The short answer: wipe marble with a soft damp cloth and a drop of mild dish soap, dry it straight away, and keep acids (lemon, vinegar, wine, most bathroom and kitchen sprays) off it. That one rule prevents most of the damage we see.
Why marble needs different care from other surfaces
Marble is made mostly of calcium carbonate, which reacts with acid. The Natural Stone Institute notes that products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may dull or etch calcareous stones, and that scouring powders and creams often contain abrasives that can scratch (Natural Stone Institute, care guide). Etching looks like a dull, slightly rough patch where the polish has been eaten away. It is not a stain, so wiping harder will not remove it.
Everyday cleaning
- Wipe with a soft cloth dampened with warm water.
- For marks, add a small drop of mild dish soap, then rinse the cloth and wipe again.
- Dry with a clean, soft cloth so no water spots dry on the surface.
If you prefer a ready-made cleaner, choose one labelled pH-neutral and suitable for natural stone.
What to keep away from marble
- Acids: lemon, lime, vinegar, wine, tomato, fizzy drinks and cleaners that contain citric acid.
- Abrasives: scouring powder, steel wool and rough sponges.
- Bleach and strong chemicals: they can dull the polish.
- Long soaking: do not leave pieces sitting in water or put them in a dishwasher.
Spills and stains
Act quickly. Blot a spill with a soft cloth instead of rubbing, then clean as above. Oils and coloured liquids such as coffee, tea or red wine can leave a mark if they sit, because marble is slightly porous. Coasters exist for exactly this reason: a set of marble coasters with a padded base protects both the stone and your table.
Caring for pieces with stone inlay
Our inlay work (Pietra Dura) sets cut semi-precious stones such as carnelian, lapis lazuli, malachite, abalone shell and mother of pearl into the marble by hand. The surface is smooth, so the same rules apply. Use a soft cloth, avoid soaking, and do not scrub across the inlay lines. For a jewelry box or photo frame, a dry or barely damp cloth is usually all it needs.
Storing and moving marble
- Marble is heavy and can chip at the edges if knocked. Lift pieces with two hands from underneath.
- Put a soft pad or cloth under trays and boxes on wood or glass so the base does not scratch the surface.
- Use a trivet for hot cookware. Sudden heat is not good for any stone.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use vinegar to clean marble?
No. Vinegar is an acid and can etch the surface, leaving dull patches. Use water and mild dish soap instead.
Can marble coasters go in the dishwasher?
We do not recommend it. Detergent, heat and long exposure to water can dull the polish and loosen inlay. Hand-wash and dry.
How do I remove a dull ring left by a glass?
A ring that feels rough and looks dull is usually etching, not a stain. It cannot be wiped away. Stone restorers can re-polish it. To avoid it, use coasters under anything acidic.
Does marble need sealing?
Sealing slows down staining on porous stone surfaces, but it does not make marble acid-proof. For decorative pieces, careful cleaning and coasters matter more. If you are unsure, ask us about your specific piece.
Have a question about a piece you own or are thinking of buying? Send us a message and our team in Agra will help.