Marble is a beautiful stone that is arguably the most commonly used stone for interior design in homes and offices. The popularity of marble is attributed to the intricate veining of the stone, the variety of colors, and the general classic look of marble. Real marble stone has a cooling effect as the stone has a natural temperature that is a few degrees cooler than the temperature of the room.
Today, marble is one of the most commonly used materials for countertops, flooring, tiles, and decorative fixtures. Homes and offices that prefer an air of class would often have a marble centerpiece in a coffee table, cabinet, floor design, or other furniture.
Understanding the Nature of Marble
Marble is known for not only its luxurious appearance but also for its durability and versatility, making it a preferred material in both classic and modern designs. Its striking veining patterns and wide range of colors will be able to create unique and elegant spaces, while its robust nature ensures that marble installations can stand the test of time with proper care.
However, it’s essential to understand that marble is a porous stone, which means it can absorb liquids and be susceptible to staining or etching if not properly maintained. To preserve the beauty of marble surfaces, it is crucial to use the right cleaning methods and products specifically designed for natural stone.
How to Clean Marble Floors and Surfaces?
Keeping marble surfaces pristine requires a gentle yet thorough approach to prevent damage while preserving the stone’s natural beauty. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to effectively clean marble floors and surfaces.
Vacuuming
You can begin to clean by using a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris from the marble surface —without scratching the stone. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can use a regular broom with soft bristles to do so.
Choose Your Cleaner
Select a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for marble or natural stone, or you can use a mix of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Don't worry, the combination of water and mild dish soap will work just fine. Do not use acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or lemon-based solutions to clean marble surfaces, as they can etch and dull the surface.
Begin Wiping
Dampen a soft microfiber mop or cloth in the cleaning solution. Wipe the marble surface gently, you can work in sections to ensure even coverage. For stubborn spots, avoid scrubbing aggressively and let the cleaning solution sit for a few minutes to loosen the dirt.
Rinse and Dry
Once the surface is clean, rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Use a separate mop or cloth to dry the marble immediately, as standing water can seep into the pores and cause staining or dullness over time. Buff with a soft towel to restore the marble’s shine.
How to Remove Stubborn Stain from Marble?
Despite marble’s durability, stains can sometimes set in and require special care to remove without damaging the surface. Here are the best tips that you can follow to tackle different types of stubborn stains.
Organic Stain
To remove organic stains such as from tea, coffee, or wine—you can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide (12%) with a few drops of ammonia. Gently apply the solution to the stain using a soft cloth, and afterward, rinse thoroughly with water and let it dry. Do keep in mind that you need to test on a small and hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t affect the marble color.
Oil Based Stain
Oil-based stains from substances like cooking oil, makeup, or lotions can darken marble. But do not worry, you can remove them by applying a paste made from a mixture of baking soda and water. Spread the paste over the stain, and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24 hours to draw out the oil, and rinse with warm water afterward. Make sure to dry the marble thoroughly afterward.
Ink Stain
The ink from pens or markers can seep into marble, leaving noticeable ugly marks. To remove them, you will need a different type of way depending on the color of the marble. For light-colored marble, you can use hydrogen peroxide. But for dark marble like Nero Portoro marble or Marquina Black marble, it is best to use acetone. You can dab the stained area with a soft cloth soaked in the solution, and apply it to the marble.
Etch Marks
In time, your once wonderful marble might become dull or marked with etch due to constant usage. If you don’t want this to happen, it is important to regularly use a marble polishing powder. These powders are specially designed to remove etch marks.
To use polishing powder, you need to dampen the area first and gently rub the powder into the surface using a soft cloth or buffing pad. The rinse and buff method can help to restore marble shine.
Other Cleaning Tips
- Be careful when choosing commercial cleaners and make sure that these are free from any harsh chemicals.
- When cleaning marble surfaces, it’s best to keep any scouring pads or harsh scrapers away as they can damage the marble and leave permanent scratches behind.
- When a spill happens, blot immediately to remove the remaining spills. Don't rub the spill as it can make it penetrate deeper into the marble. After blotting, immediately follow the ways that we have explained above, to treat the stain based on its type.
- Don’t allow water to accumulate on the marble surface as water can seep into the marble's pores, causing stains and dullness.
- Regularly sealing marble surfaces can help protect against stains and prolong their polished appearance.
Leave Marble to the Professionals
Marble is a very desirable material to have in homes and establishments, but regular maintenance and cleaning are required to preserve its appearance. Thus, there may be times when it’s better to leave it to the professionals.
Luce’s professional cleaners have years of training and experience to give your marble floors and surfaces the best care possible, leaving them smooth and spotless after each session.
Book our service today to get the best cleaning service to fulfill your needs!
