How to Clean and Take Care of the Marble Floor? – Marble Cleaning

Marble flooring has stood the test of time. Marble’s inherent veining and colour range wonderfully with their styles. While marble floors are highly durable, they do require frequent cleaning and maintenance with the proper chemicals and tools.

Cleaning Marble Floors

Dust and debris may produce minute scratches on marble floors, dulling the sheen and allowing stains to penetrate. Dry dust mop floors at least twice a week before wetting surfaces with clean water and use a damp cloth to remove any rust stains.

Spills, especially acidic liquids, and apparent mud or dirt should be cleaned up quickly. Every few months, deep cleaning of marble flooring is necessary with warm water and can take up to 30 minutes per room.

Factors to Consider

Marble is an alkali stone that interacts with acid. This chemical reaction can cause discolouration. The correct cleaning product is vital rather than dish soap.

Cleaners like ammonia or chlorine bleach can permanently damage marble finishes. Avoid cleansers that are abrasive or claim to “scour” dirt. Acid-based industrial cleaners, including those indicated for granite, should be avoided.

Beware of products that claim to be clean and shiny. These aren’t made for marble and can make it seem dirty.

• Avoid Difficulty
• Avoid harsh cleansers. Marble, a calcareous stone, is very acidic.
• Using acidic cleaners such as vinegar on marble floors may cause dull areas called etching.
• Bathroom, grout, tub, and tile cleaners should also be avoided.
• Even a granite cleanser will be too harsh; granite is a siliceous stone that can withstand acid.
• Vacuums might scratch the stone surface.
• To avoid scratches, use soft towels instead of cleaning brushes.
• Always try any marble cleaning procedure on a tiny, inconspicuous area first.
• Dust & Dirt Tracking
• Clean marble floors regularly using a clean, non-treated dust mop.

A decent rule of thumb is to dust mop once weekly per person or pet. Dust mop twice a week for a two-person household.

Make your job easier by placing non-slip mats and rugs at doorways. These floor covers will help keep abrasive debris from harming marble flooring.

Plan Deep Cleaning Monthly

Marble floors require regular cleaning, at least weekly, maybe more depending on traffic and grime. If feasible, use a soapless cleanser with a  pH neutral (pH7) to reduce streaks or film. You may also use a moderate phosphate-free dish detergent or marble soap and clean in circular motions.

• To clean, first moisten the stone with clean water (a spray bottle or a wrung-out mop works well).
• Apply the cleaning agent with a soft mop as directed by the manufacturer.
• Rinse the surface well with clean water, changing it as required.
• Dry with a soft cloth. 

NEW STAINS

Waiting too long may make it difficult to remove stains. Spills should be blotted up quickly with a delicate cloth, neither wiping or spreading the stain. Rinse with water and mild soap. Rep and dry.

OLD STAINS

If a stain goes unnoticed at first, a more specific treatment method may be required. Organic matter (most meals, coffee, tea, and fruit) can be removed using 12 percent hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia. (Note: While mixing hydrogen peroxide with ammonia is safe, other cleansers can generate a dangerous chemical reaction.)

Marble cleaning tools

Keep your marble floors clean and free of scratches by using the correct tools. Avoid rough or sharp objects that may scratch the marble. Abrasive brushes and sponges damage marble. Chamois cloths and dust mops preserve marble. Dry erasers are especially dangerous since they clean surfaces by abrading them.

You should never use acidic cleaners on marble. To avoid marble reaction or etching, use alkali cleaning solutions like ammonia and hydrogen peroxide, or neutral water.

Be mindful of the colour and composition of your marble floor while picking cleaning products. Acids like peroxide and ammonia may bleach dark marble. Always try cleaners in a hidden location first. 

When cleaning marble, start with a neutral solution like water or a pH-balanced marble cleaner and work your way up. After washing your marble floor, always rinse it completely with plain water to neutralise any leftover chemicals.

How to Preserve Marble Floors?

• Use non-skid doormats inside and outside doors to prevent scratches.
• Protect furniture legs with padding and don’t pull heavy furniture over the floor.
• Choose honed, tumbled, or brushed marble for bathrooms and kitchens to avoid slips.
• Avoid aggressive cleansers and equipment.
• Use a marble sealant and reapply as directed.