Basics of Marble Surfaces

Marble is a form of granular limestone or dolomite long associated with sophistication and elegance. It’s also porous, which means it absorbs liquids and can result in stains on its surface, especially from dark drinks like red wine. Follow these preventative measures and care guidelines to help keep your marble looking good as new for longer.

Preventative Measures

Some basics for taking care of your marble coffee or dining table may seem obvious, but it is important to mention them right away to prevent major damage.

1. Use drink coasters

Always put a coaster under your drink. Seen here are the Serenea coasters set of 4

The first line of defense in marble care is to use coasters, placemats, or runners. This can help prevent surface stains from any spills when placing drinks and plates on the table.

2. Place a rug underneath

The last thing you want is to damage your Circa Marble Side Table by neglecting to place a rug underneath.

Next, if your table is a solid chunk of marble not suspended by table legs, you should use a rug underneath it to prevent scratching the soft marble.

Daily Care Guidelines

Beyond its aesthetic appearance alone, many people use marble on a daily basis. Seen here is the Ferris marble dining table.

In addition to the basic marble coffee table care preventative measures, there are some daily care guidelines you should be aware of to help your marble surfaces retain their appearance and durability.

If you accidentally spill your morning coffee, don’t panic. A soft cloth with some warm water can fix it right away. While you can use a mild soap, it is recommended to use it sparingly, as it can create a film over the marble with excessive use. Be sure to wipe away any water and make sure the surface is completely dry. This is also a good daily practice to keep the surface nice and clean.

Cleaning Do’s

Preventative measures only go so far - marble care is about more than using drink coasters. There are some very important care tips anyone who has a marble surface should be aware of:

• Blot spills: Due to the porous nature of marble, it is critical to blot up any spills as soon as they happen. This prevents the liquid from soaking into the soft marble and staining it. The sealant may help prolong the time in which it takes the liquid to sink into the marble, but it does not prevent it from sinking in entirely. That’s why it’s important to clean up any spills immediately.
• Clean with soft cloths: Occasionally, you need to clean off marble surfaces. The key to doing this is to use a soft cloth with warm water. An abrasive cloth or sponge can actually tear into the marble and cause chipping or denting. To avoid that, use gentle motions that sweep over the surface and be sure the marble is thoroughly dry when you are done.
• Polish as needed: Lastly, polish the marble as often as needed. Some surfaces require more maintenance simply because of their location or use, which is why this is a case-by-case situation as part of your care routine. Marble polish helps the stone retain lustre and shine, so it can keep being a showpiece in your home.  

Cleaning Don’ts

Marble can be a tricky material to clean, as there are both correct and incorrect methods for upkeep. As important as it is to know how to properly clean these surfaces, it's equally as important to understand the things that can harm your marble. That way, you can avoid damaging marble tables, such as the Camden brown marble coffee table. The following tips are things you should avoid when cleaning a marble coffee table:

• Harsh chemicals: Common household cleaners purchased from a local shop contain chemicals that can degrade the quality of the marble. Not only that, but it can also eat away at the sealant that provides protection against spills and surface stains. While it may be less expensive to use household cleansers, it can actually result in costly repairs later on.
• Acidic cleaners: As with harsh chemicals, it is best to avoid acidic cleansers for marble coffee table upkeep. This includes anything with lemon, orange, ammonia or vinegar ingredients, as these can damage the marble. Again, this could lead to expensive repairs down the line, not to mention it can leave your marble looking less than pleasant.
• Heavy objects: Heavy objects or ones made of abrasive materials put on top of your marble can damage it. Marble tables do not usually have plywood backing for extra support, and heavy objects can cause cracks to appear from the weight. At the same time, if you place objects with sharp or abrasive edges on top of the marble without a runner underneath them, it can cause scratches and dents that can’t be repaired with a cloth and hot water or polish.

These may seem like a lot of rules, but it’s all in the interest of keeping your marble coffee table or dining table looking as beautiful as possible. With the right daily care, preventative measures, and following these do’s and don’ts, your marble can last longer and look stunning for many years.

See more Furniture Care