How to Properly Clean a Marble Floor by Amant’s Floor Care – Serving the St. Louis Region Since 1969.
(FloorCleaningStLouis) Marble is a naturally porous material, so regular maintenance must include cleaning it thoroughly to reduce the risk of etching. For optimal results, use pH-neutral cleaners specifically designed for marble floors.
Start by sweeping and dry dusting to remove dirt, debris, and scuff marks from the floor. Next, mop with a mop pad or cloth that has been thoroughly rinsed before mopping the floor.
Acidic liquids cause etching, dulling the surface of marble. For this reason, it is important to act swiftly after any spill occurs and use only neutral cleaners to clean the area—always test before applying anything directly onto marble; vinegar is especially acidic and could damage it further.
Organic stains from fruit, paper, and coffee can be challenging to eliminate. A mild cleaner may work in some instances; otherwise, you could try making a paste out of baking soda and water that covers the stain, covering it with plastic wrap, and leaving it for 24 hours before rinsing and drying the floor.
Oil-based stains from cooking, grease, and makeup can also darken marble surfaces. A mild soap detergent may be sufficient to eliminate these marks; however, stronger chemicals like mineral spirits, acetone, or ammonia may be necessary. Always ensure a well-ventilated area and wear rubber gloves while using these solutions.
Maintaining marble floors properly can help avoid many stains, yet even diligent homeowners occasionally experience difficulties. Aside from regular cleaning, using rugs can help protect against scratches caused by furniture legs. Furthermore, placing mats near high-traffic areas will reduce the amount of dirt tracked into the house on shoes.
Clean Up Spills Quickly on Marble Floors
Marble floors require extra care when it comes to maintenance, as their porous nature allows liquids to absorb quickly. Food acids or liquid spills should also be cleaned up immediately with an antimicrobial sponge or cloth to avoid staining your marble surface. To do so, wipe up spills immediately using non-chemical cleaning solutions (ideally using a soft cloth or sponge without chemicals) to preserve their beauty.
If your marble floor has already become stained, do not try to scrub away the stain with harsh brushes; this can damage its surface. Instead, treat it using baking soda and water – mixing a baking soda and warm water paste should work for removing water stains on marble surfaces. Apply this solution directly onto affected areas using a paper towel before gently blotting with more paper towels until the stain is gone; rinse well afterward to prevent soap scum or hard water marks from forming later on.
For optimal marble floors, regularly mopping with an untreated microfiber mop and pH-neutral soap solution will do wonders to maintain their beauty. Rugs in high-traffic areas will help limit dirt from being tracked into your home by foot traffic; in addition, requiring family and guests to remove their shoes before entering can further decrease debris on your marble flooring.
Use Rugs and Mats to Protect Your Marble Floors
Marble floors should be properly cared for to look their best. This involves dusting and mopping regularly to remove fine dirt particles that could scratch their surface, as well as attending promptly to any spills or stains. The longer they sit, the harder it will be for cleaning professionals to take action against them.
Coasters under all glasses, hot dishes on trivets, and encouraging family and guests to wipe their shoes before entering can help reduce the amount of gritty dirt tracked onto marble surfaces in your home. In addition, placing rugs or mats at entrance doors will further minimize this grit from being tracked onto the marble surface by being pushed under furniture and into cracks, where it could cause lasting damage over time.
Mopping should always begin with a solution of water and mild pH-balanced marble cleaner or dish soap, diluted according to product label directions. Use a soft cloth mop, sponge, or microfiber mop to avoid scratching surfaces. Rinse frequently to keep the cloth, sponge, or mop clean, replacing the cleaning solution when it becomes dirty.
Whenever a stubborn scuff mark persists on your marble floor that won’t come off during regular washing, apply a felt pad soaked with cleaner. Once removed, use a polishing cloth to buff to a glossy shine before further minimizing stain risk by the sealer. Be sure to select an impregnating sealer designed specifically for your type of marble and follow its manufacturer’s instructions when sealing.
Avoid Placing Heavy Furniture on Marble Floors
An exquisite marble floor is an asset in any office environment, so to preserve it, you should ensure it is well taken care of and protected.
Marble is a porous surface that can become stained or discolored easily if spills are not cleaned promptly, while acids can etch its surface. To avoid this, limit the number of acidic liquids within your building and blot spills rather than rubbing. Suppose using an abrasive cleaner, such as acetone, first in a small area.
Mopping should always be performed using a soft cotton cloth or microfiber mop to avoid scratching marble surfaces and to prevent soapy suds from accumulating, which could attract dirt and leave streaks across its surface. Water should also be changed frequently to avoid the build-up of soapy suds, which attract dirt and leave streaks behind.
If your office features marble flooring, install non-slip mats in entry areas to trap dust and grit. Place rugs in high-traffic zones to help protect against scratches or other damage to the surface. Pads should also be added to furniture legs so that heavy furniture does not drag across its surface.
For daily cleaning of marble surfaces, opt for a mild commercial marble floor cleaner that is safe for your floors. For best results, always use purified or distilled water when washing marble to reduce harsh chemicals that could potentially harm its surface.
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