Homemade Marble Polish
Normal wear and tear and the use of harsh chemical cleaners can dull marble. Polishing marble is an easy task that you can do as often as once a month to keep your marble looking lustrous. While you can find a variety of commercial products to polish your marble, you can also make your own chemical-free version with items you may already have in your home. In between polishing, keep marble looking its best by dusting it with a dry mop or cloth, and cleaning up spills immediately.
Step 1
Examine the marble surface for stains. If you find any, make a paste of baking soda and water. Dab the paste onto the stain, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let the solution sit on the marble for 24 hours, giving the baking soda time to absorb the stain before you wipe it up with a damp cloth.
Step 2
Mix baking soda with water using a ratio of 3 tablespoons to 1 quart of water. Spray this mixture on the marble surface and gently wipe it with a dry rag. Avoid hard scrubbing. Allow the marble to dry for a minimum of three hours before moving to the next step.
Warning
Never use acidic cleansers like vinegar on marble. Abrasive cleansers can also damage the surface. (Baking soda is mildly abrasive but not enough to damage marble unless you apply unnecessary force.)
Step 3
Crush chalk into powder. Dampen a sponge, and dip it into the crushed chalk. Wipe the entire area with the chalk-covered sponge, applying more chalk when necessary. Rinse away the chalk residue after applying.
Warning
Always use white chalk on marble. Colored chalk may stain your marble
Step 4
Dry the marble surface with a chamois to ensure all residue is removed and you have a streak-free finish.
Step 5
Maintain the shine of your marble between polishings by running a clean, dry dust mop or soft cloth over the surface.
Step 6
Clean spills immediately with a dish-washing liquid or pH neutral cleaner.
Tip
If you haven't already done so, consider sealing your marble to help it maintain its luster and protect it from etching.