How Do You Make Marble Floors Shiny And Clean?

Marble floors can add a touch of luxury and sophistication to your home. In fact, people have been using marble in their homes for centuries.

Marble is popular as it has a very smooth finish and a luminous shine that makes floors lool elegant and radiant.

Marble also has a high resistance to fire so it is also safer for you and your loved ones.

Yes, marble is the perfect material for flooring but it does require regular maintenance to keep its shine and lustre.

Due to marble’s porous nature, it does have high maintenance requirements. 

Before we discuss the best way to polish your marble floors, take note of the following important reminders:

• DO NOT use acid or any cleaning agent that is acidic and high in chemical content. Marble is soft and porous. It is a type of limestone so it is vulnerable to damage when it comes into contact with acid or any acidic materials. The acid dissolves limestone. 
• DO NOT use vinegar in cleaning your marble floors. Vinegar is a popular cleaning agent for various flooring materials, tiles, and countertops. This does not apply to marble. 
• Use water or any weak water solutions like household ammonia, very mild soap or just simply water.
• The cleaning solution must be pH neutral.
• Use a soft cloth in wiping or mopping your marble floors.
• Keep your floors dry as much as possible. Water can cause cracking on marble.
• Wipe up spills and remove stains right away.

Time To Clean And Polish!

With a lot of love and some elbow grease, you can polish your marble floors and make them all clean and shiny again! Here’s how:

Gather your supplies. You will need the following:

• Mild detergent/dish soap
• Polishing compound
• A low-speed polisher with a felt wheel
• Poultice for stain removal
• Marble sealant
• Soft rag or manual mop with a very soft mop cloth (if you do not have an electric polisher)
• Etch remover for water rings
• Painter’s tape
• Water

2. Tape non-marble areas so they will not be affected during the process.

3. Remove any stains before polishing. When using a poultice, you will have to wait for 24 hours before you can polish. Test the stains with a detergent and water mixture first. Hopefully, this will remove the stain. If not, then proceed with the poultice.

• You can buy a commercial poultice or you can mix hydrogen peroxide and flour to make a paste.
• Cover the stain with the poultice and tape a plastic wrap over it. Leave it for 24 hours. Severe stains may require more time. There is no formula in removing a marble stain. It is a trial and error process. 
• After removing the poultice, pour water over the poultice and then wipe it away with soft cloth or rag. 
• Clean and dry the area. 
• Repeat the process if the stain is not completely removed.

4. Mix mild detergent or dish soap and water. Use a small amount of detergent or dish soap, just enough so the water will bubble. You can adjust later if you think you need more soap. It is important to use less soap as much as possible to avoid any damage to the marble.

5. Dampen a soft rag with the detergent mixture. Clean the marble surface with your damp rag or by using a mop. Do not soak the cloth, just keep it damp. Wipe the marble floors gently in a circular motion.

6. Apply a small amount of the polishing compound and start polishing using your electric polisher or a soft rag or a mop cloth. 

• Do not apply the polishing compound all at once.
• Start with a small portion until you can determine the right amount of polishing compound to use. Start small and work your way up.
• Check container or packaging instructions.

7. When polishing, use a very slow speed. This will make the marble shine and will help to avoid any scratches or damage. If you do not have a polisher use soft cloth instead. This may take more time and effort and will not yield the same result as a polisher does. 

8. Work in small sections, half a metre to a metre at a time. This will help create an even finish. 

9. Wipe away excess polish using a dry cloth and finish with a damp cloth to make sure the surface is clean.

10. After polishing, allow the polish to set in and the marble floor to dry. Allow 24 hours before applying the marble sealant.

11. Apply the marble sealant. Mix the sealant with water and prevent it from drying too fast. Streaking will occur if your sealant dries fast. Wipe sealant residue afterwards. 

12. Allow six to eight hours for the marble to dry.

You only need to apply a sealant to your marble floors once every 6 to 12 months. You can keep your floors shiny and clean by regularly polishing and mopping the floors. 

However, if you really want your floor to look a million dollars, then you are best to call in the professionals.

For your marble floor maintenance and polishing needs, please call SLIQUE today on 02 9648 0395, or you can leave an inquiry on our contact page.