Last Updated on March 25, 2023 by
Introduction of marble
Marble is a beautiful and versatile stone that can be used in a variety of applications. However, marble surfaces are porous and extremely sensitive to constant contact with water. While this sensitivity make it more delicate, there are simple ways to take care of it so that marble floors or countertops will continue looking great for decades. In order to keep the look sharp and shiny, you’ll need to clean your marble regularly using products made specifically for cleaning marble. Some cuts require sealing from time-to-time as well.
Polishing marble is the process of removing surface imperfections and bringing out the natural shine and beauty of the stone. Marble is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of calcium carbonate and is prized for its unique patterns and colors. However, marble can become dull and scratched over time, detracting from its natural beauty. Polishing marble involves using a series of progressively finer abrasive pads and polishing compounds to smooth and refine the stone’s surface.
The process can be time-consuming and requires a certain skill level, as it is important not to over-polish the stone and damage it further. However, with the right tools and techniques, the result is a stunningly beautiful and durable surface that can add a touch of elegance and luxury to any space. Whether you’re looking to polish a marble countertop, floor, or decorative piece, taking the time to care for your marble properly can help ensure that it lasts for generations to come.
Cleaning & Polishing
The first step is to sweep or vacuum any loose dirt off the surface. While a damp cloth will remove some lighter stains very quickly, you should use a slightly damp cloth lightly moistened with a marble cleaner.
For the best results, the cleaner should be applied using a circular motion. When you feel that the surface is completely clean, remove as much moisture as possible by blotting or by using a hair dryer set to cool and held at least 2 inches from the surface. If your marble seems dull after cleaning it, try polishing it with a dry cloth. Lightly buff your marble until it shines again.
Sealing & Sealing Countertops
Before sealing countertops or floors, test an inconspicuous area first to ensure that the stone will not darken significantly after you have sealed it. Fill up a spray bottle with water and put roughly 3 capfuls of undiluted liquid dish soap in it. Shake well, and spray the entire surface with the soapy water.
How to clean the marble?
Scrub all areas of your countertop or floor using a nylon scrub pad or sponge, then rinse the area thoroughly with clean water before getting ready to apply a sealer to your marble. For natural stone floors only, you can use a mop for easier application if desired. Applying a paste wax or liquid car wax will produce a protective film that’s easy to maintain, but be sure to go over any seams between tiles with additional cleaner and paper towels as those areas tend not to get as clean as the rest of the floor.
Read More: Which Are The Best Tile Floor Cleaner Liquids? How Does Liquid Cleaner Work?
If you have cultured marble, applying factory-recommended products designed specifically for cultured marble is your best bet. Depending on the type of polish you use, a final waxing with a soft chamois cloth can help spread out an even coat and leave a nice sheen. Here are some links to polishing products that should come in handy. If your marble is in need of restoration, you will want to remove any old sealant. Harsh cleaners can damage the surface and should not be used on natural stone surfaces.
Cleaning marble by the use of bleach
If you want a deeper clean still: If these don’t work for you, you can try gently diluting one cup of bleach in two gallons of water and use the solution to wipe down your marble floor. Rinse with clear water and blot dry immediately “blot” meaning to press a soft absorbent cloth against the surface, not “wipe” to avoid leaving behind ugly water spots.
Cleaning marble by brushes
Some products are available to dissolve old wax or sealant, making removing it easier. A soft toothbrush or disposable paintbrushes may help get into grooves where dirt gets trapped. If desired, use a very fine steel wool pad to lightly buff around seams where sealing was done at factory level versus by hand. The goal is to restore shine without damaging the stone itself.
After all traces of previous sealer have been removed, clean the surface with water and dry it off completely before reapplying a new layer of manufacturer recommended sealant, or using a non-silicone based polishing product. The manufacturer of your marble should be able to provide recommendations and guidelines. If you would like to explore home remedies and other techniques for cleaning and shining natural stone surfaces there are some suggestions given below.
- Clean the Spills ASAP
- Dust the Floors Regularly
- Use Marble Sealers
- Don’t Forget to Polish
- Use Soft Cloth or Sponge to Clean
Clean the Spills ASAP
If you want to keep your marble floor healthy, you will have to clean the spills immediately. Dip a sponge in lukewarm water and gently scrub the spills to pick up any dirt or particles left behind. Make sure that you rinse out your sponge well before using it again on different areas of the floor since dirty sponges can damage even more of your marble. After dabbing at any stains, make sure that you dry the area completely.
Dust the Floors Regularly
Give your marble floor a quick sweep every day to pick up any dirt and small particles that might have fallen out of your shoes or off of furniture. This will keep all those little bits from scratching or etching into your floor’s surface which is especially important for polished marble floors, which are made with such a thin protective coat that they’re even more susceptible to damage than other types of marble.
Use Marble Sealers
Apply natural stone sealer to your carefully cleaned and dried marble tile at least twice a year (or as needed, depending on how often it is exposed to spills and what type of traffic it receives) in order protect the shine and luster of your marble.
Don’t Forget to Polish
Buff your newly shining marble floor every now and again with a gentle cleaner such as Kiwi neutral shoe polish for marble floors or an all-purpose furniture polish; this will keep dust from finding its way into the tiny pores in the stone, which could scratch it over time.
Use Soft Cloth or Sponge to Clean
Use soft cloth like “chamois” (which is actually made of processed lamb skin and very absorbent) to dry up excess water on your wet floor; then wipe down with a clean dry cloth. Chamois may be more absorbent than other materials, but you can still use cotton terrycloth towels or even paper towels if that’s all you have handy. Avoid using sponges, as they may hold on to bacteria and scratch your marble tiles.
Conclusion
You can preserve your marble flooring for years without spending a fortune on expensive cleaners and supplies if you follow our recommendations and use care while using cleaning products. Marble can be difficult to clean.
