Marble is one of the most decorative materials as well as being one of the most durable. But even marble can break down if it is not handled properly.

Here then are five things you should never do when cleaning, polishing, or maintaining your marble floors, walls, countertops, or other surfaces.

Marble Polishing NYC — No Generic Cleaners

When you buy generic marble cleaners at your home improvement store, what’s actually inside? If you don’t know, you probably shouldn’t use it on your marble.

That’s because generic cleaning products can contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals that can etch or damage your marble surface. They can even degrade the sealant on the stone, making it more vulnerable to staining.

Marble Polishing NYC — Don’t Use Vinegar, Ammonia, Lemon or Orange Cleansers

Some of the most popular household cleaning products are some of the worst for your marble.

Things like vinegar, ammonia, or lemon or orange cleaners are acidic, meaning they can eat away at your marble and cause permanent damage. All you really need to remove surface dirt from marble is a sponge dipped in warm water.

Marble Polishing NYC — Bathroom, Tub, Tile, and Grout Cleaners Will Hurt Your Marble

Chemicals used to clean bathroom tiles and ceramic contain abrasives that can permanently scratch your marble. Even “soft” cleaners are too harsh for marble.

Marble Polishing NYC — Spotting and Staining

It’s also important not to put anything on your marble that can stain or cause spotting. Things like hair products, toothpaste, perfumes, colognes, nail products and more can actually damage your marble.

Protect marble countertops by providing a decorative tray for these products to sit in.

Marble Polishing NYC — Standing or Sitting on Marble Not a Good Idea

Marble countertops are not flexible. And unlike laminate countertops, they don’t typically have a plywood backing underneath them.

So if you put too much weight on one place, it could cause cracks to form.