Marble is very elegant. The material is timeless and is available in several different colors, with countless veining styles available. However, this porous, delicate stone is quite susceptible to the appearance of stains. Also, just some cleaning agents are safe and will not cause damage when you use them.
The truth is that you can make several flooring mistakes. Most of them are related to how you take care of marble floors. So, when you consider the advantages and disadvantages of marble flooring, make sure you also fully understand how to clean your floors. Do this before you make the investment and follow the advice presented below.
Do Not Use Tough Stuff
One of the most important things to remember is that you have to avoid harsh cleaners. Marble is a calcareous stone so it is very sensitive to acidic substances. Just think about when you cut lemons on marble counters. This leads to disaster. In a similar way, acidic cleaners, like those with vinegar in them, create dull spots. They are called etching.
When you use abrasive cleaning agents (including creams and powders), the same damage is created. Avoid tub, tile, grout, or bathroom cleaners. And if you find a granite cleaner, do not be tempted to think it is good. Even vacuums should be avoided when there is a risk that they will scratch the surface.
Be Careful With Dirt And Dust
You have to frequently clean your marble floors. This is especially true when you see grit and dirt present. The best way to do this is to use non-treated dust mops.
In order to determine cleaning frequency, just use this simple rule of thumb: use the dust mop one time per week per each pet or person living inside. As an example, when there are 2 people inside the house, you have to dust mop two times weekly.
Use non-slip rugs and maps around your entrances. This makes cleaning marble much easier. Such floor coverings limit how much abrasive dirt will enter the home.
Set Up A Deep-Cleaning Routine
You need to perform periodic cleaning at least one time per month. Even more is needed when traffic is high or you notice dirt present. The best thing you can do is to use soapless cleaners that have neutral pH. This minimizes the film or streaks you leave behind. Also, you can use phosphate-free, mild dishwashing agents. Stone soaps with a specific formula designed for marble can be suitable.
When you clean, follow these steps:
- Use clean water to wet the surface of the marble. Wrung-out mops or spray bottles are enough.
- Apply cleaning solutions based on manufacturer instructions.
- Rinse the entire surface thoroughly with the use of clean water.
- Use soft cloths to dry the area. This is a very important step because of the fact that marble sometimes includes iron oxide. Water exposure can lead to the appearance of rust stains.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your marble is not that difficult if you are cautious. The indications above will help you but if you feel overwhelmed at any point in time, the best thing you can do is to contact professional cleaners.