Marble is a beautiful stone that is arguably the most commonly used stone for interior design in homes and offices. Marble is in such high demand that faux marble has become an industry of its own, making several marble-like fixtures available on a budget.
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. Marble is a timeless material that makes any room exquisite.
Modern-day uses for marble stones lean towards the architectural side as 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 over the rustic look would often have a marble centerpiece in a coffee table, cabinet, floor design, or other furniture.
Benefits of Marble
Aesthetics
Marble is most well-known for its unique appearance. It comes in a variety of shades that range from beige, brown, blue, green, and even pink depending on the composition of the stone during formation, as well as the location in which the marble was quarried. However, there are a few distinct appearances that interior designers and homeowners alike look for.
One of these is Carrara marble, which is the most common type of marble and is renowned for its white background and feathery gray veins. A similar alternative to this is Calacatta marble, which shares in the Carrara marble’s appearance but has a higher value due to its relative rarity.
On the other hand, there are also many sought-after black marble options such as Nero Portoro marble, which has beige or gold veins set against a darker background. Other examples include Marquina Black marble which is often compared to a starry night, as well as Noir Saint Laurent which has a much more striking appearance due to its white and gold veins.
Durability
Despite being a high-maintenance material, marble is surprisingly durable when properly kept, as seen in many structures and sculptures that date back to ancient times. The inherent strength of marble can be attributed to its origins as a natural stone, allowing it to stay resilient against everyday wear and tear.
However, it is also a relatively high-maintenance material due to its porous nature, as well as its susceptibility to scratches and marks, but this shouldn’t be a problem so long as careful maintenance and protective care are observed. This can also be avoided with proper sealing, which will also make it much more resistant to stains and spills.
Versatility
Despite its very highly recognizable appearance, the smooth and glossy finish of marble means that it can effortlessly complement other materials such as wood, concrete, steel, resins, and much more, making it much easier to integrate into your spaces. Marble also gives off a cooling effect in any room the stone is in, while also offering an impressive heat resistance.
How to Clean Marble Floors and Surfaces
Just like any other material, marble requires regular maintenance to stay in the best condition possible, while also preventing any unwanted stains from compromising the beauty of the stone. Here’s how you can do it!
Regular Cleaning
The best way to keep your marble sparkling for longer is to integrate it into your regular household cleaning routine as this will prevent any dust or dirt from covering up its natural shine. This will also reduce the amount of dirt and debris, which can inadvertently leave scratches on your marble.
Step 1: Choose Your Cleaner
If you have a high-quality stone cleaner specifically formulated for marble, take the time to read the label printed behind the product. These instructions should always be your primary reference when using the product.
Alternatively, you can also make an easy cleaner by filling a bucket or bowl of warm water with a few drops of liquid dish soap before mixing the two.
Step 2: Begin Wiping
With your soapy water, dip a clean cloth into the solution before wringing out any excess liquid. Start wiping your marble floor or surface in circular motions, working in small areas at a time to minimize water exposure as much as possible.
Those of you who have opted for the stone cleaner should follow the instructions on the product’s label.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve finished going over the entire area, get another clean cloth or paper towel and use this to thoroughly wipe and dry the marble. Remember to also get into the tight corners and crevices to ensure that all remnants of the soapy water have been removed.
Stain Removal
Regardless of how careful you are around your marble, it’s inevitable that you’ll get a few messes on it, but don’t worry because you can easily clean these up with the right steps!
Step 1: Prepare the Stained Area
For liquid stains, get a clean cloth and blot the excess liquid, being careful not to rub aggressively. For more solid messes like food spills or gum, use a plastic knife or something similar to gently scrape off as much as possible. Once you’ve removed the debris, get a slightly dampened cloth and use this to absorb as much residue from the area as you can.
Step 2: Choose Your Cleaner
You can use a commercial pH-balanced stone cleaner for this step, but you can also make your cleaning solution. All you need to do is pour ¼ cup of isopropyl alcohol into an empty spray bottle and fill the rest of it up with warm water. You can also add a few drops of mild liquid dishwashing soap for more stubborn stains.
Step 4: Begin Wiping
With your cleaning solution and a soft and clean cloth, spray the stained area a few times before gently wiping and dabbing. Repeat this as many times as needed until the stain has been completely lifted, but avoid oversaturating the surface too much.
If you’re using a stone cleaner, then take the time to read the label printed on the back. This label should always be your primary reference when cleaning.
Step 5: Rinse and Dry
Once the stain is completely gone, get a clean cloth and use this to wipe the entire thing dry. The last thing you want is to leave any bit of moisture behind as this can be absorbed into the marble.
Other Cleaning Tips
Avoid Harsh Cleaners and Chemicals
It’s important to remember that marble is a relatively porous material, which means that it can absorb liquids when left for long enough. Be careful when choosing commercial cleaners and make sure that these are free from any harsh chemicals as these can dull or etch the surface of your marble.
Avoid Harsh Cleaning Tools
When cleaning your marble surface, make sure to only do so with a smooth and clean cloth. It’s best to keep any scouring pads or harsh scrapers away from the material as these can damage the marble and leave permanent scratches behind. With that, it’s also best to check any cleaning equipment, like vacuum cleaners, and make sure that they’re in tip-top shape as worn-out equipment can also leave marks along the way.
When in Doubt, Call 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. 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.
Send Luce a message to schedule an appointment!
