Marble, tile or granite bring a unique feel to any home but require special care to keep them looking great. We asked home-efficiency expert Cynthia Townley Ewer, author of Houseworks, to explain the best methods for cleaning and caring for these special surfaces.

Marble

This stone is soft, porous and relatively weak. Marble will scratch easily, absorb standing stains and must be treated with care. For routine cleaning, dust, then buff with a barely damp cleaning cloth to restore the shine.

When more intense cleaning is required, pour a little clear non-sudsing ammonia onto a cleaning cloth, wipe the marble surface and buff dry. When finished, use a commercial marble polish to restore the shine.

Never use abrasive cleaners on marble surfaces. Avoid acid-based cleaning solutions, such as any product containing white vinegar; acids can dull or etch bright finishes.