How to clean a white marble bathtub?

Q. What is the best way to clean a white marble bathtub? What is the best way to keep it clean? What shampoos and soaps should be used by people in marble bathtubs?

A. It’s great that you’re thinking proactively—not just about cleaning your marble bathtub, but also about the kinds of soaps, shampoos, and products that come into contact with it. That kind of attention really helps preserve the appearance of marble, which is a beautiful but delicate natural material.

Marble is a porous stone made mostly of calcium carbonate, which makes it vulnerable to both staining and chemical reactions. Even mildly acidic products—like vinegar, lemon juice, or certain shampoos and body washes—can cause etching, which appears as dull, whitish marks on the surface. Marble is also relatively soft, so abrasive cleaners or rough scrubbing pads can easily scratch or wear it down over time. That’s why choosing the right products and cleaning methods is essential.

For routine cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner made for natural stone. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners completely, and always clean with a soft cloth or non-scratch sponge. 

To keep your tub clean and prevent damage, rinse it thoroughly after every use and dry it with a soft towel. This simple habit helps prevent water spots, mineral residue, and product buildup. A weekly clean with a marble-safe product will help maintain its natural luster. If you notice soap scum or mineral deposits building up, try allowing the cleaning product to dwell longer and clean more often.

When it comes to personal care products, look for mild, pH-balanced shampoos and soaps that don’t contain dyes, citrus extracts, or strong fragrances. Avoid traditional bar soaps, which tend to leave more residue than liquid body washes.

Please be aware that even with the best habits, marble can develop stains or etching over time—especially in high-use areas like bathtubs. If you start noticing damage that regular cleaning can’t resolve, a professional marble restoration specialist can can hone and polish to remove etching or other surface damage, and restore the marble to its original finish. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]