How to care for marble furniture
Marble is one of those materials that has stood the test of time without ever losing its elegance. Whether on a coffee table, console top or worktop, it immediately evokes refinement, naturalness and uniqueness. Every vein, every nuance is unique. But this beauty comes at a price: marble is alive, porous and delicate, and requires special care.
This article is here to guide you step by step. Whether you've just bought a new piece of marble furniture, want to protect the material from the outset, or simply adopt the right daily care routine, you'll find here all the keys to keeping your furniture looking its best year after year.
Why marble care is crucial
Marble furniture is like no other. Unlike more technical or synthetic materials, marble is a porous calcareous stone, sensitive to liquids, acids, grease and thermal shock.
As soon as it is installed in your home, good maintenance starts with prevention.
- Marble absorbs: wine, coffee, lemon, oil... all these liquids can penetrate the surface if not wiped off immediately.
- It scratches easily: even if the surface is polished, a simple object moved without care can leave a mark.
- It can become dull: over time, poorly maintained marble loses its natural lustre, becoming dull or blotchy.
This is not inevitable. Good maintenance starts from day one, and can prevent 90% of problems.
Preventive treatment: waterproof your marble furniture
Before you even start using your furniture, we strongly recommend applying a water- and oil-repellent treatment. This type of product creates an invisible barrier on the marble surface, preventing water, grease and fine dust from penetrating the stone.
This treatment is :
- transparent: does not change color or texture,
- effective: it facilitates cleaning and reduces staining,
- long-lasting: it can last several months, even a year, depending on how the furniture is used.
It's best to reapply every 6 to 12 months, especially for furniture subjected to frequent use (dining tables, coffee tables, kitchens).
Day-to-day care for marble
Everyday care for marble is based on simple gestures, provided you use the right products.
Regular dusting
A soft cloth (such as a microfibre cloth) is all you need to remove dust. Avoid stiff feather dusters or rough cloths, which can cause micro-scratches.
Clean with a mild soap
Prepare a mixture of warm water and pH-neutral soap (black soap or unscented liquid Marseille soap). Dampen a cloth, wring it out well, then run it over the marble surface without rubbing.
Rinse and dry
Rinse immediately with a clean cloth and clean water, then dry carefully with a dry cloth. Marble does not like stagnant humidity, which can leave stains.
What to avoid at all costs
Some common mistakes can seriously damage stone. Here's what you should never do:
Avoid acidic products
Vinegar, lemon, limescale removers and bleach are direct enemies of marble. Even very diluted, they chemically attack the stone and cause irreparable tarnishing.
Avoid abrasive products
Scrubbing creams, green sponges or metal pads can scratch the surface of marble, even if it's been polished. feels hard to the touch.
Never allow liquids to stagnate
A drop of wine or a forgotten glass of water can leave a stain within minutes. Always wipe up immediately.
Protect your furniture from damage
The best maintenance is anticipation. By incorporating a few simple habits into your daily routine, you can avoid having to make up for mistakes later.
Use coasters and mats
Always place your glasses, cups, plates or decorative objects on a stand. This prevents scratches, thermal shock and moisture stains.
A dish coming out of the oven or a boiling mug can cause thermal shock. Always use a trivet or thick tea towel as a buffer.
When moving an object, don't let it slide across the marble. Lift it up. This is one of the best ways to avoid micro-scratches.
How to treat a stain on marble
Has a stain appeared despite all precautions? There are gentle, effective solutions.
Oily stains (oil, butter)
Sprinkle Terre de Sommières on the area, leave for several hours, then brush gently. This natural clay absorbs grease without damaging the stone.
Pigmented stains (coffee, wine, tea)
Dab lightly with a cloth soaked in a mild mixture of warm water and baking soda. Leave on for a few minutes, then rinse and dry.
Caution: always test on a small, discreet area before applying to the whole.
Over time, even well-maintained marble can lose some of its natural shine. To revive its lustre:
- Use a white clay stone, in light circular movements.
- Buff with a dry microfiber cloth.
- Apply a special marble polish, without silicone or acid, if necessary.
The use of "waxing" products or varnish is never recommended: marble needs to breathe.
Care according to type of finish
Not all marble can be cared for in exactly the same way.
Polished (shiny) marble
This is the most common finish for designer furniture. It is less porous and more resistant to stains, but more sensitive to scratches. It requires regular gentle cleaning and thermal protection.
Matte or honed marble
More delicate, it gives a refined, powdered look. But it is more porous, requiring more frequent waterproofing and greater vigilance against colored liquids.
Marble care: what to do in the event of deep scratches or stains?
No matter how careful you are, accidents can happen. If a visible scratch or deep stain appears:
Call in a professional
A marble craftsman can :
- Lightly sand the surface,
- Re-polish the stone,
- Apply a protective treatment.
It's a small one-off investment that can extend the life of your furniture for many years to come.
Can ecological products be used to maintain marble?
Absolutely, provided they are natural and acid-free. Here are a few compatible options:
- Liquid black soap
- Unscented Marseille soap
- Baking soda (with caution)
- White clay (for polishing or stain removal)
- Terre de Sommières (for absorption)
Avoid all "ecological" products containing white vinegar, often found in homemade formulas, which can damage stone.
To sum up care instructions for marble furniture
- Clean regularly with a damp cloth and mild soap
- Dry immediately after cleaning or spraying
- Avoid all acidic or abrasive products
- Use protective coatings (coasters, mats, cloths)
- Waterproof surfaces once or twice a year
- Never slide an object directly over the stone
- In the event of a stain: act quickly and use mild solutions
- If necessary, call in a professional
Conclusion: well-maintained marble means eternal marble
Marble furniture is much more than a functional element: it's a piece of character, a fragment of nature shaped by time, integrated into your interior. Taking good care of it means preserving its beauty, and prolonging its presence in your daily life. With the right care, marble retains its nobility, its light and its uniqueness. And if one day, it loses some of its lustre, all it needs is a few targeted treatments to regain its full splendour.
Want to go one step further? Discover our marble tables to decorate your rooms with elegance, explore our selection of designer coffee tables with a contemporary aesthetic, or consult our furniture care tips to preserve the beauty of every room, every day.