Marble is a metamorphic limestone primarily composed of calcium carbonate, meaning it is porous and sensitive to acid. This is why marble floors, though offering timeless elegance because of their natural beauty and mirror-like finish, are challenging to clean and maintain.
Let’s discuss the best ways to clean marble floors so you can preserve their shine for years to come.
What Makes Marble Special and Vulnerable
Its porous nature only means that it readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. On the other hand, its sensitivity to even weak acids can cause permanent etching and loss of polish.
The humidity reaching 80-90% throughout the year even makes maintenance challenging as your marble floors may easily become dull, stained and damaged with regular proper care.
Mould and mildew can easily form in corners, joints and other areas where moisture accumulates. They can penetrate the porous surface and cause long-term damage.
Even constant temperature shifts between air-conditioned spaces and the hot, humid environment outside. These drastic changes in temperature and humidity levels accelerate the wear and tear.
If you’re living in an area where you experience more dust accumulation (e.g., near expressways, roads and construction sites), any dirt that’s been tracked in can scratch the floors when neglected.
Cleaning Equipment You Must and Mustn’t Have
For you to be able to properly clean and maintain your marble flooring, you must have the right cleaning kit. Essential items should include the following:
- Soft broom or dust mop
- Microfibre mop and cloths
- pH-neutral marble cleaner (can be a commercial cleaner formulated for marble or a mild dish soap solution)
- Hot water
- Microfibre cloths
- Optional items:
- Marble sealer
- Poultice powder
- Baking soda
Never ever let these items make contact with your marble floors.
- Vinegar
- Lemon juice
- Ammonia
- Bleach-based products
- Abrasive scrubbing pads
- Steel wool
- Steam cleaners
- Generic all-purpose cleaners (some may have acids)
Reminders Before Starting Cleaning
Use the two-bucket system—one bucket should hold your cleaning solutions while the other holds the clean rinse water. Facilitate the drying process by cross-ventilating the space.
You can also place felt pads under the furniture legs to avoid scratching. And lastly, your cleaning tools for marble floors should be different from the ones you use on other surfaces.
What Daily and Weekly Maintenance Looks Like
Daily Care
Allow a few minutes to perform a quick sweep using a soft-bristle broom or a dust mop before your day starts and in the evening. Marble’s worst enemies are the tiny particles of grit and sand, so by doing this, you’re ensuring that your floors don’t get scratched.
As soon as spills happen, act fast. Don’t wait for several minutes before cleaning up. Use a soft cloth to blot spills; work from the outside toward the centre. Never wipe in circular motions, as the liquid may be acidic and spread across more surface area.
If the spilt liquid is sticky, follow up with a damp cloth dipped in pH-neutral cleaner and then dry thoroughly.
Weekly Deep Clean
As for the weekly cleaning routine, start by sweeping or vacuuming (with a soft brush attachment) to remove all loose debris. Add a capful of pH-neutral cleaner to a bucket of warm water (preferably distilled), and then use a microfibre mop to clean the floor in sections.
Your mop should be well-wrung so that your floors don’t have standing water on their surface. After mopping, follow with a clean water rinse. During monsoon seasons, perform this routine twice weekly.
Advanced Cleaning
Once a month, dedicate time to a thorough deep clean to address areas that your weekly routine might miss.
Start by removing all furniture and rugs to access every inch of marble flooring. Vacuum thoroughly and inspect for any issues like etching, worn sealant, and hairline cracks.
Apply your stone cleaner more liberally than during weekly cleaning. For textured marble or grout lines, use a soft nylon-bristle brush to work the cleaner into crevices (don’t scrub harshly).
After cleaning each section, rinse with clean water and then dry with microfibre towels. It can also be the perfect opportunity to apply a marble polish or refresher product.
Stain Removal
You may already know that different stains require different approaches, but you should also remember that timing is of the essence.
| Type of Stain/Damage | Cause/Examples | Treatment Method | Notes |
| Organic stains | Coffee, tea, food |
|
Timing is important. |
| Oil-based stains | Grease, cosmetics, cooking oils |
|
The solvent breaks down oil while the clay absorbs it. |
| Etch Marks | Acid exposure | For light etching, use marble polishing powder with a buffer pad. Follow instructions. For deep etching, seek the help of professionals offering marble floor polishing. |
DIY cleaning isn’t recommended for deep etching. We recommend seeking professional help. |
Protection and Prevention
The sealant serves as protection for your marble. Test your current seal by sprinkling water on the surface. If it beads up, your seal is intact. If the water absorbs and darkens the stone, it’s time to reseal.
A recommended guideline for resealing is every 6-8 months, but the frequency depends on foot traffic and wear and tear.
Impregnator sealers such as silane- or siloxane-based formulas also offer excellent protection. They repel water and oil, and at the same time, allow the store to breathe.
As for preventive care, you can adapt the following practices to minimise the possibility of causing damage to marble floors.
- Place entrance mats outside and inside the doorway.
- Implement a no-shoes policy.
- Place runner rugs in places with high traffic.
- Use placemats and coasters in dining areas.
- Use waterproof sauces with felt pads underneath for potted plants.
- Consider using furniture pads for pieces that you frequently move.
Common Mistakes That Destroy Marble
Understanding what not to do is just as important as knowing the proper techniques. Aside from using acidic cleaners, here are some common mistakes that you should remember:
- Using steam cleaners. They can crack marble and force moisture deep into the stone.
- Using generic scrubbing pads/powders. They can cause fine scratches that dull marble’s shine.
- Leaving water to stand on the floor, like leaving wet bath mats directly on marble floors. It could result in persistent moisture damage.
When to Call the Professionals
There are specific situations that warrant professional expertise. Here are the signs that your DIY efforts are not enough:
- You notice signs of damage like etching, scratches or chipping
- When the polish has diminished, and
- When the floor looks dull
- Other signs may include uneven surfaces (lippage), discolouration, and erosion
Simply put, if you lack the tools, expertise, and time, it’s time for you to outsource marble floor restoration. Floor polishing service providers are equipped with specialised tools and techniques to restore the shine of marble floors.
Conclusion
Marble floors are an expensive investment in your home’s beauty and value, so perform consistent care to preserve their elegance for as long as possible by following our tips above.
Are you ready to give your marble floors the best care? Reach out to us and we’ll conduct a complimentary professional assessment to understand your marble’s existing condition and how to take care of it best.
