How to clean marble floors
Floors April 1st, 2008The best results can be obtained by using the right materials before soil accumulates. The best cleaner is a pH neutral cleaner formulated for cleaning natural stone. These cleaners contain minerals that can replace minerals stripped by pollution. Stone cleaners are available from many stone retailers. They are highly concentrated, and are actually economical to use.
Use only tools with plastic and soft fiber parts. Mops and wet vacuums should not have any metal parts; these can scratch marble.
Dilute 1 or 2 ounces of the stone cleaner in a 3 to 5 gallon bucket of clean, warm water. Fill another bucket with more clean, warm water. Apply the cleaner with the mop, and then rinse the dirty mop in the second bucket of rinse water. Vacuum up the dirty water or squeeze the mop dry and mop up the dirty water on the floor. Rinse the mop again.
Empty both buckets; clean them well and rinse the mop. Refill both buckets with clean, warm water. Apply the rinse water to the floor. Vacuum up the rinse water or squeeze the mop dry and mop up the rinse water on the floor.
Do not use green, nylon scrubbing pads; they are harder than the marble and will scratch it. Do not use abrasive cleaners; they will scratch the stone. Do not use thick, creamy cleaners; they will stick in the natural pours of the stone. Soft squeegees, soft sponges and soft, natural cloths are ok.
A stronger solution of stone cleaners can loosen small areas of stubborn dirt. Apply with a sponge and allow the cleaner to penetrate the soil. Wipe up thoroughly and rinse well.
