If elegance is what you’re after, nothing adds a touch of luxury and opulence like an exquisite, resplendent marble surface. Although it is both beautiful and literally as tough as stone, there is a lot of damage you can do by using the wrong chemicals and cleaning products. As marble is porous and a slightly softer stone, it does require the right care to ensure that it stays looking it’s exquisite best.

Here are some helpful tips for maintaining your marble surfaces:

1. Stay away from acidic cleaning products. Acid is bad news for your marble, as it reacts to the calcium carbonate and begins to eat away at it. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Marble should be washed with a clean, soft cloth and fresh warm water. Then as an additional safeguard, wash your marble twice a year with warm water and a mild detergent. This should remove any residue which may have become ingrained. Clean stone surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner, stone soap or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Use a clean rag mop on floors and a soft cloth for other surfaces for best results. Be aware that too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks, so just a little is best. Be sure to rinse the surface thoroughly after washing (changing the rinse water frequently) with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. 
2. Avoid the scratches. Do not use sandpaper, scouring powders or creams, or any products that contain abrasives, as these may scratch and damage your polished marble surfaces.
3. Clean up the spills. Never allow a spill to sit on your marble surface. As it is porous, the liquid could penetrate the stone and stain it. Make sure you clean it up right away. Another preventative measure it s to seal your marble surfaces regularly to create an extra protective barrier against stains.
4. Use mats. Any bits of dust and dirt that are carried in from outside are abrasive and can scratch your marble floors over time. It is a good idea to have non-slip doormats inside and outside your entrances to help lessen the amount of dust being dragged in. It’s also a good idea to use coasters under all glasses, particularly those containing alcohol or citrus juices. Many common foods and drinks contain acids that will etch or dull the stone surface. Use trivets or mats under hot dishes and placemats under china, ceramics, silver or other objects that can scratch the surface.
5. Don’t let the dust settle in. Using a dry, clean dust mop on your floors regularly can help to prevent a build-up of abrasive debris. Do not use vacuum cleaners that are worn, as the metal (or plastic) attachments and wheels may scratch the polished marble surface. 

A little bit of care can go a long way. Using these simple preventative measures can help to keep your marble floors and surfaces as dazzling and beautiful as the day they were installed.