How to clean a granite or marble fireplace

How to clean a granite or marble fireplace surround

A granite or marble fireplace is a timeless centrepiece that adds elegance, comfort and warmth to your home. However, to maintain its beautiful appearance and preserve its condition, getting into a regular habit of some simple cleaning and maintenance is essential.

In this article, we will discuss how to properly clean and care for your granite, micro marble or marble fireplace, hearth or fire surrounds.

On the whole, granite, marble and micro marble fireplaces are easy to maintain and keep free of marks and stains.

Preventative measures

The best way to keep your fireplace in a pristine condition is by taking preventative measures to keep it free of damage and stains.

When spills and marks occur, wiping the spill up right away will give you the greatest chance of preventing it from turning into a stain. Wiping the spill immediately will greatly reduce the chance of staining and if it does stain, it will be much easier to remove if it hasn’t been left for a long period of time.

Avoiding putting items that frequently stain near your fireplace is a good habit to get into. For example, red wine stains very easily, so avoid placing a glass of red wine on your fireplace mantel or use a coaster underneath the glass, so any drips are caught by the coaster.

Other common stains can be caused from fruit juices, coffee, tea, makeup, lemon juice, paint, oil, rust from metal, food and ink.  

Surprisingly, water can also leave stains referred to as water marks. You should always use a coaster underneath your glass and wipe up spills as soon as they happen.

How to clean granite or marble fireplaces

Regular dusting is a good habit to ensure your fireplace remains clean and to stop build up and grime. To clean ash, dust and dirt, use a soft bristled brush to gently dust the loose debris off the fireplace.

For spills, use a damp soft microfiber cloth and lightly wipe the surface. Follow by drying the surface with a dry soft cloth. Ensure to dry all areas, so no watermarks are left.

For harder to remove stains or marks, you can try using a mixture of dishwashing detergent and water. Make the solution and apply to the surface, using a soft cloth gently rub into the surface. Rinse and wipe away any solution from the surface before it dries. Then gently dry the surface using a dry cloth. 

For any tougher to remove stains, you can use a mixture of one part dish detergent and two parts baking soda to form a paste which can be applied and left on the fireplace for a few hours or longer. After the paste has settled, you can wipe the surface clean and wipe the area dry with a soft cloth. You can also repeat the process and leave the paste for longer if it does not work the first time. Baking soda is effective for lifting out stains from marble and granite stone without causing damage to the material. 

You can also use a stone-safe cleaner recommended by your stone expert for harder to remove stains, just be sure to follow any instructions on the label carefully. 

What to avoid using on marble, micro marble and granite fireplaces

You should avoid using harsh cleaning agents on micro marble, marble and granite fireplaces. Cleaners like vinegar, bleach, lemon juice, oil based cleaners, highly acidic cleaners, alkali cleaners, abrasive cleaners and corrosive cleaners should never be used to clean your stone fireplaces as they can eat away at the stone and cause damage.

Sealing granite and marble fireplaces

A common practice is to seal marble and granite, which creates a protective barrier and gives a greater protection from water, liquids and staining.

Marble and granite are both naturally porous materials, which means that they are more prone to absorbing liquids and staining if they are not sealed.

Micro marble is made from crushed natural marble mixed with a small portion of resin to create a consistent colour and pattern. Due to the resin component, micro marble fireplaces are naturally more stain resistant than natural marble and granite.

Most granite, marble and micro marble fireplaces will come pre-sealed, and you can discuss with your fireplace specialist if sealing or re-sealing is required for your individual fireplace.

Talk to your local stone experts

If you are unsure of anything, we highly recommend giving us at Paramount Stone Specialists a call to discuss your concern. From recommendations on sealing to repairs and replacements, we can provide you with unbiased and expert advice from our years of experience with stone fireplaces.

We hope that this ‘how to clean a granite or marble fireplace’ article has given you the tips and information you need to protect, maintain and clean your granite, marble and micro marble fireplaces.

Interested in a new micro marble, marble or granite fireplace, hearth, mantel, fire surround or repair? Contact Paramount Stone Specialists on 01482 585600 or email us at info@paramountstone.co.uk.