Marble Care Guide: How to Clean & Protect Marble

Marble has been millions of years in the making, and its timeless beauty has made it a favourite of architects and designers for centuries. From richly veined dining tables to sculptural coffee tables and decorative accessories, this remarkable natural material brings a unique character and elegance to any interior.

Part of marble's appeal lies in its individuality, with each piece displaying its own distinctive colours, patterns and veining. And while natural stone benefits from a little extra attention, keeping it looking beautiful is simpler than you might think.

With a few good habits and some straightforward maintenance, marble can be enjoyed for generations. Whether you're caring for an existing piece or considering your first marble dining table, our marble care guide covers everything you need to know about cleaning, protecting and preserving this extraordinary material.

We're nothing if not thorough, so before getting into the practicalities, here's a little insight into the natural science behind marble and what makes it such a remarkable material.

Our story begins millions of years ago with limestone, a sedimentary rock composed primarily of calcium carbonate. When exposed to immense heat and pressure beneath the Earth's surface, its mineral structure undergoes a transformation. Calcite crystals recrystallise and interlock, gradually forming the beautiful natural stone we know as marble.

The result is a material celebrated for its intricate veining, natural variations and luxurious finish. Each slab is a unique expression of the geological processes that shaped it, bringing a little piece of natural history into our homes.

Like many natural materials, marble has its own characteristics worth understanding. Depending on its composition, finish and protective treatment, it can absorb certain liquids, while its relatively soft mineral structure makes it susceptible to scratching and reactions with acidic substances.

Fortunately, a little understanding goes a long way. With the right approach to everyday care, marble can remain a beautiful and much-loved part of your home for many years.

One of the pleasures of owning marble furniture is how effortlessly it brings character and elegance to a room. Fortunately, keeping it looking beautiful is relatively straightforward. A soft cloth, a suitable gentle cleaner and a few simple habits are generally all that's needed for everyday care.

Whether it's a much-loved dining table or an occasional coffee table, regular light cleaning will help maintain its natural beauty for years to come.

• Use a soft cloth. Use a clean microfibre cloth to remove dust and light dirt without scratching the surface.
• Use a gentle cleaner. A pH-neutral cleaning product specifically formulated for marble is ideal. A small amount of mild, non-acidic washing-up liquid diluted in warm water may also be suitable, provided the furniture manufacturer recommends it.
• Wipe gently. Wipe the surface without excessive pressure or vigorous scrubbing.
• Rinse and dry. Remove any cleaning residue with a lightly dampened cloth before drying thoroughly with a soft towel.

And that's really all there is to it. A little regular attention helps prevent dirt and residue from building up, keeping your marble looking its best.

What cleaning products should you avoid?

When it comes to natural stone, gentle cleaning is always preferable to harsh chemicals.

Household products containing vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic ingredients are best avoided, as are abrasive powders and scouring pads. These can affect the stone's finish, creating unwanted marks or dull patches.

Instead, stick to marble-safe products and follow the manufacturer's care recommendations. It's a simple approach that removes much of the guesswork from maintaining your furniture.

A few thoughtful habits can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying marble furniture for years to come.

Coasters and placemats are a simple way to protect dining and coffee tables from everyday spills, while trivets help shield surfaces from hot cookware. Adding felt pads beneath decorative objects can also help prevent scratches when rearranging your favourite accessories.

As with many natural materials, it's best to clean up spills promptly, particularly those involving acidic foods and drinks. Keeping a soft cloth close at hand makes this easy.

It's also worth considering where your furniture sits. Some marble finishes and protective treatments may be affected by prolonged exposure to strong sunlight or excessive heat, so always follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Ultimately, these small considerations can easily become part of your everyday routine, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of marble without unnecessary worry.

Even with the best intentions, accidents happen. And when they do, knowing how to respond can make all the difference.

What to do immediately after a spill

Step 1: Blot the liquid. Use a clean paper towel or absorbent cloth to lift the spill from the surface. Avoid wiping it across the stone, as this can spread the liquid.

Step 2: Clean the affected area. Gently wipe with a soft cloth and a marble-safe, pH-neutral cleaner or an appropriately diluted mild soap solution.

Step 3: Rinse carefully. Remove any remaining cleaning solution with a clean, lightly dampened cloth.

Step 4: Dry thoroughly. Pat the surface dry with a soft cloth and assess whether any discolouration or dullness remains.

For many everyday spills, prompt action will be enough to prevent lasting problems.

More stubborn stains, however, may need specialist attention.

How to deal with oil, coffee and wine stains

Different substances can affect marble in different ways.

Oils and grease may penetrate the stone, leaving darker patches. Coffee, tea and wine can also cause discolouration if absorbed into the surface.

When gentle cleaning doesn't resolve the problem, an appropriate stone poultice may help. This specialist treatment uses an absorbent material and a suitable cleaning agent to draw some stains from the stone.

However, not every poultice is suitable for every type of marble or stain. Using incompatible chemicals can cause further damage, so always check the manufacturer's guidance or consult a professional stone restorer before attempting treatment.

Although often confused, staining and etching are two different things, and understanding the distinction can help you identify the most appropriate treatment.

Staining occurs when a substance is absorbed into the stone, causing a change in colour. It may appear as a darker or discoloured area and can sometimes be treated using specialist cleaning techniques.

Etching, on the other hand, is a chemical reaction between marble's calcium carbonate and an acidic substance. Rather than changing the colour through absorption, this alters the stone's surface, often leaving a dull or cloudy patch, particularly on polished finishes.

The important difference is that stains may respond to cleaning or extraction, whereas etching generally requires polishing or refinishing to restore the surface.

Thankfully, both issues can often be addressed by professional stone restorers, helping preserve the appearance of your marble for years to come.

Depending on the type of marble and its finish, sealing can be an effective way to provide additional protection and make everyday maintenance easier.

Specialist penetrating sealers work by reducing the rate at which liquids are absorbed into the stone. This gives you more time to deal with accidental spills and can help minimise the likelihood of certain stains.

However, sealing isn't always necessary. Many designer marble tables arrive with factory-applied protective treatments, and the correct approach will depend on the manufacturer's specifications.

It's also important to remember that sealers improve resistance to staining rather than making marble completely impervious to every substance.

If you're unsure whether your marble would benefit from sealing or resealing, the best approach is to check with the manufacturer or a natural stone specialist.

With a suitable protective treatment and a few good habits, caring for marble can be surprisingly straightforward.

One of the great advantages of natural marble is its potential for professional restoration. Unlike some manufactured surfaces, many types of wear and damage can be treated, allowing a well-loved piece to be enjoyed for many years.

Specialist stone restorers can use a variety of techniques to address scratches, chips, stains and surface etching. Honing and polishing can help restore the appearance of a worn surface, while carefully colour-matched resin repairs can improve the appearance of certain chips or cracks.

For more extensive damage, professional refinishing may help revive the stone's original appearance, although the results will depend on the type of marble, its finish and the extent of the damage.

Not every imperfection can be completely removed, but expert restoration can often make a considerable difference while preserving the material's natural character.

For valuable designer furniture, we'd always recommend consulting the manufacturer or an experienced natural stone specialist before undertaking repairs.

It's reassuring to know that even after years of use, marble's natural beauty can often be carefully restored.

Both natural marble and contemporary ceramic have their own distinctive appeal, offering beautiful possibilities for modern interiors.

Marble is prized for its individuality. Every slab displays a unique arrangement of colours, patterns and veining formed over millions of years, making each piece entirely its own. Its organic character and luxurious finish make it particularly appealing for statement dining tables, coffee tables and sculptural furniture.

Ceramic, meanwhile, offers exceptional versatility and impressive resistance to many forms of everyday wear. Advanced manufacturing techniques allow designers to recreate the appearance of natural stone, often with dramatic colours and intricate patterns inspired by marble.

Consider the Tyron Keramik Dining Table by Cattelan Italia, for example, which combines an expressive ceramic surface with a sculptural metal base.

Although ceramic can offer greater resistance to staining and certain household substances, it isn't indestructible and still benefits from appropriate care.

Ultimately, both materials offer outstanding design possibilities. Choosing between them comes down to personal taste, lifestyle and the qualities you value most.

Explore our collections of marble dining tables and ceramic dining tables to discover which material feels right for your home.

Choosing marble furniture is about more than finding a beautiful surface. It's an opportunity to introduce a unique piece of natural artistry into your home, with a few practical considerations helping you make the perfect choice.

How will you use it?

Think about where the piece will sit and how often you'll use it. A marble dining table can make an extraordinary centrepiece for everyday meals and special occasions alike, while a coffee or side table brings natural beauty to a living space.

Which finish suits your style?

Polished marble offers a beautifully reflective surface that emphasises the richness of the stone's colours and veining. Honed marble has a softer, matt appearance, creating a more understated and tactile impression. Both are attractive options, with their own care requirements.

What colours and patterns appeal to you?

From the understated elegance of Carrara to the bold, expressive veining of Calacatta and richly coloured statement stones, marble offers an extraordinary variety of finishes. No two slabs are exactly alike, so variations in colour and pattern should be celebrated as part of the material's charm.

Have you considered delivery and installation?

Marble furniture can be exceptionally heavy, particularly larger dining tables. Checking doorways, staircases, lifts and access requirements before purchasing will help ensure a smooth delivery and installation.

And perhaps most importantly, there's no substitute for experiencing natural stone in person.

Visit our Greater London showroom to explore beautiful marble finishes, compare materials and discover how a carefully chosen piece can transform your home, with guidance from our experienced design team.

Can you use vinegar to clean marble?

No. Vinegar is acidic and can react with marble's calcium carbonate, causing etching and dull patches. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for natural stone.

How often should marble be cleaned?

Dust marble furniture regularly with a soft cloth and clean spills immediately. Frequently used surfaces can be wiped as required with a suitable marble-safe cleaning solution. Always rinse and dry after cleaning.

Can you remove etching from marble?

Light etching may be reduced through specialist polishing, depending on the marble's finish and the extent of the damage. More noticeable or widespread etching may require professional honing and refinishing.

Does marble need to be sealed?

Not always. Sealing requirements depend on the stone's absorbency, its surface finish and any existing protective treatment. Consult the manufacturer or a natural stone specialist before applying or renewing a sealer.