Guide to Cleaning Marble Flooring

Tips for Cleaning Marble Flooring
Marble is a metamorphic rock resulting from the metamorphism of limestone. Metamorphism can be defined as the solid state recrystallisation of pre-existing rocksdue to changes in heat and/or pressure and/or introduction of fluids. This metamorphic process causes a complete recrystallization of the original rock into an interlocking mosaic of calcite and/or dolomite crystals.
What does this mean to the marble floor owner? Marble is one of the softest stone flooring products on todays market, however it is one of the most popular choices due to its natural beauty. Marble is highly pourous. So it is very easily etched by acids such as orange juice, tomatoe juice, and vinegar.
Taking Care of it Right Away
The first step in maintaining and cleaning your marble floors is "wipe it up immediately". This is so important with marble floors as salt dissolves and pits marble and acids will etch marble. Any liguids or solids which contain salt or acids are your marble flooring's worst enemy. So if you spill it, wipe it up immediately with warm water, followed by drying the surface with a soft cloth. To further protect your marble flooring, it is recommended that you use small carpet rugs at any entrance and around sinks as these rugs will also assist in trapping soil, dirt, water or any ice-melting salts brought into your home.
Maintaining the Beauty
To maintain the beauty of your marble floors, weekly maintenance should include cleaning with a damp mop and then drying the surface with a soft cloth or chamois. Drying the surface will bring back its natural shine. It will also avoid any water stains. This is very common on marble floors. Always dry your marble floors with a soft cloth. Use a neutral, non-abrasive cleaner to ensure all spots or stains are removed once per month. Never use vinagar to clean marble flooring as it will destroy the finish.
It is very important to dry your marble floors after each cleaning with a soft or chamois cloth. To further enhance the beauty of your marble floors you will want to polish or wax them. Using a wax designed for no wax floors is recommended. There are alos products which are safe for marble flooring, designed to mop and shine in one step, saving the home owner valuable time.
To Seal or Not to Seal?
Unlike most stone flooring, professional's do not recommend sealing a marble floor. This will take away from it's natural finish. The sealer can become dulled and scratch and will have to be professionally stipped. It is also recommended that for any set in stains, chips, or pits, to have a professional to handle these problems. Your marble floors are one of the softest stone floors available. Your marble flooring also probably came with a huge price tag. The weekly care and maintenance is most important step in maintaining the natural beauty of your marble floor. The beauty of marble being the reason for your purchase in the first place can be easily maintained.
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