Caring for marble in a coastal home

Why salt air and the wrong cleaner are marble’s worst enemies — and what to use instead.

Marble is beautiful and surprisingly vulnerable. It is a soft, porous stone, and two things common to coastal homes work against it: salt-laden air and acidic cleaners.

Vinegar, lemon and many supermarket sprays are acidic enough to etch marble, leaving dull patches that no amount of polishing brings back. Salt residue, meanwhile, draws moisture and can leave a haze.

The fix is gentle: pH-neutral cleaners, soft cloths, and prompt wiping of spills. For restoration and sealing, specialist treatment protects the surface and brings back the shine — without the risk of doing more harm than good.