Sparkling Clean Marble

2/18/2011
BY TRESA ERICKSON

Marble in your bathroom can make you feel like you are living in the lap of luxury. After many years of use, however, marble can become a little grungy. A simple wipe-down isn't going to do the trick.

Porous by nature, marble gets dirty easily. Washing it regularly with lukewarm water is a must. Sometimes, however, it may need a deeper cleaning. Depending upon the condition of the marble, you may either use a homemade cleaner or a commercial cleaner. If it is just plain dirty, a bucket of warm, soapy water will suffice. Just wash the marble with a cloth, rinse it and wipe it dry. If it is dull, you will need a commercial cleaner. Look for one from a company that specializes in marble and read and follow the manufacturer's directions.

Because the marble is in your bathroom, which you use a lot, you may want to apply a coat of wax to it. This will seal the pores and prevent dirt from seeping into them. Look for a colorless wax. This will keep the marble from yellowing. Apply the wax according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Once the marble has been cleaned and protected, you should do your best to keep it in good condition. Wipe it down regularly with a warm cloth and clean up spills immediately to prevent staining. Keep acidic and coarse substances away from the marble. Use coasters for drinks and rugs to catch dirt and sand from feet. You don't want to stain or scratch the marble permanently.

Take the time to deep clean the marble in your bathroom and make it sparkle once again. With a little bit of elbow grease, you'll feel like your bathroom has just undergone a remodel and is brand-spanking new.