Last Updated on October 26, 2026 by Royal Stone Care
When it comes to keeping marble worktops in tip-top condition, prevention is always better than cure. And we’ve written before about the importance of using the right products for marble cleaning, stain removal and so on. Plus we’ve discussed marble sealing and the need to mop up any spillages as soon as they occur.
What’s more, the good news is that marble countertops are straightforward to maintain and clean, so long as you stay on top of the job. However, while it’s easy to keep your surfaces spotlessly shiny, your natural stone can suffer if you don’t show it enough attention and TLC. If you neglect it, marble can quite quickly start to look worn or old.
Equally, one thing we probably haven’t mentioned before is that you have to keep your marble dry at all times. So, here we look into this in a little more detail.
Keep marble worktops dry
This is one aspect which some homeowners may overlook (or not be fully aware of) as part of their marble maintenance regime. But dryness of your stone is really important, whether you’re doing a deep clean or a daily wipe-down.
The reason you need to keep these surfaces dry is, of course, to prevent damage to the stone. After all, marble is a porous surface which can absorb liquid more readily than some other materials. So a wet surface which you leave to air-dry just takes on moisture. And this could lead to a dull-looking countertop.
So use a soft, dry cloth or towel, and get rid of any residual wetness following every clean. This will ensure a shiny worktop, time after time.
As mentioned, we know this can sometimes be an easy thing to forget. But if you incorporate it into your marble cleaning regime, regular drying off becomes like a muscle memory.
Marble and water staining
It may feel odd to think that something as seemingly innocent as water can stain marble. But we’re asked about this surprisingly often. So here we assess the issue – and, importantly, outline what you can do about it.
In fact, pure water won’t stain or otherwise harm this lovely natural stone. But hard water can leave behind chalky mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium as it evaporates. And these markings can have the appearance of white rings or dull patches.
Particularly in the south and east of the country, the UK’s water supply is hard – i.e. it contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals. So, in these regions especially, mineral rings on kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities and so on are very common.
Sealing marble is an effective preventative measure, but here’s what to do if you do get water marks.
When staining is very light
Mix a few drops of mild washing-up liquid with warm water. Dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wipe the mark gently in a circular motion. Rinse carefully with clean water afterwards, and then dry off to stop new watermarks from showing up.
Baking soda poultice for more stubborn stains and etching
Etching occurs where water has corroded the polished surface. Equally, you may find you have a stubborn hard-water ring, in which case baking soda serves as a gentle abrasive to shift it.
Combine the baking soda with some water until you have a thick paste which has the consistency of icing. Cover the whole of the affected area with it and then place a plastic wrap on top of it and seal the edges. Leave for up to 24 hours before you remove the wrap, then scrape off any dried paste with a spatula or damp, cloth. Finally, rinse and dry thoroughly.
Hydrogen peroxide
Where stains are deeper, darker or perhaps organic, and baking soda alone isn’t enough to lift it, try hydrogen peroxide. Follow the same steps as above, but mix in 12% hydrogen peroxide or regular household 3% peroxide with your baking soda.
What not to do
Don’t use acidic products such as lemon juice or vinegar. As a calcium-based stone, anything acidic will eat away at the surface, leaving permanent etching in its wake.
Equally, avoid harsh scrubbing, steel wool or any abrasive powders, all of which will just scratch your marble.
Talk to us
At Royal Stone Care, we’re marble cleaning experts, covering all of London and the surrounding areas. We specialise in marble restoration, marble chip repair and more, whether you’re a domestic or commercial customer.
Get in touch today to learn more about what we could do for your surfaces with marble restoration, repair and cleaning in London, and how you could benefit from our expert advice.
