Musings

So you’ve bought a new marble chopping board from Ren? A new coffee mug to match the aesthetic of your kitchen countertops? One thing that may cross your mind now is; how can I maintain and clean these beautiful, locally made marble products? This article will teach you the basics of taking care of your purchases to prevent damage and uphold their quality. 

Avoiding Highly Acidic Products

Marble is classified as a metamorphic rock type, which is formed when limestone is exposed to extreme temperatures (cite). Basic chemistry teaches us that limestone and marble are the two most susceptible rocks to acid erosion. What does this mean for your new chopping board, coffee mug or kitchen counter? It means you will need to avoid lingering acidic foods and drinks resting on the surface of them such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar or wine, which will cause damage to your marble (cite). If your marble comes in contact with any of these substances, it is best to clean it immediately with soap and water.  So we suggest you use your marble coffee (or tea) mugs for what they are made for and not as a way to hold your afternoon Gin and Tonic. 

Sealant

Another method that is commonly used for stain prevention is sealant. This is especially important for the Mugs & Cups fans out there. We apply sealant prior to purchase however, this needs maintenance on the customer side. Consistent exposure to moisture can wear down the marble. Sealant acts as a protective barrier so that you can drink your coffee (or tea) in peace.

While it does not render your marble stain-proof, sealant allows your marble goods to become more stain resistant (cite). In the long-run, this will give you extra protection from spills and reduce the chances of damage or discoloration to your marble. We recommend using Miracle Sealant seal and polish for our products to ensure the long-lasting high quality nature of your new purchases. 

Daily Cleaning

Depending on what new homeware item you have purchased, its use may cause it to be more susceptible to damage. For example, a chopping board has a higher chance of being exposed to all types of spills from the cutting and resting of various foods on the surface, but this is something you would regularly wash after each use. Other products such as kitchen counters or accent trays may be more neglected in regular washing, but would do well with daily cleaning. This can be done by gently dusting the surfaces to remove any abrasive grime and using soap and water to ensure that there are no remnants of acidic nature resting on the surface. 

Stains

According to Martha Stewart, if damage has already been done and you seem to have a stain on one of your products, she recommends a poultice paste. This can be found online as well as various other types of stain removers made especially for marble, which can come both in the form of a paste or a spray. Just be sure that when you purchase these items that neither have any acidic components or are applied in an abrasive manner. 

Microwave or Dishwasher safe?

Since marble is a natural product and prone to changes in structure and colour are possible, it is best not to place it in the dishwasher, or use it in the microwave or oven. 

Hopefully these tips will help you keep your marble as spotless as when you first got it!