Cultured Marble Care

A common bathroom surface material is cultured marble. Cultured marble is actually a surface made up of various materials, including marble dust, limestone, and resin. The material is most common for countertops in bathrooms that have built-in sinks, but it can also be used for showers and bathtubs. No matter what surface is made of cultured marble, it is important to use the proper materials and procedures to keep it clean. Given its porous nature and malleable properties, cultured marble is not as resistant to staining and damage as other materials. However, there are steps you can take to ensure that your cultured marble surface will last for many years.

When it comes to cleaning cultured marble, keep one thing in mind. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Most cultured marble is sealed and any cleaner containing abrasives or bleach can break the seal. Water-based cleaners work well for basic cleaning purposes. If you have soap scum or similar buildup on the surface, vinegar can break down the residue without harming the stamp or cultured marble. If something is spilled on the surface, be sure to clean it up as soon as possible to avoid staining. Unlike other surfaces, cultured marble is susceptible to permanent staining, especially from materials like hair dyes and oil-based products. This is due to variations in sealants used between manufacturers of cultured marble. The safest course of action is to clean up all spills immediately after they occur, even if the manufacturer claims the seal will resist staining. Other options for preventing stains include placing a heavy cloth over the surface while using products that may stain, or using such products in areas that do not have cultured marble.

To maintain the finish on your cultured marble surface, consider how the surface looked when you first installed it. The main finishes available for cultured marble are satin and glossy. Satin, a low-gloss finish, requires little additional maintenance beyond regular cleaning. With glossy finishes, you may want to invest in a polish. Avoid carnauba wax polishes, as these polishes are designed for less porous materials. Water-based or silicone-based polishes are good options for this tricky surface. Some people may recommend polyurethane if the finish remains dull after polishing. Keep in mind, however, that it is difficult to apply polyurethane if you do not or cannot remove the cultured marble surface from the room. If the sealant spills on other accessories, it can cause damage and may not be removable. Similarly, if the cultured marble has detailed work, applying polyurethane into the cracks can be time consuming. This is a project that can work with properly prepared cultured marble, but it is not recommended for those who cannot invest a lot of time in the project.

Since cultured marble is more malleable than other kitchen and bathroom surfaces, it is more vulnerable to dings, scratches, and similar blemishes. Be careful when holding heavy objects near or on top of cultured marble. Although it takes a heavy object to cause noticeable damage, even a shampoo bottle can dent the surface. Such teeth can change the overall texture of cultured marble over time. If you spot a dent or scratch on a solid-colored surface, you can apply a small amount of appliance or automotive wax to fill in the gaps. However, if there are multiple defects or if the surface is a single color, please have a professional polish and polish the surface for you. The cost will be higher than doing it yourself, but the finish will be more uniform across the surface.

Depending on your budget and ideas for your kitchen or bathroom, cultured marble can give you years of durability. Taking care of this material is different from maintaining stone or laminate. Most of the things you can do to maintain your cultured marble surface require little time on your part if you practice them regularly. The key is to keep the seal intact. Once you adjust your cleaning routine to fit this goal, your cultured marble will be around for years to come.

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