The use of marble as a flooring material has increased significantly in recent decades, surprisingly due to the durability of the stones. When marble tile is initially laid, it is treated with an approved stain resistant sealer, which helps protect the floor for about a decade, after which experts recommend that it be resealed.
Marble floors are known to resist most spills, provided they are cleaned immediately, although strong acidic liquids can cause stains, which can however be removed with professional cleaners. In addition to constantly keeping them shiny, these types of floors are basically maintenance-free.
Basic maintenance tips for marble floors
Daily maintenance of marble floors is as easy as mopping them with hot water and letting them dry afterwards. A suitable manufacturer approved cleaning fluid may be added to the water, even if it is mild, bleach-free, non-caustic, and pH neutral. Most hardware stores and Home Depot stores carry several brands of cleaning fluids, but when in doubt, only opt for those that are clearly marked “suitable for marble floors.”
Liquid or food materials that stain marble tiles
There are some types of foods or liquids that are high in acid and when spilled on them can etch or leave a dull mark on the surface. These include lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, tomato, wine, and carbonated beverages.
The dark, cloudy stain can be as small as a coin or it can spread over several tiles. A major contributor to stains and etch marks are some acid-containing detergents and cleaning agents, and examples of these are tile cleaners, vinegar, Ajax, and others. Special care must be taken when transporting foods or liquids with a high acid content. In addition to chemicals and liquids that contain acid, there are also other solutions that contain high levels of bleach or alkalis, and these can also damage marble floors.
Tap water could also have a negative effect on these tiles, as it can contain high levels of chlorine, salt, magnesium, and potassium. When water is used regularly to clean these types of floors, it can cause pitting and yellow tiles. It is important for homeowners to protect the floor with a premium sealer.
When you’re done cleaning, reseal the floor surface or use a powder or liquid polish, available from a marble dealer, hardware store, or lapidary store. Liquid sealants are easily applied, straight from the can. Or wet the top with water and sprinkle with powder; Rub with a soft, damp cloth or polishing pad on a low-speed electric drill. This should erase any etch marks left by cleaning the surface with a poultice and restore its shine.
Some marble dealers suggest using a penetrating sealer after cleaning, as the sealer seeps into the pores and effectively prevents stains from soaking up. A sealer is particularly useful in high traffic areas. To maintain marble floors in these areas, reseal the tiles at least two to three times a year.
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