How To Clean Marble

How To Clean Marble

Marble is one of the most beautiful and durable natural stones. It is used to cover countertops, tables, showers, and the floor. With its elegant look, marble requires extra care to maintain its best look as the material is susceptible to scratching, staining, and other forms of damage.

To keep marble clean, you need to use various products and techniques. If you use the wrong cleaning methods or products, your marble countertops and surfaces will not last for a long time. In this article, you will learn how to clean marble and the various techniques you can apply to prevent its damage.

How To Clean Different Types Of Marble Surfaces

The way you clean marble is determined by the type of surface you are cleaning. There are several specifics to keep in mind depending on where the marble is located in your property. Here are different ways of cleaning different marble surfaces.

Marble Floors

To clean your marble floors, you will need:

• Hot water
• A soft mop
• Clean water to rinse
• A soft cloth or towel
• pH-neutral soap

Follow these steps to do the cleaning:

• Prepare Water

Use hot water to remove stubborn stains from the marble floor. Hot water works perfectly in cutting through grease, dirt, and other things sticking on the floor. It is also advisable to use distilled water to avoid staining or discolouring the marble floor.

• Add Marble Cleaners

Marble floors tend to be porous; thus, you need a mild cleaning detergent. It is also advisable to use pH-neutral marble cleaners. These cleaners are safe and gentle to use because they do not irritate your skin. Ensure you follow the instructions given on the product and use the right amount of hot water.

Note: You should never use rough brushes or harsh chemicals.

• Mop the Floor

To wring out most of the water, use a dust mop. Begin from the farthest part of the room as you move towards the exit or entrance. Apply short strokes, dip and wring the mop often to ensure you do not spread the dirt.

• Rinse the Marble Floor

After mopping the marble floor with hot water and detergent, you can start to rinse. Fill a bucket with clean water, and then use the mop to rinse. Mop the marble floor for as long as it takes to get rid of any residue from the cleaning solution. Doing so also helps remove any remaining dirt or dust. Make sure you change the water often to avoid any chances of scratches or streaks caused by dirt in the water.

• Dry the Floor

Finally, you need to dry the marble floor to avoid damage. To do this, use a soft cloth to wipe the marble floor.

Marble Countertops

You should clean your marble countertops regularly to guarantee their durability. Since marble countertops are mostly made from calcium carbonate, they are vulnerable to acidic cleaners and liquids. Even a tiny amount of vinegar or lemon juice can leave blemishes or etches on the marble countertop.

To avoid problems, use a basic cleaning solution. Water and basic soap can do the job. You will also require:

• A soft sponge
• Water
• Dish soap
• A clean dish towel
• A spray bottle

Follow these steps to do the cleaning:

• Scrub the Countertop

Put some drops of mild dish soap and apply water to a sponge. Scrub the marble countertop using the sponge until it looks clean.

• Buff Dry

Rinse the sponge and use it to wipe the lather from the marble countertop. Once you remove the soap off the countertop, use a soft towel to dry the area and give it a shiny look. You can also polish and re-sand as required to get rid of blemishes and etches. This gives your marble countertop its original glare.

Marble Tables

If you have a marble dining table, you should clean it every day. Marble side or coffee tables do not have to be cleaned daily but still require regular cleaning.

Here are the items you need to clean a marble table:

• A dust mop
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• A spray bottle
• A wet towel
• An absorbent towel

Here are the steps to follow during cleaning:

• Remove All Debris, Dirt, and Dust

Start by removing all dirt, dust, and debris from the tabletop by using a dust mop. You should get rid of these particles before cleaning the marble tabletop with the cleaning solution. You can also use a microfiber cloth to remove the dust. Never use a vacuum because its edge can scratch the marble surface.

• Mix Warm Water with Mild Dish Soap

Mix warm water and mild dish soap. Simply pour one tablespoon of gentle dish soap into your spray bottle. Proceed to fill the bottle with warm water, leaving an inch of space at the top of the spray bottle to allow effective mixing of the cleaning solution. Avoid using dish soap with alkalis, acids, or other harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the marble.

• Spray the Cleaning Solution onto the Marble Tabletop Surface

Now spray the solution onto the marble tabletop. Apply a light and even coat of the solution across the area you want to clean. Do not use an excessive amount of cleaning solution to avoid damaging the marble.

• Wipe Off the Cleaning Solution

Once you have sprayed the cleaning solution onto the tabletop, use a hot wet cloth to wipe it off. This helps rinse the tabletop. Ensure that you get rid of all the soapy water from the tabletop before moving on. To get the best results, use a microfiber cloth.

• Get Rid of Any Excess Liquid

Remove any excess liquid from the marble tabletop using an absorbent towel. Using a dry, absorbent towel ensures that you remove all the water. Rubbing the marble tabletop using a towel also buffs the surface and gives it a great shine. Use a cotton towel for the best results.

Marble Showers

The excellent colours and veining of marble create an elegant bathroom floor and shower surround. Marble is a great building material since it is water-resistant and long-lasting. After every use, you should wipe down the marble to remove body oil, excess water, and residue from bathing products.

A thorough fortnight cleaning helps get rid of all traces of stain and mildew growth. This also gives the marble a perfect look.

For the cleaning of your marble shower, you will need:

• A squeegee
• A spray bottle
• Microfiber cloths
• A bucket or handheld shower
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Tape
• Mild soap
• Mildew and mould remover
• Superfine grade steel wool

Follow these steps to clean the marble shower:

• Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Fill the spray bottle with warm water. Put a single teaspoon of a mild dish cleaning liquid. Look for a pH-neutral dishwashing solution that does not have acidic ingredients. You can also use marble cleaner and ensure you follow all the instructions provided.

• Spray and then Wipe

Spray the cleaning solution from the top of the shower to the bottom. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe the marble shower in circular motions. Focus on the areas around your shower drain and fixtures that are susceptible to staining from mildew.

• Rinse

Use a bucket or handheld shower to rinse the soap off your marble shower. Do the rinsing from the top down to the floor. Make sure you rinse away all the soapy residue to create a shiny surface.

• Dry and Buff

Use a soft microfiber or squeegee to get rid of the water on the floor and shower walls. Finish the task by buffing the marble using a dry microfiber. Work in large circles to make the marble shine.

Removing Stubborn Stains From Marble

If the overall marble cleaning fails to get rid of all the stains, there are several things you can do to remove the stains. However, ensure that you do not use harsh chemicals to avoid damaging the marble.

Stains from organic materials such as food, coffee, wine, or pet urine can be treated using hydrogen peroxide mixed with a few ammonia products. Oil-based stains such as cooking oil and cosmetics should be removed using mineral spirits or acetone and then rinsed away. Ink stains on the marble can be removed using acetone or lacquer thinner. Make sure you use the lacquer thinner carefully to get rid of tiny spills of paint.

How To Buff Scratches From Your Marble Surfaces

Hard water stains and etchings can damage your marble surfaces. Therefore, they need to be buffed away. For light surface etching and water spots, you can use super fine steel wool. For bigger nicks and scratches, you need to re-polish the marble surface.

How To Effectively Prevent Marble Stains

To avoid the stress involved in cleaning and removing stubborn marble stains, you need to prevent them. Immediately any liquid spills on the marble surface, you should sop it using a paper towel. You should also blot spills instead of wiping them to ensure you do not spread them over a larger area on the marble.

Depending on the type of marble, you can also buy a marble sealant. Apply the marble sealant once a month. This makes the finish of the marble strong and more resistant to stains. However, check the manufacturer’s recommendations since you are not supposed to use sealant on some types of marble.

Do’s And Don’ts Of Marble Cleaning

Marble is aesthetically pleasing and makes your space look luxurious. To ensure the durability of your marble surface, you need to apply the best practices when cleaning. Always use a soft sponge and cloth with warm water. You should also use high-end and nonabrasive cleaning solutions to keep all marks and stains at bay. You can also polish the marble using a cloth dipped in water or by combining chalk and baking soda.

Avoid using generic cleaning products since most of them contain acids and other agents that can damage marble surfaces. Avoid all products containing bleach, vinegar, and ammonia. In addition, do not use scrubbing pads or abrasive agents on marble surfaces. They leave the surface dull and scratched.

Seek Professional Help To Clean Your Marble Surfaces

If you find it challenging to clean marble yourself, you can hire a professional cleaning company to help. They can help to clean all the marble surfaces on your property including tiles and benchtops and help maintain them. Professionals know the best marble cleaning methods and products to use. You have the surface cleaned fast and in a cost-effective manner. This ensures that your marble surfaces are always looking shiny and last for many years.