Marble floors can add elegance and visual interest to any home. However, without proper care, marble floors can lose their luster and become dull or stained over time. Maintaining marble floors by cleaning them regularly and properly is key to preserving their beauty. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to effectively clean marble floors.
Supplies Needed for Cleaning Marble Floors
Before you start cleaning your marble floors, make sure you have the proper supplies on hand. This will make the process easier and more effective. Here are the recommended supplies:
- Microfiber Mops – A microfiber mop is essential for cleaning marble floors. The microfiber pad lifts dirt easily from the marble’s surface without damaging or scratching it. Choose a mop with a swivel head to reach corners and edges.
- Soft-Bristled Brooms – Use a soft-bristled broom to sweep up any loose dirt and debris before mopping. Stiff bristles can scratch marble. Look for brooms labeled safe for stone floors.
- pH-Neutral Cleaner – Clean marble floors using a specially formulated pH-neutral stone cleaner. This will gently clean without stripping away marble’s protective finish. Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar or bleach.
- Clean Bucket & Sponge/Rags – Use a separate bucket just for cleaning to prevent cross-contamination. Microfiber cloths or a soft sponge work well to wipe up spills and messes.
- Dust Mop – Dry dust mopping in between wet cleanings removes surface dust and grit from marble floors.
- Sealant (Optional) – For extra protection, use a marble floor sealant specially designed for stone about once a year. This helps repel stains.
Preparing to Clean Marble Floors
Take a few key steps to prepare your space before cleaning marble floors:
- Sweep or vacuum to remove loose debris. This prevents particles from scratching the marble during mopping.
- Remove any furniture, rugs, or other objects that are sitting on the floors. Be sure to lift furniture and rugs rather than dragging across the marble.
- Check for any sticky or dried-on spills and spot clean these prior to mopping the whole floor. This prevents spreading messes while cleaning.
- Read all manufacturer’s directions for the stone cleaner you are using. Follow any special mixing or dilution instructions.
- Fill the clean bucket with warm water and add the recommended amount of cleaner. Having the solution prepped makes cleaning faster.
- Work in manageable sections. Focus on one area at a time when mopping rather than trying to clean a large marble floor all at once.
How to Mop Marble Floors
Mopping regularly with a microfiber mop and pH-neutral stone cleaner is the basis of marble floor care. Follow these steps:
1. Dip and Wring Out Mop
Start with a damp mop – too much liquid can puddle and leave streaks. Dip the microfiber mop into the cleaning solution then wring it out thoroughly until it is no longer dripping.
2. Mop in Sections
Working in 3′ x 3′ sections, mop using a figure-8 motion overlapping the passes slightly. Mopping in small sections ensures the floor dries evenly.
3. Rinse Mop Frequently
After each section, rinse out the mop then re-dip it in the cleaning solution before moving to the next area. Frequently rinsing removes dirt from the mop to prevent spreading grime.
4. Dry With Fan
Use a fan to speed up drying time. This prevents slipping hazards and also limits any reaction between marble and excess moisture.
5. Repeat as Needed
Re-dip and wring out mop, then repeat the process until the entire marble floor surface is cleaned. For extremely dirty floors, a second round of mopping may be needed.
6. Rinse Floors
Once done, rinse the floors with a very lightly dampened mop and plain water. This removes any alkaline cleaner residue which could damage marble over time.
Tips for Cleaning Marble Floors
Follow these useful tips and tricks for getting marble floors sparking clean:
- Always sweep or vacuum marble floors prior to mopping. This prevents particles that could scratch the stone from being spread around.
- Use only cool water when diluting stone cleaner or rinsing floors. Hot water can damage marble and lead to etching or cracking.
- For high-traffic areas, consider mopping more frequently – even daily – to prevent buildup of dirt. This helps maintain marble’s shine.
- Move area rugs occasionally and mop underneath. Non-slip rug pads can prevent rugs from sliding and scratching marble.
- If floors become extremely dirty, use a pH-neutral daily stone cleaner concentrate. Dilute it a bit stronger than normal for periodic heavy duty cleaning.
- For water rings or food spills that require spot cleaning, spray stone cleaner directly on the stain and wipe immediately with a soft cloth.
- Air movers or dehumidifiers can help marble dry quickly after cleaning to prevent any possible mineral reactions.
How Often to Clean Marble Floors
The frequency of cleaning needed depends on the amount of traffic the marble floors receive:
Light Traffic Floors
For marble in a master bedroom, guest room or formal dining room, professional recommendations are:
- Dry mop floors once per week to remove surface dust and dirt between wet cleanings.
- Wet mop floors with stone cleaner every 2-3 weeks. Be sure to check for spills in between and spot clean as needed.
Medium Traffic Floors
For medium traffic spaces like living rooms, clean marble floors:
- Dry mop 2 times per week.
- Wet mop using a pH-neutral cleaner weekly.
- Spot clean spills right away to prevent stains.
Heavy Traffic Floors
High traffic marble floors in main entryways, kitchens or family rooms may need:
- Dry mopping 3-4 times per week.
- Wet mopping with stone cleaner 2-3 times per week.
- Daily spot cleaning for spills and messes to maintain shine and prevent buildup in pores.
Deep Cleaning Marble Floors
For a periodic deep clean, consider:
Marble Floor Polishing
Over time, marble can become dulled from dirt and etching. Professional polishing services use special floor machines with diamond abrasives to buff out this top layer and restore the marble’s factory finish sheen.
Heavy Duty Stone Cleaners
Look for heavy duty alkaline stone cleaners made for deep cleaning extremely dirty marble. Use these in place of regular pH-neutral cleaner when mopping for a periodic intensive clean.
Steam Cleaning
Steam mops provide a chemical-free deep cleaning option for marble floors. The heat and pressure of the steam obliterate dirt without damaging marble. Use steam mops designed specifically for sealed stone floors.
How to Remove Common Stains from Marble Floors
Accidents happen, and marble floors can fall victim to spills that leave behind stains even after cleaning. Here is how to tackle common marble floor stains:
Oil-Based Stains
- First try blotting with baking soda. Let it sit for a few hours then scrape off the baking soda and mop as usual with pH-neutral cleaner.
- For tougher oil stains, make a poultice. Mix pH-neutral cleaner with talc powder to make a spreadable paste. Apply to the stain and cover with plastic wrap overnight before rinsing.
Food and Drink Stains
- Mix 12% hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of ammonia-free dish soap in a spray bottle. Lightly spray on the stain, let sit 2-3 hours and wipe clean. Rinse thoroughly.
- For dye-based stains like wine, make a baking soda paste. Apply and let dry completely before rinsing. Repeat as needed.
Hard Water Stains
- Use a rented floor polishing machine and a set of diamond abrasive pads to buff out etching. Or hire a professional stone restoration company.
- For mild hard water marks, rub with a cloth-covered ice cube until the stain fades.
Ink Stains
- Carefully use an artists’ gum eraser to gently rub the stain. Avoid erasers that leave behind oily residue.
- For tougher ink stains, try using a poultice made from pH-neutral cleaner and talc or cornstarch.
How to Seal Marble Floors
Sealing is an optional but highly recommended step for protecting marble floors. Sealing does not make marble stainproof, but it does make stains easier to remove by preventing them from penetrating deep into the stone. Here are tips for sealing:
- Use a marble sealer formulated especially for floors rather than countertops. Floor sealers are more durable.
- Select a water-based and non-alkaline sealer that does not alter marble’s pH. Solvent-based products can damage marble.
- Only apply sealer to cleaned and dried floors. Sealing over dirt simply seals in grime.
- Apply 2-3 thin coats of sealer with a paint pad applicator or sponge mop, allowing 30 minutes of drying time between coats.
- Avoid leaving pools or rivulets of sealer that could dry with a shiny uneven appearance. Wipe up excess.
- Re-apply sealer once per year or whenever water no longer beads on the marble. Porous floors may need more frequent applications.
FAQs About Cleaning and Maintaining Marble Floors
What type of mop should be used on marble floors?
- Microfiber mops are ideal for cleaning polished marble floors. The microfiber gently lifts dirt without scratching, and the flat mop head can get into edges and corners. Avoid sponge mops or string mops with loose strands that could scratch.
Can marble floors be vacuumed?
- Yes, vacuuming marble floors frequently using a brush attachment is recommended to remove surface debris between wet moppings. Turn off any beater bars on the vacuum and take care not to let the vacuum head scratch against the floor.
What should you never use when cleaning marble floors?
- Avoid acidic cleaners like vinegar, citrus-scented cleaners, or any bleach-containing products. These etch and damage marble. Also avoid abrasive scrubs and stiff-bristled brushes or brooms that could scratch the surface.
How can you remove dull spots and etch marks from marble floors?
- Superficial etching and scratches can often be removed by buffing and polishing using diamond abrasives. Or call a professional stone restoration service for deeper damage repair. Prevent future dull spots by always cleaning up spills quickly.
How do you get old wax or sealant buildup off marble floors?
- Wax remover products are made specifically for stripping sealant and floor wax safely from marble. Alternatively, a professional can wet grind or bead blast the floor to remove the entire top finish layer and re-polish.
Can you use a steam mop on marble floors?
- Yes, provided the marble is properly sealed first and the steam mop is safe for use on stone floors. The heat helps loosen built-up grime for a chemical-free deep clean. Avoid very hot steam as thermal shock can crack marble.
Conclusion
With elegant beauty and timeless appeal, marble floors can enhance any home’s decor for years to come. But without proper maintenance, marble’s luster can fade. By using the right supplies and techniques, marble floors can be kept looking like new with regular mopping and prompt mess removal. Avoid waiting until marble floors look visibly dirty, as buildup in pores causes gradual damage. With the proper gentle cleaners, tools, and care, the elegance of marble floors can be enjoyed for a lifetime.