Mary Findley, an Oregon-based sustainable living coach, author, and cleaning expert GoClean. If more power is needed, Findley says to add a drop of an organic liquid dishwashing detergent that contains no phosphorous or degreasers to the mix. After washing marble surfaces, immediately dry with a soft cloth to prevent streaks and water spots; use a buffing motion to turn up the shine. Marble shower walls require special attention, says cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper Unclutter. She recommends preventing soap scum from building up by using a squeegee on shower walls after each and every shower.
When dirt can't be removed with a squeegee, try a product designed for deep cleaning marble or use dry steam to break down the dirt. No matter how carefully you tend marble surfaces, stains are likely occur. Common stains that mar kitchen and bathroom surfaces include oil-based and organic stains.
The Marble Institute of America has a handy guide , designed to help you identify and remove these and other types of stains. How to Clean Marble. By Ann Wilson April 13, Save Pin FB More. By Ann Wilson. Comments Add Comment. Diane Harrish on Jan 27, Diane Harrish on Feb 21, Workerbee on Jan 28, Sherrie on Feb 21, Stefan on Feb 28, Sign Up to Answer. Suggested Project Book. Do Thanksgiving Like Your Grandma. View Project Book. Related Discussions. How to use dryer sheets to clean toilets Lavon Coleman on Sep 17, How do you clean grout on tile floors?
Grit, dirt, and sand carried in by our shoes are abrasive and will wear and scratch marble floor tile. Quality rugs, runners, and doormats inside and out really help. Foot traffic will also wear away the shiny surface of polished floors over time creating trails. Runners or rugs in high-traffic areas will minimize this wear on the surface finish. However, rugs and mats must be cleaned regularly to eliminate dirt and dust that builds up within the rug that could then also scratch the marble.
Most cleaners will corrode or burn the marble finish creating dull spots called etching. Cleaning marble with products bought at your local store that contain acids, alkalis, and other chemicals will etch the countertop or tile surface and degrade the sealant leaving the stone more vulnerable to staining.
Unfortunately, most common and popular household cleaners like bleach, vinegar, ammonia, citrus cleaners, and hydrogen peroxide are too harsh for use on marble and will cause damage to the finish. Trying to save money by using a cheap or generic surface cleaner only ensures that you'll spend a lot more time and money on your marble maintenance in the long-run performing expensive repairs or marble restoration.
These are all great for certain cleaning projects around the house, however, they are all acidic or caustic and will etch marble upon contact dulling the surface. As noted above, a sponge with hot water is all you need on a daily basis and a quality marble cleaner weekly or as needed day to day.
Cleaning soap scum and hard water are the major issues in the bath. Hair products, toothpaste, perfumes, colognes, nail products, creams, lotions, and potions may stain or etch the surface leaving spots, rings, or dull areas. Protect your countertop by placing these products on a decorative tray like they do in fancy hotels! Again, the same can be said for placing bottles containing liquids like cooking oils directly on your marble kitchen countertops Store these on a tray or elsewhere.
Unlike laminate countertops, marble countertops are not flexible and they DO NOT typically have a plywood backing. Too much weight in one spot could cause a crack.
Using a marble countertop or floor tile as a staging or work area for various honey do's or home repair projects is asking for trouble. Marble is soft. Nails and screws, hammers, screwdrivers and other tools will scratch or gouge marble.
And dropping anything heavy on marble can create little white dots called "stun marks" that cannot be removed or repaired. I know it seems like there is a lot to do and know and learn about cleaning marble , but it's just a matter of learning how to treat this surface like you do with clothes or leather or wood. If damage does occur, and you need marble repair , you can rest easy knowing that restoration is possible in most cases.
Damage to stone is rarely permanent like it is with most other surfaces. The best advice is to get a separate cleaning tote for your marble cleaning products, so you have everything in one spot. Label everything and off you go--no problems or guesswork. This is especially handy if you use a cleaning service.
Marble cleaning is simply a matter of learning the particular traits of marble countertops and floors and the correct procedures Again , you'll find comprehensive info on marble cleaning, marble polishing, sealing, prevention and marble repair solutions in the Cleaning Marble Secrets e-book.
Note that marble is time-tested over hundreds of years as a highly-functional and durable surface.
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