A marble table brings quiet elegance to a room - but marble is a natural, porous stone, and the wrong cleaning habits can leave stains, scratches or dull etch marks. Here is how to clean and care for yours so it stays beautiful for decades.
Why marble needs special care
Marble reacts to acids - vinegar, citrus, wine and many household cleaners can etch its surface. It is also softer than granite, so it scratches and stains more easily if it isn't sealed and maintained. The good news: with the right routine, care is genuinely simple.
What you'll need
- Mild, pH-neutral dish soap (non-abrasive)
- Warm water
- Soft microfibre cloths or a sponge
- A marble sealer (for periodic maintenance)
- Coasters and placemats (prevention)
- A dry chamois or microfibre cloth (for drying)
Avoid: bleach, ammonia, vinegar, lemon, abrasive scrubbers and any acidic cleaner.
The cleaning routine
- Clear the surface and dust with a dry microfibre cloth so loose grit doesn't scratch during wet cleaning.
- Mix a gentle solution - a few drops of pH-neutral soap in warm water. Lightly soapy is enough; too much leaves residue.
- Wipe in soft circles with a damp (not soaked) cloth. For sticky spots, let the solution sit a minute, but never let it dry on the stone.
- Rinse with a clean, plain-water cloth to lift any soap.
- Dry and buff with a dry cloth to prevent water spots and keep the polish.
Preventive care
- Seal every 6-12 months. Test it by dripping water on the top - if it beads, the seal is intact.
- Use coasters and placemats under drinks and dishes.
- Wipe acidic spills immediately - wine, coffee, juice - to avoid etching.
- Never drag rough or sharp objects across the surface.
Stains and etching
For a stubborn stain, a marble-specific poultice can draw it out. For light etching (dull spots), a marble polishing powder helps - or, for anything deeper, a stone-restoration specialist can repolish and reseal the surface.
Made to last - and easy to keep that way
Every Marbella piece is cut and hand-finished in our own European atelier and sealed before it ships to you in 2-4 weeks. Cared for well, it will outlast trends by decades. Explore the stones in our Stone Library, or browse pieces by room.
Tip: always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first.
