Marble is a natural stone formed over millions of years, and what makes it beautiful is also what makes it demanding: it is porous and sensitive to acids. The good news is that caring for it is simpler than most people think — you only need to know what to do and what to avoid completely.

Daily cleaning: simplicity is the secret

All you need is a soft microfibre cloth and lukewarm water. Wipe the surface gently after use, then dry it immediately with a dry cloth. Letting water air-dry leaves dull mineral spots over time.

If you need a cleaner, use a pH-neutral soap diluted in water. A few drops are enough.

What to avoid completely

These will damage marble instantly and permanently:

  • Vinegar, lemon and any acidic cleaner — they dissolve the surface and leave a dull mark called etching
  • Cleaners containing ammonia, bleach or abrasives
  • Rough sponges or steel wool
  • Leaving coffee, wine or juice directly on the surface without a coaster

Removing common stains

Liquid stains (coffee, tea, wine)

Blot the liquid immediately — do not wipe, as wiping spreads it. Then make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, cover with plastic wrap for 24 hours, and wipe gently.

Oil-based stains (oil, food)

Use the same baking soda paste, but add a few drops of neutral dish soap.

Etch marks (dull spots from acids)

These are not surface stains but actual erosion of the stone. Light etching can be treated with a dedicated marble polishing powder; deeper damage needs professional refinishing.

Long-term protection

  • Sealing: apply a marble sealer every 6 to 12 months. It fills the microscopic pores and buys you time to wipe spills before they absorb
  • A simple test: place a few drops of water on the surface. If they bead up, the seal is working; if the stone absorbs them and darkens, it is time to reseal
  • Always use coasters and placemats
  • Never drag heavy objects across the surface
  • Lift pieces instead of sliding them to avoid scratches

Is onyx any different?

Slightly. Onyx is softer and more translucent than marble, so it needs extra gentleness and more frequent sealing. Avoid exposing it to high direct heat, especially in illuminated pieces.

In short

Marble rewards those who care for it. A quick daily wipe, protection from acids, and periodic sealing — that is all that separates a table which loses its glow within a year from one that grows more beautiful over decades.

Browse our marble table collection to choose a natural piece that lasts for generations.

A quick care schedule

  • Daily: wipe with a damp microfibre cloth, then dry straight away.
  • Weekly: diluted pH-neutral soap, rinse, dry.
  • Every 6-12 months: reseal — sooner on a heavily used surface.
  • Immediately: blot any spill before it can soak in.

How to tell when marble needs resealing

A simple test settles it: put a few drops of water on the surface and wait five minutes.

  • The water stays beaded — the sealer is still working.
  • The water spreads and leaves a dark patch that fades as it dries — the stone is absorbing, and it is time to reseal.

Light polished marble usually needs sealing more often than dark honed stone, simply because every mark shows on it.

Mistakes that damage marble without you noticing

1) All-purpose cleaners. Most are acidic or alkaline enough to dull the polish over time. Read the label: if it does not say it is safe on natural stone, do not use it.

2) Putting hot pans straight down. Marble does not burn, but sudden heat can craze a polished surface. Always use a trivet.

3) Sitting or standing on the table. Marble is hard but brittle — it resists scratching far better than it resists bending. Pressure at the edge is the most common cause of a break.

4) Dragging things across it. Lift objects rather than sliding them, ceramic and metal bases above all.

What if you get an etch mark?

An etch is not a stain sitting on the surface, it is corrosion into the stone — which is why cleaning never removes it. Telling them apart:

  • A stain is darker than the stone — treat it with an absorbent poultice.
  • An etch is lighter and dull, and shows when light rakes across it — it needs a marble polishing powder, or professional refinishing if deep.

Does the finish change the care?

Noticeably, yes:

  • Polished: glossy and reflective, but it shows etching and scratches clearly. Best for decorative, lightly used pieces.
  • Honed: a silky matt texture that hides wear far better, though it is more porous and wants resealing more regularly.

For a table in daily use, honed is usually the sounder choice.

Browse the marble coffee tables to see both finishes in person.