You’ve invested in the elegant look of stone for your kitchen or bathroom, but without the high-maintenance demands of natural quarried rock. Artificial marble, often referred to as solid surface, offers a seamless, non-porous, and incredibly durable alternative that resists bacteria and stains better than its natural counterparts. However, just because it is durable doesn't mean it is indestructible.

Keeping your countertops looking showroom-ready requires a specific approach. Using the wrong chemicals can dull the finish, while improper habits can lead to unnecessary scratches. The good news is that maintenance is straightforward once you know the rules.

This guide will walk you through the simple steps to clean, maintain, and protect your artificial marble surfaces, ensuring they remain the centerpiece of your room for decades to come.

Understanding Your Surface

Before diving into cleaning methods, it helps to understand what you are working with. Artificial marble is typically a composite material made from a blend of acrylic or polyester resins and mineral fillers. Manufacturers like Koris Solid Surface engineer these materials to be non-porous.

This non-porous quality is your biggest advantage. Unlike natural granite or marble, which requires regular sealing to prevent liquids from seeping into the stone, artificial marble repels moisture. Spills sit on the surface rather than soaking in, making it inherently more hygienic and easier to clean. However, the resin component means it can be sensitive to extreme heat and harsh solvents.

The Daily Cleaning Routine

For day-to-day maintenance, simplicity is key. You do not need expensive specialty cleaners to keep your counters hygienic and bright. In fact, the most effective cleaner is likely already sitting by your kitchen sink.

To clean artificial marble daily:

1. Clear the deck: Remove all appliances and debris from the surface.

2. Mix your solution: Use warm water and a mild dish soap.

3. Wipe down: Use a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge. Avoid the rough green side of scouring pads for general cleaning, as they can leave micro-scratches over time, especially on high-gloss finishes.

4. Dry completely: Wipe the surface dry with a clean towel. This prevents water spots, which can be particularly visible on darker artificial marble colors.

Removing Stubborn Stains

Despite your best efforts, spills happen. Whether it is a splash of red wine, a ring of coffee, or a bit of ink, dealing with stains on artificial marble requires a targeted approach. Because the material is consistent all the way through, most stains are surface-level and can be removed with a little elbow grease.

For matte or semi-gloss finishes, you have more leeway to use mild abrasives. For high-gloss finishes, you must be gentler to avoid dulling the reflection.

Stain Removal Guide

Refer to the table below for the best method to tackle specific types of spills on your artificial marble.

Stain Type	Recommended Cleaning Method
Common Spills (Coffee, Tea, Juice)	Wipe with a damp cloth and mild detergent. If a shadow remains, use a baking soda and water paste.
Grease and Oil	Use an ammonia-based cleaner (like standard glass cleaner) or a dedicated kitchen degreaser. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Hard Water Marks	Apply a standard lime scale remover designed for kitchen surfaces. Let it sit for 2–3 minutes, then rinse and dry.
Ink or Marker	For matte finishes, scrub gently with a mild abrasive cleanser. For gloss finishes, use a non-acetone nail polish remover, then rinse immediately.
Dried Food	Soak the area with warm soapy water to loosen the debris. Use a plastic putty knife to gently scrape it off.

Deep Cleaning and Brightening

Over time, you might notice your white artificial marble countertops looking slightly dingy or yellowed. This isn't usually permanent damage but rather a buildup of oils and residue.

To brighten the surface, you can perform a deep clean using a diluted bleach solution. Fill your sink or a spray bottle with a mixture of three parts water and one part household bleach. Apply this to the surface (or let it sit in the sink) for no more than 15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry. This should restore the crisp, bright appearance of the material.

Note: Never leave bleach on artificial marble for extended periods (overnight), as it can cause the resin to discolor.

What to Avoid: The "Do Not Touch" List

Preserving the integrity of artificial marble is as much about what you don't use as what you do. The resin base of the material reacts poorly to strong chemicals. Exposure to these substances can cause hazing, whitening, or surface pitting that is difficult to repair.

Review this checklist of safe versus unsafe cleaning agents to ensure you aren't accidentally damaging your investment.

Product Category	Safe for Artificial Marble	Unsafe (Do Not Use)
General Cleaners	Mild dish soap, ammonia-based glass cleaners, specialized stone cleaners.	Acetone, paint thinners, oven cleaners.
Acids & Alkalis	Diluted vinegar (rinsed immediately).	Strong drain cleaners, concentrated hydrochloric acid.
Abrasives	Baking soda, soft scrub cleansers (on matte finish only).	Steel wool, industrial-grade scouring pads, sandpaper (unless repairing).

If any strong chemical solvents—such as paint remover or oven cleaner—accidentally spill on the surface, flush the area with plenty of soapy water immediately.

Preventing Physical Damage

While artificial marble is solid and impact-resistant, it is not immune to physical wear and tear.

Heat Prevention
Solid surfaces are heat resistant, but not heat proof. Placing a hot pot directly from the stove onto the countertop can cause scorch marks or, in rare cases, cracking due to thermal shock. Always use a trivet or a hot pad under heat-generating appliances like slow cookers or electric skillets.

Cutting and Chopping
Never use your countertop as a cutting board. While the surface is hard, sharp knives will eventually slice into the resin. These cuts become harbor points for dirt and bacteria, making the counter harder to keep clean. Always use a cutting board.

Scratch Repair
One of the distinct advantages of artificial marble is that it is renewable. Because the color and pattern run through the entire thickness of the material, minor scratches and cigarette burns can often be buffed out.

For matte finishes, you can use a mild abrasive cleaner and a scouring pad, rubbing in a circular motion. For deeper scratches or high-gloss surfaces, it is often best to contact a professional or the manufacturer. They can sand and polish the area to blend it perfectly with the surrounding surface.

Enjoying Your Durable Surfaces

The beauty of artificial marble lies in its balance of aesthetics and practicality. It offers the luxurious appeal of stone while being forgiving enough for a busy household or commercial environment. By sticking to a routine of gentle daily cleaning and protecting the surface from extreme heat and harsh chemicals, your countertops will retain their smooth, pristine finish for years.

Whether you have a bright white vanity or a textured kitchen island, treating the material with care ensures it continues to perform exactly as it was designed to: beautifully.

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