Hong Kong is humid and muggy; without proper care marble dulls, yellows and stains within years. Marble is not hard — master daily cleaning, periodic sealing and crystallisation and it lasts. This is the local reality guide.
Daily Cleaning: Get These Right
Wipe marble with a damp soft cloth and neutral cleaner. Never use bleach, drain cleaner, abrasive powder or vinegar — acids etch and dull the stone. No steel wool either.
Sealing: Block the Pores
Marble has micro-pores; an impregnating sealer slows liquid entry. Seal after install, then refresh every year or two. Sealing is not a permanent shield — wipe spills promptly.
Crystallisation: Restore the Gloss
Over time marble dulls with fine marks; crystallisation uses steel wool and a crystallising agent to build a protective mirror gloss. Leave it to pros — DIY polishing makes it worse. See the care guide.
Acid Etch & Scratch First Aid
Spilled lemon or vinegar? Rinse and dry at once, do not rub. Mild dullness fixes with crystallisation; dark stains need poultice from the stain guide; chips go to a repair pro.
Humid Hong Kong Tips
- Ventilate during wet seasons; avoid prolonged dampness;
- Seal bathroom marble and caulk — see bathroom mould;
- Mop floors not too wet, then air-dry;
- Check the sealer before every summer.
When to Call a Pro
If a wall or top is clearly dull, scratched or discoloured, stop DIY and book a free measurement for a crystallisation plan.