How to Clean & Remove Stains From Marble Countertops

person cleaning a marble surface

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

Project Overview
  • Total Time: 5 - 10 mins
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Estimated Cost: $3

Cleaning stains from marble countertops can be tricky because the material is vulnerable to acids, alkalis, and abrasive cleaners. However, you can safely use baking soda to clean marble because it doesn't have harsh chemicals, it's an effective sanitizer and stain remover, and it's less likely to etch marble than stronger chemicals such as vinegar and ammonia. And, you probably have a box in your fridge or kitchen cabinet already. Read on to learn how to remove stains from marble with baking soda and water to avoid any damage to your beautiful countertops.

How Often to Clean Marble Countertops

Although baking soda is a versatile and effective cleaner, you shouldn't use it on marble every day, as frequent use could dull your marble countertops. Instead, you can give your counter a quick clean daily (or as needed) with a little dish soap and a damp rag. Make sure to finish with a clean, dry cloth to avoid any leftover soap residue.

Marble is a soft stone made of calcium carbonate, so it's easily stained, dulled, and scratched. Do your best not to leave spills unaddressed and avoid exposing your counters to acidic substances (such as vinegar) or strong alkaline agents like ammonia (use infrequently) and detergents. Baking soda is alkaline and is considered a mild abrasive, so you can use it to remove stubborn residue but do so with care.

Warning

Never use a scrubber or scrub brush on marble, as it can scratch the surface. Instead, use a damp rag or the soft side of a sponge.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Soft cloth or sponge

Materials

  • Baking soda
  • Water

Instructions

How to Clean Marble Countertops With Baking Soda

items needed to clean marble

The Spruce / Ana Cadena

  1. Sprinkle Baking Soda on the Counter

    Begin by sprinkling a little baking soda onto your countertops. A light layer should work, as if you were dusting a cutting board with flour before rolling out dough.

  2. Lightly Rub the Countertop

    Rub the baking soda gently into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. Be careful not to scrub, since doing so could damage the surface.

    Warning

    Baking soda is a natural disinfectant, but it is also a light abrasive. Be sure to use it gently on marble surfaces, as light abrasives can still damage soft surfaces.

  3. Rinse With Water

    Rinse your counters with water and dry with a soft towel. You'll want to rinse with water to neutralize the pH and dry thoroughly, so the solution is not in contact with the marble surface for any longer than necessary.

Removing Stains From Marble Countertops

Marble is a porous stone and is consequently susceptible to some stains. Substances like oil, coffee, and even water can leave some unfortunate marks if left unaddressed. Fortunately, there are ways to fix these blemishes and extend the lifespan of your marble counters:

  • For oil stains: Clean gently with a mixture of a tiny bit of ammonia and liquid dish detergent to dissolve the oil. Be sure to thoroughly wipe the area with a dry cloth afterward.
  • For food and wine stains: Blot the stain and dab a paper towel dampened with hydrogen peroxide on the stain. Use this method only on light-colored marble to try to remove the stain. Finish by wiping the area with a damp rag.
  • For water stains: Rub the stain lightly with a dry, 0000-rated steel wool pad. This same trick can work for very minor nicks and scratches.
  • For sticky, solid debris: Try a flat plastic or metal scraper but be very careful that you don't scratch the counters. For small, stubborn specks of solid debris, use a mini razor blade scraper with extreme care.

Tips to Keep Your Marble Countertops Clean Longer

Marble countertops are a pricey design choice but there are plenty of ways to preserve their pretty and pristine appearance. Here are a few ideas to help you protect your countertops for years to come:

  • Avoid pouring acidic liquids, like tomato juice and wine, near marble counters. Clean any spill immediately.
  • Use coasters, cutting boards, and trivets consistently to keep stains and scuffs away.
  • Never slide your pans and cutting boards across marble countertops.
  • Reseal marble countertops every three to six months for protection from stains and scratches. However, always consult the countertop's manufacturer before sealing because not all marble countertops require regular resealing.

Things to Avoid When Cleaning Marble Countertops

Research commercial and other cleaning solutions thoroughly before using them on marble counters. Here are a few cleaners to avoid when removing stains from marble:

  • Do not use lemon juice and vinegar on marble although they are effective cleaners for other surfaces.
  • Do not use baking soda and vinegar on marble; the foaming action may work to remove gunk from some surfaces but can damage marble.
  • Do not use chlorine bleach on marble because it will dull and etch the finish.
  • Do not use hydrogen peroxide to clean dark marble countertops because it can have a bleaching effect.
  • Do not try mixing a poultice to remove a deep-seated stain on a marble counter. Contact a marble restoration professional for poultice preparation.
FAQ
  • What is the best stain remover for marble?

    The best stain remover for marble is warm water mixed with a bit of gentle liquid dish detergent used with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth.

  • Does Magic Eraser remove stains from marble?

    A Magic Eraser or any other melamine foam cleaning product can remove the sealant and dull the finish of a marble countertop.

  • Will hydrogen peroxide take stains out of marble?

    A bit of hydrogen peroxide may be able to take a stain out of a light-colored marble. Do not use hydrogen peroxide on dark marble or it could lighten the spot.

  • Are there any stains that cannot be removed from marble?

    There are plenty of stains that may not be removed from marble if action is not taken immediately. Rust stains made by metal cans, nails, or other metallic objects left on the surface are notoriously some of the most challenging stains to remove from a marble countertop and may become permanent.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Stain Removal. Natural Stone Institute.