Marble flooring is often focal point in high-end commercial buildings, especially in client-facing parlors and meeting rooms. But cleaning marble floors can be a challenge for the business’ maintenance crew. Marble requires a different sort of cleaning process that other types of flooring due to the sensitive nature of the stone.
So what is marble and how do you clean it?
Marble Vs Other Flooring
Marble is a shiny and durable natural stone that creates a natural look in any room. There are hundreds of hues and classifications of marble. You can see a dark red marble, a pure white marble, a black marble, or even a pink marble—the list goes on and on. In this way, it is likely that you could have some type of marble located somewhere in your commercial space.
Marble is a highly porous stone, which means that it stains and erodes easily. Even one spill could cause multiple layers of permanent staining. Furthermore, marble is basic—meaning that it is the opposite of acidic. In this way, if something acidic comes into contact with it, it can actually damage and destroy your flooring. This acidity could come from something as simple like spilled orange juice or something as harsh as a chemical cleaner.
Due to the porous and basic nature, then, it’s crucial to have the correct cleaning procedures in place to keep your marble beautifully everlasting!
Cleaning Marble
Below you’ll find our top eight tips for cleaning your expensive marble floors.
Because marble is so porous, it quickly takes in and holds spilled liquid. This means that anything you spill—even water—can sink down into the pores of the marble and be nearly impossible to get out. It’s even harder to get stains out of marble than it is out of carpet or furniture! The faster you act, the easier it will be to save your floor from damage.
Hot water cuts through grime easily. Because you need to use gentle cleaning products on your floor, hot water can help get the job done more efficiently.
You also want to keep the water itself clean. Any debris, impurities, or minerals in your mopping water could actually scratch and discolor the marble! We recommend using distilled water or changing your mop bucket water frequently throughout use.
Never clean with ammonia or acidic cleaners. This includes vinegar, which is a commonly accepted cleanser. Acid can erode and scratch the natural stone, causing it to lose its shine and unique vein pattern. Be sure to use a pH neutral cleanser, like the Focus NC 111 Neutral Cleaner Deodorant, which is environmentally friendly, pleasantly scented, and won’t harm your polished marble floors!
Mix the basic cleanser in with your tub of water in a large mop bucket. Then, use a soft squeegee or microfiber mop to clean the marble flooring using a gentle back and forth motion. After you’ve cleaned with the water-detergent mixture, go over the floor again with plain water to ensure none of the soap gets down into the deeper layers of the stone.
After you wash the floor, do not let it air dry! The standing water could seep into the pores of the marble. Instead, dry the floor with a soft towel or air mover.
If there are scuffmarks on the marble, you can buff it away with a mild felt pad or burnishing pad. Dip it in the water-detergent mixture, and rub it along the grain of the marble. Don’t rub in a circular pattern! We recommend removing scuffmarks by hand as opposed to with motorized equipment due to the sensitive surface of marble.
Never use a vacuum on marble. This could easily cause scratches and streaks. For everyday quick cleanups, use a broom, like the Malish large flagged angle broom.
After installation and deep cleanings, you should seal and reseal your marble. Sealants basically fill in the porous holes in the stone, protecting the floor from stains and scuffs. There are sealants made specifically for marble, and many companies choose to consult with professionals regarding this process. Feel free to contact Floorcare to learn more about this sealing technique!
For commercial spaces, the best way to protect any flooring is with mats and rugs. Although it takes away from the beauty of the natural floor, it’s best to place mats at entrances and highly tread areas to protect your marble tile investment.
Marble Cleaning Bottom Line
Keep your marble shiny and beautiful by cleaning it the gentle, natural way. Marble floors love Floorcare’s environmentally friendly products and solutions! Contact us for more information about cleaning your commercial marble!