What Do You Need to Know About Maintaining Marble Floors?

Builders have used natural stone for thousands of years, creating flooring that stands the test of time. From the ancient Greeks to modern-day decorators, marble has been a prime choice for its beauty, class, grandeur, and durability.
Even though a natural stone such as marble is highly durable, it also requires constant care – that is, if you want to keep it looking and feeling new. Whether you install a marble floor in your home or your business, understanding the benefits of both regular maintenance and professional cleaning is essential.
What do you need to know about marble flooring care? Take a look at the answers to some of the top questions home and business owners have about this type of stone floor.

Are Natural Cleaning Methods Acceptable for Marble Floors?

More than a few natural cleaning products claim to keep your floors clean without adding toxic chemicals to the home or work environment. It’s understandable that you might not want to use harsh chemical products to keep your flooring clean. Chemical-filled cleaners can cause a host of health problems, ranging from respiratory distress and skin irritations to serious chronic conditions and cancers.
Keep in mind, however, not all chemical cleaners cause major health problems. The risk depends on the specific chemicals in the cleaning product.
Given the number of possible problems that some cleaners can cause, natural products have become a popular solution. But does this mean that a natural cleaner is completely safe for you or your floor? The answer to this question depends on what you plan on using.
Natural cleaning recipes that include citrus-based items or vinegar are not recommended for marble flooring. Lemons, oranges, other citrus fruits, and vinegar are all highly acidic. Regularly using these natural cleansers can cause a chemical reaction that corrodes or eats the marble away.

What Products Are Safe for Regular Floor Care?

You now know that acidic products aren’t safe for your marble. So what will work without corroding or etching scratches into your floors? Look for a pH-balanced cleaner. A mild soap and water mix will typically do the trick for regular dirt and grime. If you’re not sure whether the detergent that you typically use at home or at work is safe for your floor, consult a professional.
Professional companies do more than just deep cleanings. They also provide regular maintenance services. This includes weekly (or more) washes and polishes. This maintenance helps to keep your floors clean, shiny, and looking their best.

Is Regular Soap and Water Cleaning Enough for a Marble Floor?

Even though routine cleaning can remove dirt, muck, mud, and anything else that gets tracked onto your floors, it might not be enough to give your floors a high shine.
Polishing the marble is the best way to restore the shine and give your floor back its natural beauty. Again, marble can scratch, etch, or corrode under the strength of an acidic cleaning product. Likewise, it can also scratch or etch when an overly abrasive cleanser is used. Avoid these types of polishes. Along with the cleaner that you use, avoid rough polishing pads.
The easiest way to get a high shine is to have a professional cleaning company regularly polish your marble floors. A pro-level polishing adds a glossy shine that you won’t get with regular cleaning. Floors that look worn, are dull, or have a flat appearance can benefit from a professional polish.
Do you need help maintaining your marble floors? Our experienced team at DRC Contract Cleaning can clean and polish your natural stone flooring in the residential or commercial setting.