Marble is a delicate material to clean, and should be treated as such. The truth is, you won't find a nicer surface for a floor, counter top, etc. then marble, and if treated with care, it will last a lifetime. The following is what you should know about cleaning marble, a cleaning marble 101:
First the No-no's:
Never use any acids on a marble surface. That means anything acidic at all, so, no lemon juice, vinegar, or grout cleaners. Acid will weaken the marble, kill the sheen, and make it not nearly as beautiful. Marble is a gorgeous surface, so do not ruin it.
Never use bleach on a marble surface. Be very careful to use anything that is too alkali. These too can weaken and break down the surface of the marble.
Never scrub any marble with a scouring pad, especially not a metal scouring pad. It will damage it. The small pieces from the scouring pad will stick to the marble and rust, so your marble will show extensive rust staining. The only way to get rust stains out of marble is to resurface it, and that is super expensive. So, do not risk it, the cost will be burdensome, and is easily avoided.
"Cleaning marble 101" »