch them.
To use isopropyl alcohol to disinfect your marble countertops safely and effectively, first, get a clean empty spray bottle. Then, mix some warm water, 1 drop of liquid dish detergent, and then add 4 tbsps of isopropyl alcohol for every 8 ounces of water. Mix this solution. Spray to your heart’s content on your marble countertops and use a clean damp microfiber cloth to gently scrub them. After, pat dry with a clean dry cloth.
It’s best to dilute the isopropyl alcohol with water as a safety measure, making sure to prevent any damage from the alcohol. Sure, it’s not the most abrasive cleaner but it’s still worth doing.
Can you use pine sol on marble countertops?
No, you should never use Pine-Sol on marble countertops. Pine-Sol is an acidic cleaner with a low pH of 3-4. This means Pine-Sol will etch and corrode marble and it will eat at the protective sealant. Try soap and water and an isopropyl alcohol mix to clean and disinfect your marble safely instead.
Pine-Sol is a popular household cleaner that’s been around for a long time. Its natural ingredients and delightful smell make it a popular go-to household cleaner for many people. It’s also antibacterial and kills germs. But, Pine-Sol cannot be used on marble countertops.
Pine-Sol is very acidic with a low pH of 3-4. A pH this low will corrode, etch, and discolour your marble countertops over time. And this pH does not change. This means that if you were to use it, you’d have to use a neutralising agent such as a baking soda mixture over the countertop to bring the pH level back up.
What’s more, Pine-Sol, like many other acidic cleaners, can eat away at the protective sealant that is usually included on marble countertops from the manufacturer.
There are better and safer alternatives to cleaning and disinfecting your marble countertops without having to resort to premade cleaners like Pine-Sol that will damage marble. If you want the same results you’d get from Pine-Sol, we recommend using soap and water to clean your marble countertops and then using an isopropyl mixture to disinfect.
Mix warm water, 1 drop of dishwasher detergent, and 4 tbsp of isopropyl alcohol per 8 ounces of water into a clean spray bottle. Spray this mixture over your marble countertops after cleaning with soap and water and wipe with a clean damp microfiber cloth.
Finish by drying the marble countertops off with a dry cloth. You can also find cleaners with disinfectant powers specifically designed for marble countertops at reputable stores.
Can I Cut on My Countertop Without Scratching it?
Can you use Mr Clean on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use Mr Clean’s Multipurpose Cleaner on marble countertops. The Multipurpose Cleaner has been tried and tested on many surfaces including marble and is safe and effective. But, make sure to clean any residue, as this can stain and discolour marble surfaces.
Mr Clean is one of the few household cleaners you can use on marble countertops. But, because Mr Clean makes many products, it’s important to use the right ones. You can use the Mr Clean Multipurpose Cleaner safely on your marble countertops.
The Mr Clean Multipurpose Cleaner has been tried and tested on many surfaces, including marble. But, when using the Mr Clean Multipurpose Cleaner, it’s important to wipe off the residue as quickly as possible. To do this, first, clean your surface with the cleaner using a clean damp microfiber cloth.
You then want to use the other side or a new clean damp microfiber cloth to rid of any residue. You can also splash the surface with clean water before drying. This is because anything, even water, that’s left to evaporate on marble countertops can stain and discolour the surface.
Can you use rubbing alcohol on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use rubbing alcohol on marble countertops. Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is one of the best things you can use to safely and effectively disinfect your marble countertops. Use it by itself with water or create a disinfectant combined with cleaner.
Rubbing alcohol, or isopropyl alcohol, is one of the most effective ways to disinfect your marble countertops safely. Thankfully, isopropyl alcohol is one of the few truly disinfecting agents that can be used on marble without damaging the stone. It’s also inexpensive and easy to use.
Because rubbing alcohol is a disinfectant only, we recommend using it after your regular cleaning or combining it with a cleaner for maximum impact.
One simple way is to combine your regular daily soap and water cleaning for your marble countertops with a secondary cleaning mixture of rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. Or, you can use the rubbing alcohol mix by itself when need of immediate disinfecting.
To make a rubbing alcohol mix, you can simply mix clean warm water and 2-4 tbsps of rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle. Or, for a combined cleaner, use this same mixture but add 1 drop of dishwasher detergent. And remember to rinse and clean the residue with clean water and pat dry the surface.
Can you use hydrogen peroxide on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use hydrogen peroxide on marble countertops, but only on light coloured marble countertops. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on dark marble countertops as the bleaching effect will discolour it. Make a hydrogen peroxide mix to safely and effectively remove stains on light marble.
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective bleaching agent that people use to lighten surfaces and remove stains. While powerful and not recommended for everything, hydrogen peroxide can be safely used to remove stains on marble as long as the marble is light in colour.
This is because the bleaching effects of hydrogen peroxide will lighten and discolour dark coloured marble. But, on a surface already white like light marble, it’s fine to use. And it shouldn’t be used as a cleaner.
This is because cleaning with hydrogen peroxide as opposed to using it only for stain removal can mean it is left too long or evaporates on the surface, which will etch and discolour the marble.
To use hydrogen peroxide safely on your light coloured marble countertop, follow these steps. First, you will need to dilute it effectively. Hydrogen peroxide is powerful and you don’t need much of it to be effective. Diluted with water alone and it’s still too strong for marble.
So, dilute it by mixing it with 2 drops of hydrogen peroxide with 1 tbsp of baking soda into a small bowl of warm water. You want this mixture to be watery enough that you can dip a cloth in there to soak it but not too watery that there aren’t enough of the cleaning agents to be effective. If the water is murky white, that’s perfect.
Second, dip a soft clean microfibre cloth in the bowl so it’s soaked. Third, gently rub down the stains on your marble countertops for no more than 5-10 seconds. Lastly, Dry the countertop completely with a soft dry cloth.
The combination of the baking soda along with the hydrogen peroxide makes for a killer cleaner that will safely and effectively remove stains without harming your light coloured marble countertops.
Can you use baking soda on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use baking soda on marble countertops, so long as the marble is light in colour. Baking soda can be used as a safe and effective cleaner and stain remover. Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda over your marble countertops and gently wipe with a soft damp clean microfibre cloth.
Like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda is an inexpensive go-to household cleaner. It’s an effective and gentle abrasive that helps to lift stains, remove discolouration, and disinfects naturally. But, also like hydrogen peroxide, baking soda has a lightning effect, and should only be used on light coloured marble and should be used with care.
Fortunately, the method we will show you can be used on the entire surface for an overall clean and not only for stain removal. So, here’s how to use baking soda in an easy way that will safely remove discolourations and stains from your marble countertop, so long as it’s light in colour.
To use baking soda on your marble countertops, sprinkle a little over the surface. Then, use a damp clean microfiber cloth to gently rub down the baking soda into your marble countertops.
Can you use dawn soap on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use Dawn soap on marble countertops. This dishwasher soap is mild and doesn’t contain too many acidic ingredients, making it a great cleaner for marble. You can mix Dawn soap with some clean warm water to wipe away every day spillages and for regular cleaning of your marble countertops.
Dawn soap is a common household soap that’s used for more than just washing dishes. Because marble is so easily stained and takes a lot of care, people wonder if they can use their dawn dishwasher soap that sits by the sink to quickly and safely clean their marble.
The answer is, yes, a small amount of delicate dishwashing soaps like Dawn can be mixed with clean warm water to safely and effectively clean everyday spillages and residue. Any dishwashing soap that does not contain harsh cleanses and especially acidic cleansers like citric acid is fine to use on marble countertops.
To safely and effectively use Dawn soap on marble countertops, mix a small amount, preferably 1-2 drops, with some warm water. Then, soak a clean microfibre cloth. Use this cloth to gently rub down your marble countertops. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing too hard, as this can damage your delicate marble.
Can you use fabuloso on marble countertops?
Yes, you can use Fabuloso on marble countertops. Fabuloso has a neutral pH of 7, meaning it’s not too alkaline nor too acidic. This means it can safely and effectively be used on marble. To use Fabuloso, mix ¼ cup of the cleaner with 1 gallon of warm water. Gently wipe down and then thoroughly dry.
Fabuloso is a popular multipurpose cleaner that a lot of people go to for their everyday cleaning. Naturally, because it’s multipurpose, people wonder if it’s OK to use marble. Marble is one of the most delicate stones and anything too acidic can damage marble.
Luckily, Fabuloso is one of the few cleaners that have a neutral pH of 7. This means it can safely be used on your marble countertops.
Anything with a pH too low, which is alkaline, or too high, which is acidic, damages marble and the sealant that protects it. And, while you can use Fabuloso on your marble, it must be used properly with the proper dose. Too much of any cleaner can damage your delicate marble.
Here’s how to use Fabuloso for a powerful clean on your marble countertop. First, measure and pour 1 gallon of warm clean water into a clean bucket or container large enough. Then, add ¼ cup of Fabuloso. Mix well so the Fabuloso is properly diluted and incorporated into the water.
Use a soft clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe down your marble countertops. Then, rinse the entire surface with clean fresh water to rid of any soapy residue. Finally, dry the entire surface thoroughly with a dry clean cloth.
Can you use Lysol on marble countertops?
No, you cannot use Lysol on marble countertops. Lysol is a powerful cleaner and disinfectant that is very acidic. High acidity will corrode and cause irreparable damage to marble countertops. Instead, try using rubbing alcohol to disinfect your surfaces.
Lysol is a powerful cleaning agent that a lot of homeowners turn to for complete cleaning and disinfecting of their surfaces. The powerful formula is a go-to for killing all kinds of germs, bacteria, and viruses. And, naturally, your marble countertops will encounter these types of nasties.
But, Lysol, like a lot of other manufactured disinfecting products, is far too strong for marble and can cause irreparable damage. The acidic nature of Lysol can easily break down the sealant that protects your marble countertops and penetrate the surface and corrode it.
If you want to disinfect your marble countertops without the possibility of permanent and costly damage, try rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is inexpensive, powerful, and completely safe to use on marble countertops.
To use rubbing alcohol effectively, simply mix 2-4 tbsps into warm clean water in a spray bottle. Spritz your surfaces and wipe with a soft microfibre cloth. Dry completely with a new clean cloth to rid of any residue.
Can you use vinegar on marble countertops?
No, you cannot use vinegar on marble countertops. Vinegar is one of the worst things you can use. It’s extremely acidic and will break down the protective sealant, corrode, and leave irreparable expensive damage. Try using a gentler cleaner that isn’t too acidic like soap and water.
Some people use vinegar to clean and disinfect because it’s an inexpensive and easy-to-reach solution that’s in a lot of cupboards. But, vinegar is one of the worst things you can use on marble. Even a little bit of vinegar will etch your marble surfaces.
Vinegar is extremely acidic and will break down the sealant of your marble, penetrate the surface, and corrode your marble. This will cause stains and irreparable damage that will be expensive to repair and may mean you will need to completely replace your marble countertops.
To clean your marble surfaces safely, effectively, and inexpensively, try using soap and water instead. Or, you can try a premade cleaner specifically designed for marble countertops. Marble is one of the most delicate natural stones made mostly of calcium carbonate.
This means it’s delicate and can easily be damaged. So, it’s best to be safe and use a gentler cleaner that isn’t too acidic like vinegar.
What is the best cleaner to use on marble countertops?
The best cleaner to use on marble countertops is simple soap and water. This tried and true method is gentle enough and effective enough to be used every day. For a deeper clean, you can try a designed product or compatible household cleaner. Always wipe marble surfaces gently to avoid etching.
Because marble is such a delicate natural stone, and because you want to make it last a long time, it’s best to use a very delicate cleaner that can be used daily. Overall, we and most professionals recommend simple soap and water.
Using a gentle soap and some clean water might seem simple but it’s effective enough to keep marble clean. It also won’t damage the sealant over time, keeping your marble safe. It won’t etch, scratch, or discolour the surface, either. This is the best option for everyday cleaning after you’ve finished using your marble countertops.
For a deeper clean, which is best done weekly or biweekly, you can try a stronger cleaner that has been specifically formulated for marble. Or, a multipurpose cleaner that is compatible with marble, such as Fabuloso.
Remember that any cleaner you use on marble should not be too alkaline or too acidic, as both can damage marble. And you should remember to always wipe and scrub the surfaces of marble gently to avoid etching and other damages.
