To clean a marble table, dust it first with a soft microfiber cloth, then wipe it down with a cloth lightly dampened in warm water and a little mild dish soap or a stone-safe cleaner — never apply liquid directly to the stone. Dry it with a soft cloth in circular motions. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon, which etch marble, and seal the table periodically to protect the porous surface from stains.
Marble is a high-value material, so anything made of it is worth taking care of — a marble table can last for generations with the right care. But not everyone knows how to clean one properly, and many people either settle for a quick wipe-down or reach for products that are too harsh.
A marble table is a stunning centerpiece that attracts attention, so it’s worth keeping clean. Let this be your guide to cleaning a marble table without damaging it.
Why should you regularly clean your marble table?
Marble is a special stone that requires special care. A few facts about marble and its properties:
- Marble is composed of either calcite or dolomite.
- It’s a 3 out of 10 on the Mohs hardness scale, making it one of the easiest stones to carve — and to scratch.
- Marble is highly reactive to acid (it’s sometimes used to balance acidic water), so high-acid cleaners will damage it.
- It comes in an array of colors, including bright white, off-white, beige, and pink.
Marble’s unique composition makes it a challenge to clean, but our Pros have the answers.
How do you clean a marble table?
Marble tabletops are more delicate than most surfaces, and many cleaning products that are fine elsewhere will damage marble — so stick to the basics.
While you’ll need a liquid cleaner to really clean the surface, the first step is dusting. Some people reach for a vacuum to lift dirt and dust, but that can scratch the marble.
The best way to dust:
- Use a microfiber cloth or soft duster to prevent scratches and chipping.
- Lightly run it over the surface. Don’t worry about streaks for now — the goal is to get the film of dust off before using any liquid.
- Dust every 2-3 days regardless of how often you use a liquid cleaner, since settled grit is abrasive and can scratch the surface.
Next, choose your liquid cleaner. There are only a few good options, but they work well. Anything store-bought should be mild, with no harsh chemicals like bleach — opt for a mild detergent with warm water, an all-natural cleaner, or a dedicated stone cleaner.
The next steps:
- Lightly dampen a towel or rag with the cleaning solution — avoid putting the solution directly on the table.
- Wipe in circular motions to lift any stains or residue.
- Follow with a dry cloth in circular motions, then let the table air dry. It should be free of smudges and stains.
With marble, it’s more about what you use than how you do it — but there are a few other things to consider.
How do you seal a marble table?
You may have heard of sealing countertops or a marble table, but most people don’t know how. The process is relatively easy and well worth it — it leaves the surface looking new and provides a finish that lets the marble shine.
Because marble is a porous, soft stone, it’s susceptible to scratches, stains, and markings. Sealing protects against this and gives you confidence your marble is well protected.
Not sure if you need to? If you get water rings, yes — you should seal your marble. Here’s an overview:
Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mild natural stone sealer (Tuff Duck is one of the best sealants for marble tabletops)
- A soft sponge
- A soft rag or cloth
- Towels or sheets to protect surrounding furniture, floors, and walls
The steps to seal your marble table:
First, remove any dust with a dry, clean rag. Lay towels or old sheets around the table to protect your other furniture, walls, and flooring. Then spray the sealer generously and evenly across the tabletop — most products want the surface very wet and evenly coated.
Pat and spread the sealer so it’s even, respraying any spot that starts to look dry. Keep the table evenly wet for 15 minutes, then use an absorbent rag to remove all the sealer — don’t leave any behind. Use two rags if needed.
To be extra safe, repeat the process after waiting 30 minutes. Most products note that the protectant doesn’t fully set until 24 hours later, so don’t eat on or use the table during that time.
That’s it — after 24 hours the sealant is set and the tabletop is protected. This is the best way to care for marble tables and protect them from stains.
What can you use to clean marble table stains?
The first step with marble stains is to prevent them in the first place by sealing the table. But stains happen, so here’s how to handle them — starting with what you can and can’t use.
What you can use on marble:
- Mild dish soap
- Soap and water
- Natural stone cleaners
Cleaning spills as soon as they happen also helps you avoid reaching for heavier-duty products that could ruin the porous stone.
What to avoid on marble:
- Acidic cleaners like lemon and vinegar
- Products containing harsh chemicals
When it comes to cleaning and polishing marble tabletops, less is more on product choice.
How do you clean and polish antique marble tabletops?
Even with an antique marble tabletop, use a pH-neutral cleaner so you don’t have to worry about acids damaging the finish. Non-ionic detergents are also a good option.
Some antique tops need saving, with deep, set-in stains that call for a more aggressive approach. Be very careful: mix a water-diluted spray with a tiny — and we mean tiny — amount of ammonia, and use a soft-bristled brush or toothbrush to scrub.
Spray the spot and scrub gently. Watch how the marble reacts — if you see any erosion, etching, or scratching, stop immediately so you don’t ruin the table.
How do you restore a marble tabletop?
To restore a marble tabletop, you’re better off taking it to a professional than trying it yourself — deep-rooted stains can get worse when you try to remove them. If a stain is really set in, a professional can grind down the top layer and thin the marble if possible.
How do you take care of a marble tabletop?
The most important takeaway: marble is a premium material that needs gentle care. It’s porous and soft, so it picks up stains like no other — which is a problem when deep stains set in and you don’t know how to clean them properly.
Lifting stains as quickly as possible with a natural soap and water is the best place to start. Dusting regularly and wiping with a damp rag daily is the best policy. And if you haven’t sealed your marble tabletop, do it — it adds a layer of protection for when accidents happen.
If you’re stuck with a deeply set stain, you may need professional help. You can try a tiny bit of ammonia in a heavily diluted water spray, as above, with a gentle brush like a toothbrush — just don’t force it.
