Marble is a beautiful but also extremely fragile natural stone. It consists mainly of limestone and is therefore very sensitive to acids.
This means that when cleaning with natural products, typical household products such as vinegar, citric acid or aggressive bathroom cleaners are absolutely prohibited – they would etch the surface, dull it and permanently destroy it.
However, with the right, gentle products, you can achieve a clean and shiny marble without chemicals.
Step 1: Gentle cleaning
A mild, alkaline or pH-neutral solution is sufficient for regular cleaning or removing light dirt.
Dry pre-cleaning: Step 1.
Remove loose dust, sand or crumbs with a soft sponge or soft broom. Otherwise, the hard particles could act like sandpaper when you wipe and cause scratches.
Mix the cleaning solution: Step 2.
Add a few drops of mild liquid soap to a bucket of lukewarm water (Castile soap or a pH-neutral dishwashing detergent will also work).
Wipe with a damp cloth: Step 3.
Wet a soft cotton cloth with water and wring it out very well. Marble should only be wiped with a damp cloth, as water can penetrate the pores and leave stains.
Dry immediately: Step 4.
Immediately wipe the surface dry with a clean, dry microfiber or cotton cloth. Never let marble air dry to prevent limescale stains.
Step 2: Restore the Shine of Marble
If your marble has become dull over time, you can restore its original shine with two simple, natural methods:
Method A: The Baking Soda Trick (for light dull spots)
Baking soda (or baking powder) acts as an extremely gentle, gentle polish without damaging the stone.
Mix baking soda with a little water to create a thin paste.
Apply this paste to the dull spots and gently rub it in with a soft cloth in a circular motion.
Wipe off any residue thoroughly with a damp cloth and buff the spot immediately.
Method B: Olive Oil Finish (for a deep shine)
Olive oil nourishes the stone and fills in microscopic imperfections, allowing light to reflect back.
Apply a few drops of good quality olive oil (or light linseed oil) to a dry, soft cloth.
Rub the marble evenly in a circular motion. Less is more – the stone should not look greasy.
Take a second, clean cloth and buff the surface until all the oil film is gone and only a smooth sheen remains.
Stain emergency: What to do with grease or coffee?
Since marble is porous, liquids are absorbed quickly. If something unpleasant happens, a paste made from blotting paper can help:
Mix baking soda with a little water to make a thick paste. Apply it to the stain (e.g. a greasy stain) and cover it with cling film. Leave it for 24 hours. The baking soda will draw the stain out of the stone like blotting paper. Then wipe with a damp cloth and dry.