Does Regular Mopping Damage Marble Floor Tiles?

Marble floor tiles are relatively easy to clean and maintain. As long as you clean them regularly and have them professionally cleaned once or twice a year, you can expect your marble to last a lifetime.

Marble floors have more chance of lasting longer than wooden or ceramic floors and regular mopping does not damage marble floors. In fact, it is when you do not sweep and mop regularly that your marble is at risk of getting damaged.

Dust buildup, dirt and debris can creep into crevices and corners. It can eventually lead to holes and chipping. Debris can also cause scratches on the tile’s surface. 

Mopping is a maintenance requirement. You need to mop your marble floors twice or three times a week or as needed. Mopping does not damage your marble, it is how you mop and the cleaning agents you use that may potentially damage your marble floors.

Things To Remember When Mopping The Floor

• Sweep the floor before mopping. This will help remove dust, dirt, and debris that can scratch the floor when you mop. 
• Sweep and mop regularly to avoid dust deposits and scum buildup. This can cause holes, chipping and other instances of irreversible damage on your tiles if left unattended.
• Wet mopping using baking soda instead of harsh commercial cleaning agents is a more effective way to clean your tiles. It is cost-effective and gentle on your marble floors. Mix three tablespoons of baking soda in a cup of water along with a small drop of mild detergent and then use this to wipe or mop the floors. Follow up with clean water to rinse off the mixture and then wipe the floor dry. Once dried, apply polish as needed to keep the floor shiny and radiant.
• Use soft-clothed mops that are gentle to the floors. Use a soft cloth to wipe it dry too.

Aside from cleaning and mopping marble tiles weekly, conduct a monthly cleaning and polishing schedule too. Regular cleaning and mopping can affect the surface glaze of the marble so applying polish can help keep its shine. 

You should also apply a sealant to the floors once or twice a year. It is also highly recommended to have professional marble cleaners and restorers service your marble floors once or twice a year.

Expert cleaners know what to do and what to look for so they can remedy issues and anticipate future ones. Getting professional marble cleaning services is much like visiting a dentist once or twice a year.

You have to do regular brushing, flossing, and cleaning daily but you need the dentist to check on your oral health every now and then.

The Don’ts

Marble is a natural stone so it is prone to wear and tear and is sensitive to temperature and acidic liquids. 

• Do not use cleaning products with ammonia or anything acidic like vinegar and other harmful chemicals. Corrosive agents can damage the marble’s surface and seep into the body of the marble causing irreversible damage.
• Do not use sharp bristles when brushing the floors. Avoid using metal scrubbers.
• Do not place furniture and accessories on the marble floors without using carpets and rugs to ensure that the furniture does not drag on and scratch the marble.
• Try not to spill water or any kind of liquid, especially ones with acidic content, on your marble floors.
• Do not flood your marble floors when cleaning. Only use a damp cloth. Liquids can damage marble floors, especially with regular exposure.

Important Reminder

Make sure you use cleaning products with a neutral PH to avoid marble damage and clean with soft bristles and cloths. Regular cleaning and polishing is a must too.

Do you have any issues with keeping the shine on your marble? Do you think your marble floors are not clean and radiant enough? Then you need to talk to us at SLIQUE.

SLIQUE is a team of experts who are highly trained on an extensive range of stone restoration procedures and can restore virtually any kind of damage or deterioration, to any kind of stone or tile surface. 

Tell us about your marble floor concerns and problems and we will provide appropriate solutions for you. 

Please call us today on 02 9648 0395 or you can leave an inquiry on our contact page.