Now that you’ve invested in marble countertops, there are some things you should know about keeping that delightful marble look. For example, did you know that although vinegar is an all-natural cleaning product, using it on marble can cause damage due to the acidity? Below are some of the do’s and don’ts for keeping up with your magnificent marble:

Do:

• Use a microfiber cloth for daily cleaning and to pick up spills immediately
• Use coasters to prevent rings that may set in permanently
• Purchase a cleaner made specifically for your type of marble countertops (in terms of lighter vs. darker marble)
• Employ cutting boards and the like
• Be prepared to have to live with some stains and scratches- no matter how hard you try, chances are some scratches and stains will become a permanent fixture on your counter

Don’t:

• Confuse marble for granite- though the two may look similar, marble is a lot more fragile when it comes to upkeep
• Leave acidic foods (lemons, tomatoes, etc.) on marble- the acid can quickly leave damaging marks
• Leave hot pots or pans directly on marble countertops
• Spend all your free time preventing and cleaning your countertops- do what you can and attribute the rest to an eventful and lively household