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Dirty marble floors immediately ruin the beauty of this flooring choice. The glossy surface is now dull, and the veining design looks filthy. Your sense of royalty is lost.
Cleaning marble is not as easy as cleaning other floor types. Because marble is extremely porous, you can damage it if you’re not cautious.
We’ve put together an excellent guide for those looking to learn how to clean marble floors. We’ll assist you in cleaning your floors without causing any damage.
How Are Marble Floors Made?
Marble is a metamorphic stone formed mainly by calcifying limestone and other carbonate sedimentary rocks. The heating process results in the recrystallization of the primary mineral grains within the marble. Marble rock is, thus, comprised of an interlocking mosaic pattern of carbonate crystals.
Mineral impurities that are added to the marble, like silt, clay, sand, or iron oxides, cause the various colors of the marble. Green marble is typically made of mineral-rich limestone or dolomite with silica impurities.
Natural Vs. Cultured Marble
If you’re planning to install marble floors in your home, then you’ll be faced with the choice of cultured or natural. Which option you pick depends on the area of the home.
Natural marble is made chiefly of calcite. This causes a natural veining, or marble, within the tile. The minerals present in the dolomite or limestone also determine its color and veins.
Natural marble flooring is beautiful due to the fact that no piece is the same. It is different in every area of the house. In any case, a skilled installer can install the tiles in a way that enhances their natural beauty.
Since pure marble is a natural stone, it’s porous. Be cautious when you choose natural flooring for areas such as bathrooms and kitchens. If you are installing the stone in high moisture areas, be sure to use an excellent quality sealant to protect the stone.
Cultured marble, on the contrary, is man-made. In manufacturing, crushed marble dust and polyester resins are mixed to produce the desired hue and veins.
This marble is less porous than natural stone because of a finishing gel coat that seals the stone’s surface. This makes cultured marble more polished in appearance and has subtle hues and uniform veins.
Due to its waterproof surface, cultured marble is an ideal option for bathrooms with luxurious designs. It is also frequently used in vanity tops.
Although cultured marble is less susceptible to water than natural marble, you must be cautious when cleaning. Harsh chemicals can damage the protective finish and expose the marble. Use non-abrasive cleaning products and tools -the same like you use for natural stone.
Removing Dust and Dirt
Regularly sweeping your marble floors is a great way to keep them neat and clean. However, it is important to be cautious with the tools you are using.
We recommend purchasing a dry mop or dust mop. These are very easy to use and have a long handle with a microfiber cloth at the end. The microfiber absorbs dirt, dust, and hair effectively while being gentle on the surface.
You can also use a flared broom for your regular sweeps. Flared brushes are less brittle as compared to unflared brooms. The bristles’ ends look like split ends and collect dust efficiently.
Stay Clear Of Vacuums
Vacuums can be a marble floor’s biggest enemy. Rough brushes like beater rolls can cause scratches and damage to the porous floor.
If you decide to use a vacuum cleaner, ensure that it has a setting for hard floors. Apply it gently to the floor, and don’t apply pressure as you clean. Select a vacuum that has rubberized wheels for an easy ride.
Tips for Maintaining Marble Floor and Avoiding Damage
Marble floors are luxurious. It is, therefore, important to preserve the delicate surface. Here are some ways to avoid substantial damage:
1.Clean Spills as They Happen
Because of its porous surface, marble can absorb liquids and standing water — even spills and stains. If this happens, your marble can stain or change color.
The most effective way to handle it is to clean up spills as they happen. Use a damp cloth (preferably microfiber) to wipe down the spill. Start from the edges and move towards the middle to prevent liquids from spreading.
2. Never Allow the Floor to Air Dry
Letting your marble floors dry in the air can be devastating. When the floor air dries, marble absorbs the water and the detergent. This can cause staining or discoloration to your flooring.
Always use a dry, clean cloth or towel to dry the floor after mopping. The additional procedure of drying and rinsing marble floors can make cleaning more difficult. But this will give the best results while also protecting the delicate surface.
3.Go for Mild Detergents
If you plan to use a detergent for your floors, you must choose a pH-neutral product. The pH-neutral cleaning solutions are gentle on the surface. This makes them safe to use on marble. However, they’re less effective in removing tough stains than acidic or alkaline products.
Vinegar is widely used to wash different types of flooring, like tiles and hardwood. But it’s an absolute no when it comes to marble. Vinegar is acidic with a pH level of two or three, which can cause damage to the marble surface.
Other common cleaners to avoid are:
- Citrus cleaners like lemon or orange
- Ammonia
- Ceramic floor cleaners
4. Sweep Regularly, Mop Occasionally
Dust will quickly make your marble floors look dull. Dirt and debris can cause scratches to the floors when dragged by feet or shoes.
Regularly sweeping with a soft broom or dust mop will keep dirt, dust, and scratches at bay. Light vacuuming with an appropriate machine can also be effective.
You may be delighted to learn that marble floors do not require regular mopping. If you don’t have a bustling home with pets and children, once a month should suffice for a home deep cleaning. Because marble is extremely sensitive to water, limiting mopping can preserve your floors’ delicate surface.
5. Use Baking Soda with Caution
If you have trouble with stubborn stains, you can use baking soda with caution. Baking soda is alkaline and should be handled with caution. It’s also classified as a mild-abrasive cleaner, which means that there’s no need to apply excessive force when cleaning.
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the stain. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently rub the surface towards the grain. Don’t scrub. Rinse the area well using cool water to remove the acid, and then dry the area with a soft towel.
Be sure not to put baking soda on the floor for too long. It is always best to repeat the process rather than risk prolonged exposure. Baking soda can ruin the shine of marble floors.
6. Use Carpets and Rugs
Placing a few carpets or rugs in high-traffic areas will help to prevent wear on the floors. It can also keep dust and dirt out of the area.
You can also put doormats in front of entrances as a gentle reminder to visitors to clean their shoes or remove them.
Using colorful rugs and carpets is a great way to show off your taste and style. Mix and match various patterns and colors to create a pleasant environment for you and your family. In winter, they’ll also keep your feet warm – marble can get cold.
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