Marble is an ideal flooring material because it has a wide range of colors and patterns. However, this delicate and porous stone is known to be prone to stains. How can I keep it looking like new at home? How can I clean my marble floors?

Protecting the floor is a priority

There are many things that can damage your floors, such as large parties, unruly children, and loving but messy pets. Whether it’s a planned event or an everyday occurrence, there are things you can do to protect your home’s floors and keep them beautiful.

Maintain your floors regularly to protect marble floors

There are a number of things you can do regularly to protect your floors and keep them in good condition. Cleaning may be the most obvious, but it’s still essential. Vacuum, mop, dust, and sweep as part of your weekly cleaning routine to keep your floors in pristine condition.

Place a doormat by the front door and write “Do not soil beyond this point” to prevent dirt and dust at the entrance. Placing floor glides under furniture is another way to prevent floor damage.

Be aware of cleaning products

It’s easy to choose cleaning products blindly: They’re on sale, you see them advertised, or your mother has always used them. However, it is very important to pay attention to the cleaning products you use. If the cleaners you use are not recommended for floors, you may get poor results. Be sure to read the ingredients as well to make sure you are not using a product that could violate the warranty.

Make sure your next move goes smoothly, even on the floor

Moving can be stressful. Of course, finding a new home is exciting, and it’s great to arrive at your new place and settle in, but the actual moving process isn’t all fun and games. Plus, moving can take a toll on floors (especially hardwood).

Fortunately, there are several products on the market that can help reduce potential damage to floors. Shock-absorbing plastic mats are a good option. They often come in rolls and can be cut to the right size. Other products such as cardboard or rosin paper can also help protect floors. Also, avoid dragging furniture or heavy objects across the floor.

Hire a professional to protect marble floors

Sometimes it may be necessary to hire a professional to protect the floor. As mentioned earlier, it is important to keep the floor clean to protect it. Having a professional steam clean carpet or reseal the hardwood, laminate, LVP and tile once a year can be a great way to thoroughly clean your floors and make them last. Professional floor waxing is another way to protect hard floors from scratches, dents, and stains caused by spills.

In some cases, you may even consider having the hard floor or laminate professionally painted, but this is only necessary if the floor is not well maintained, perhaps once every five years. Of course, if you are sealing or refinishing a floor, you should first check the floor’s warranty to make sure it hasn’t expired.

Deep cleaning once a month to protect marble floors

Marble floors must be cleaned at least once a month, or more often depending on wear and soiling. If possible, use a neutral (pH 7), soap-free cleaner to avoid streaks and films. You can also use a mild, phosphate-free cleaner or soap designed specifically for marble.

• To avoid getting the floor wet, use a spray bottle or a wrung-out mop.
• Then apply the cleaning solution with a soft mop according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Then rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water, remembering to replace it with fresh water as needed.
• Dry the surface with a soft cloth. Drying the marble floor is an important step after cleaning and stain treatment. Some types of marble contain iron oxide, and water can cause iron oxide to rise to the surface and leave rust stains.

Spills, stains, and abrasions should be treated as soon as possible

Freshly applied stains

If you notice a stain, remove it immediately. If something is spilled on the floor, wipe it up immediately with a soft cloth, being careful not to spread the stain. Rinse the stain with water and a mild detergent, then rinse with more water. Repeat this process as many times as necessary and allow it to dry.

Hardening the Stain

Different types of stains require different treatments. So if a stain is not noticeable, a more specific treatment may be needed. Organics (such as most foods, coffee, tea, and fruit) are probably the most common cause of light-colored marble but can be removed with 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia (note: hydrogen peroxide and ammonia can be mixed, but should not be mixed with other cleaning agents as they can cause a toxic chemical reaction).

Pour enough solution on the stain to cover it and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes, then rinse with water. If etch marks remain, wet the surface and apply marble polishing powder. Polish the stone with a damp cloth and allow it to dry.

The Marble Institute of America recommends the old method for abrasions. Rub a tennis ball over the scratch. The soft material will safely lift the scar.