What is marble if not synonymous with elegance and sophistication? Marble floors have been used for centuries in palaces, temples and high-end homes, thanks to their natural beauty and great durability. Now, the question is, how to clean marble floors to make them shine?
Today, in interior design, marble remains one of the most elegant and versatile options. Marble floors, used in homes as well as in hotels and other public buildings, have a great capacity to reflect light. In addition, its wide range of colors and designs make it a timeless material that provides a distinctive touch to any space.
However, time and daily use take their toll on marble, dulling its natural shine and causing it to wear down, accumulate dirt and appear dull.
Knowing how to clean marble floors to make them shine is important to maintain their original appearance without damaging or spoiling them. In this article we will talk about how to clean marble floors, give practical tips for removing stains with home tricks and provide information on professional marble floor maintenance techniques such as polishing and vitrification, from which a complete and long-lasting restoration can be achieved.
What is marble?
Marble is a natural stone that is mainly composed of calcium carbonate. This component is what gives marble its veined appearance and its much-appreciated shine. Marble is a highly valued material, both for its strength and its beauty, but it also requires special care, as it is a porous material.
Marble floors are popular for their ability to reflect light, which increases the brightness of any room.
However, it is worth knowing that marble is also a delicate material, which can be scratched, stained and even lose its characteristic shine, if not cleaned properly. Below, we will review the cleaning techniques that are appropriate for marble.
Why is it important to clean marble properly?
It is important to note that marble is a porous material. What does that mean? It is sensitive to acidic and abrasive substances and therefore using unsuitable products can damage it over time and accelerate its ageing. So, if you are wondering how to clean marble floors to make them shine, the first thing you should know is which products you should avoid:
The most common mistakes that can damage marble are:
- Clean it with vinegar, lemon or products containing ammonia.
- Scrub it with abrasive sponges or brushes, as they can scratch the surface.
- Leaving standing water, which can cause marks and stains.
Now that you know what to avoid, let's review the techniques we do recommend for cleaning marble floors.
Homemade methods to clean marble floors without damaging them
For daily cleaning of marble floors:
- Remove dust and dirt with a soft mop or a vacuum cleaner with a special brush.
- Scrub with warm water and neutral soap and avoid aggressive products.
- Dry the floor immediately with a microfiber cloth to avoid water marks.
To remove stubborn stains on marble floors:
- For grease stains: Sprinkle with talcum powder or cornstarch, let it sit for a few minutes and remove with a damp cloth.
- For watermarks: Wipe with a cloth moistened with a mixture of baking soda and water.
- If it is wine or coffee stains: Gently apply hydrogen peroxide diluted in water with a cotton ball.
- For rust stains: Apply a paste of water and baking soda to the stain, let it sit and remove the paste with a dry cloth or rag.
To restore the shine to marble floors:
- You can apply special marble wax and polish with a cotton cloth.
- You have the option of scrubbing with baking soda and water, using gentle circular motions.
- You can try mopping with a clean mop several times a week, moistened with a mixture of water and neutral soap.
However, if these methods do not work for you or you do not get the result you expected, you should know that there are professional techniques to restore the marble floor and make it shine again like the first day.
Professional polishing of marble floors to make them shine like the first day
When daily cleaning has not been enough or the marble has a significant loss of shine, scratches or even deep stains that cannot be removed with home methods, it is advisable to resort to professional restoration to guarantee an impeccable finish.
What does marble restoration consist of?
This process includes three essential steps:
- Deep cleaning: Removes the most embedded dirt and the most difficult stains, using specialized machinery.
- Marble polishing: Eliminates scratches and superficial marks, giving the floor a smooth and uniform texture.
- Marble vitrification: A protective and sealing layer is applied, providing a shiny, wear-resistant finish, facilitating subsequent maintenance and reducing dirt build-up.
This way, you can completely restore the original shine and beauty of your marble floor, without having to replace it entirely.
Other tips to keep marble always shiny (even after professional polishing and vitrification)
To prevent your marble floor from deteriorating and losing its shine, we recommend:
- Place protectors on the legs of furniture to prevent scratches. (They also help prevent excessive noise when dragging furniture.)
- Clean up spills immediately to prevent them from being absorbed into the marble.
- Use rugs or mats in high traffic areas to reduce wear and tear.
- Perform professional maintenance from time to time to prolong its lifespan.
At Projectes Sastre, we specialize in polished and glazed floors in Mallorca.
We've talked about how to clean marble floors to make them shine, indicating which products you should avoid and which home techniques can help you take care of your marble floor.
While regular cleaning helps to preserve its appearance, from time to time it is necessary to resort to professional treatments such as polishing and vitrification.
If you are looking for a professional marble floor restoration, in Projectes Sastre we offer polishing and vitrifying floors in Mallorca, guaranteeing impeccable and long-lasting results.
Request your free evaluation and a no-obligation quote. Restore the original shine to your marble floor with the help of our experts.
