How To Care For A Marble Floor

With marble, you are in the presence of one the most beautiful stones around. Marble is a natural stone metamorphosed through heat and pressure, and in the process mixed with natural elements to produce the vibrant colors, tangled veins, and a smooth texture that bespeaks elegance. Now, only to preserve this fine stone flooring!

Although durable, marble flooring needs specific maintenance and care to keep it looking polished and clean. Following the proper guidelines and regularly cleaning your marble floor will ensure it will remain in tip-top condition for decades.

Sealant

A marble sealant will lock in shine, as well as prevent permanent scratching from damaging your floors. Apply a manufacturer-recommended sealer to your marble tiles upon installation and every five years to lock in shine and prevent scratching.

The Marble Institute of America suggests to look for a sealant with a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years and is resistent to water and oil-based stains. Once sealed, the marble will be more resistant to everyday wear and even spills.

Cleaning

Regularly removing dirt and debris is the best way to make sure your floors are free from scratches and kept clean. You may also wet mop your floors with a diluted ammonia/water solution. If you prefer to use soap, use a stone soap cleaner. Never use harsh scrubbers or acid-based cleaners on your marble flooring because they can permanently damage it.

Stain Removal

• Oil-based: Clean gently with a soft, liquid cleanser with one of the following: household detergent or mineral spirits.
• Food stains: Clean with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia.
• Rust or metal stains: Metal stains must be removed with a poultice.
• Mildew: Clean with diluted cleaning solution. Use a 1/2 cup of any of the following: ammonia, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide and a gallon of water. Reminder: do not mix bleach and ammonia.
• Ink: On light colored stones, clean with bleach or hydrogen peroxide. On dark colored stones, clean with lacquer thinner or acetone.
• Paint: Small amounts can be removed with lacquer thinner or scraped off carefully with a razor blade.
• Water spots: Buff with steel wool.
• Dark stains: For dark stains on lighter marble tile, use a mixture of baking soda and water applied with a rag.

Regular Maintenance

Follow these quick tips for regular marble floor maintenance:

• When installing your marble tile, make sure your grout lines are flush with the tyle
• Clean up spills immediately with a paper towel or cloth
• Damp mop once or twice a week
• Apply furniture pads to all your heavy furniture
• Use furniture pads when moving furniture
• Replace any cracked or chipped tiles immediately
• Products containing lemon, vinegar or other acids may dull marble surfaces

Caring for your marble tiles is as easy as regular, diligent maintenance. Keep in mind that only neutral cleaners can be used, and keep your floors free of dirt and debris to enjoy beautiful, clean, marble floors.

Source: Marble Institute