Marble floors are a beautiful and luxurious focal point in the home. Marble is a very soft and porous stone. It is easily etched by acidic spills, such as orange juice or tomato juice, dirt, mud, and other everyday grime. Marble floors are also prone to water stains from mopping or cleaning up spills; therefore, remember to always dry the floor thoroughly. Caring for your marble tile can be easy if you are diligent and committed to maintaining a clean floor.
Loose dirt, sand, and other grim on shoes are abrasive and can leave scratches in the marble flooring. Eventually, dirt and other debris will grind into the floor and discolor it. It is always recommended that you remove your shoes if you have been walking in dirt or mud.
Natural Stone Marble
Always try to clean spills as soon as they occur. Because marble is so porous, the longer the stain is left to sit, the more difficult it will be to remove. Often, cleaning marble is easy and requires nothing more than a warm, damp mop or a cloth. Do not use vinegar to clean your marble floors. White vinegar is a great product to use in daily cleaning, but as it is an acid, it can damage the surface of the marble. Additionally, most soaps and mild detergents can damage the flooring. If you are not using a special cleaner specifically made for marble floors, use warm water to clean and mop the floor. Used sparingly (once or twice a year), neutral pH cleaners can also help to remove dirt and stains from marble floors.
Cultured Marble
Cultured marble is much stronger than natural stone marble, but does lose its shine and require regular cleaning. The best way to clean cultured marble is to fill a spray bottle with neutral pH cleaner, which can be purchased at any home improvement store, and spray the surface with the cleaning solution. Wipe the floors dry with a soft clean cloth or towel to ensure that no water spots are left.
Drying Marble Floors
Letting marble floors air dry is not always the best idea. Use a nice fluffy towel to dry the floor; always dry thoroughly as marble floors can spot and stain. You can wrap the towel around a clean mop, using it to soak up the excess water and evenly dry the floor.
Protecting Marble Floors
It is recommended by many marble manufacturers to seal and polish the flooring every few months. Polishing will make your floors shine and the sealant will help to protect the floors from dirt, sand, and other grime that is tracked into the house. Contact the manufacturer or person who installed your marble flooring for recommendations of the best types of polishes and sealants for your specific type of floor. Some work better than others for different colors and types of marble, so always check before using a product. It is important to note that white marble floors should not be sealed or waxed. These cause the white floor to become yellowed, losing its original white shine.
