A little over a year ago, we installed marble vanity tops in our bathrooms. It took us awhile to make our decision {here is why we chose this vanity top}; but -- after living with it for a year -- are we glad we chose marble?
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Let's start with this.... we use it everyday. When I say "we," I mean Mike, myself AND our preschooler. So, this isn't a "marble is great in our guest bath that no one ever uses..." post.
Both the upstairs and main level bathrooms have Honed Cararra Marble, which is a raw {or non-polished} marble. This means that it doesn't have a glossy appearance; but instead the natural stone finish and feel.
However, Honed Marble is more porous since it doesn't have a polished surface. This means that it can stain easier than polished marble. We are careful about what we leave on the surface -- for example:
- we don't leave metal items {like razors, bobby pins, etc.} on the surface to get wet and rusty
- I don't paint my nails on the vanity top
- we wouldn't set an open coffee mug {or other dark drinks} out on the counter
This hasn't been an inconvenience to us at all; but if you love your morning coffee while you get ready in the morning -- it might matter.
Note: I've read that even if you do spill dark liquids on marble, as long as it is quickly wiped away, it probably won't stain.
Interestingly, light colored liquids -- even water -- can stain Honed Marble, too. However, this is a much slower developing stain, for example:
- standing water around the edges of the sinks
- dripped clear hand soap sitting on the surface for days
- standing water that repeatedly pools under cups or other items placed on the counter
To prevent these stains, we do two things. First, I place soft feet on the bottoms of any items that remain on our counters {like our toiletry basket shown above} so that they are lifted up off the vanity top.
Second, we keep a microfiber cloth inside the cabinet to wipe off water around the sink, or dripped soap, after each use.
We have gotten several water stains over the last year. However, I read that if -- when cleaning -- you scrub those spots well {and work to keep them dry} that they will fade over time. I've found this to be true, only one of the water stains is still visible.
Can you see the water stain? It is the dark spot in the corner {it could be from some dripped hand soap, as well}. In my opinion, these stains aren't even that noticeable. If you were to visit my home, you probably wouldn't notice it. Marble has a natural variation in color and tone which disguises imperfection -- simply due to it's natural beauty.
So, how do we keep it clean?
Never, ever, use harsh cleaners. When I clean my ceramic sinks, I make sure not to spray or wipe the marble with that cleaner. Only use cleaners that are designed for marble.
After some research, I chose Method Daily Granite. Contrary to the name, I don't use it daily. Instead it's more like once every week or two. We wipe the marble down after each use, so it stays pretty clean. When I use Method, I apply it with a microfiber cloth.
So, what's my verdict on marble?
Yes, yes and more yes. It's beautiful and classic. I LOVE the raw, natural feel of the honed surface. We don't find the care to be a burden -- and even if does stain; it still ages beautifully due to the natural veining and color.
I'd be more hesitant to use honed marble in a kitchen, though. There are so many more dark liquids at play. In a kitchen, polished marble might be a better option for our family.
Do you have any marble vanity or counter tops? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Would you buy it again? What do you use to clean it?
Labels: Bath, Home Decor
