Stone Care
Caring for your Marble Bench Top
What is Marble?
Marble is a metamorphic rock composed of recrystallized carbonate minerals, most commonly calcite or dolomite. Whilst it is reasonably common and found in numerous countries, it has been formed over millions of years. At the earth's surface the marble is mined in large blocks and then cut with diamond wire or saw blades to form slabs. The slabs are then polished or honed on one face before being shipped to fabricators such as ourselves to prepare for you.
How do I clean my bench?
The bench should be cleaned regularly with clean, warm soapy water or a mild detergent with a damp cloth or sponge. Note that dirty water after dishwashing is rarely clean and should not be used to clean the benches. Good quality spray and wipe type products are fine to use however harsh cleaners should be avoided. Do not use abrasive cloths or cleaning products (such as Jif) as these can cause scratching or leave dull spots. So long as the bench is well sealed, it will withstand most liquids although these should be wiped away as soon as practical. Note that marble is prone to mild acids such as champagne and lemon juice, regardless of whether the bench is sealed. It is imperative that these spills are removed immediately.
How do I maintain my bench?
Marbles are porous in their natural state and as a result they can be vulnerable to staining. The porous nature is overcome by sealing the bench which we have done for you initially. This initial sealing should last 6 months to 3 years depending on the type of marble you have chosen and the care that is applied on a regular basis. The most obvious sign of the marble requiring sealing is when dark watermarks appear following water spills, which disappear as the water evaporates. The sealant is applied with a damp cloth, re-applied and wiped clean with a dry cloth. Sealing the bench is a relatively simple task, similar to waxing a car. Sealing will also ensure that the bench is maintained in a hygienic state.
Heat Resistance
Marble benches are resistant to moderately high temperatures for a brief time. However prolonged exposure to high heat can cause discoloration or cracking from thermal shock. We therefore recommend hot pots and pans are not be placed directly from the stove, microwave or hob onto the bench.