Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Mop the floor
• Part 2 of 3: Preventing floor damage
• Part 3 of 3: Removing dirt from the floor
• Necessities

Marble is a somewhat soft and porous stone that must be cleaned carefully. Marble floors need extra care and maintenance because they are often walked on. Fortunately, there are ways to safely clean marble floors. With the right cleaning products and the necessary care, you can get your floor clean without damaging it.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Mop the floor

1. Use hot water. Whether you're making a floor cleaning mixture or using just water, make sure to use hot water. Hot water helps to remove dirt and deposits. Using hot water reduces the chances of having to use more aggressive solvents that can attack the marble. EXPERT TIP

   Use distilled water. Distilled water is water that has been treated to remove minerals and other impurities. Using distilled water reduces the chance of discoloration and staining of the marble.

   • You can buy distilled water at almost all supermarkets and hardware stores. It is usually quite cheap.
2. Add a mild cleanser to the water. Add a small amount of mild detergent, such as 2-3 drops of dish soap, to the bucket with the hot distilled water. Follow the directions on the cleaner packaging and dilute it with the correct amount of water. Mix everything thoroughly. Make sure to use a cleaner that is pH neutral.
   • Harsh chemicals such as bleach, hydrogen peroxide, ammonia and vinegar can damage your floors. Do not use these resources on marble.
   • You can also use a commercially available ready-to-use marble cleaner if you prefer. Simply follow the directions on the package and clean the floor the same way you would with a soap and water mixture. Suitable products include Leifheit Marble Cleaner, HG Marble Cleaner and Ecozone Granite & Marble Cleaner.
3. Use a soft mop to clean the floor. Preferably use a soft microfibre cloth and dip it in the water and cleaner mixture. Wring out the mop to get the excess water out and mop your floor systematically. Make short strokes that overlap.
   • Rinse and wring out the mop after treating 1 to 2 square feet. How often you do this depends on how dirty the floor is.
4. Mop the floor again with clean water. After you have mopped the floor with a mixture of water and cleaner, mop it again with clean cold water. Mopping the floor again removes dirt and dust particles that have remained on the floor. You also mop all soap residue from the floor.
5. Change the water regularly. When you mop a floor, make sure to change the cleaning solution or water often. If you don't do this, the floor may be streaked or scratched by the dirt particles in the mop water.
   • If the water is brown and full of dirt, throw it away. Fill the bucket with fresh water (and cleaner, if you prefer).
6. Use a soft towel to dry the floor. Marble is relatively porous, so it is important to mop up as much of the cleaning mixture or water as possible. If you don't, the mixture may soak into the marble and discolor the floor.
   • Replace wet and dirty towels regularly.

Part 2 of 3: Preventing floor damage

1. Clean the floor immediately if you spill something. You must mop up all spilled liquids immediately. Marble is porous and can absorb spilled liquids. If you leave a little too long on the floor, the marble will discolor or stain it.
   • Get a wet microfiber cloth and use it to dab the liquid that you spilled on the marble floor.
2. Use a pH neutral cleaning mixture. A pH neutral cleaner will not damage your marble floors. That is why it is important that you do not use acidic cleaners, as they can scratch and reduce the shine of your marble floors. Do not use the following:
   • Vinegar
   • Ammonia
   • Citrus cleanser (as lemon and orange remedies).
   • Cleaners intended for ceramic floors
3. Do not let your floor air dry. One of the worst things you can do is let your floor air dry. Letting your floor air dry will cause the water and cleaner mixture to soak into the marble, which can discolor and stain the marble.
4. Impregnate the marble. The best way to minimize stains on your floor is to impregnate the marble from time to time. Look for an impregnation specifically designed for marble floors. Read the directions on the package and apply the compound to the surface of the marble. Depending on the product and the effect, you will have to impregnate your floor every three to five years.
   • Make sure to cover other surfaces such as wood, tiles and tile joints with plastic or painter's tape.
   • Call a professional if you prefer not to impregnate your marble floors yourself.
5. Use a felt sponge to remove black streaks. Use a felt sponge to remove black streaks and other stains that cannot be removed with normal mopping. Simply dip the sponge in a mixture of cleaner and water and rub it across the marble in the direction of the grain.
   • Do not rub in circular motions as this will damage the marble.
6. Sweep and mop your floors regularly. By regularly removing dirt and dust from your marble floors, you can prevent scratches and black streaks. How often you need to clean your floors depends on how often they get dirty. Remove dirt immediately when you see it.
   • If you have children and pets who can easily bring dirt in, you may need to mop your floor several times a week instead of once a week.
7. Lay out rugs to protect your floors. Rugs and runners can help protect your marble floors, especially in high-traffic areas. Place rugs in areas such as the living room and runners in hallways to avoid black marks and scratches.
   • By placing anti-slip mats under the rugs you can protect your floors even better and the rugs stay in place.

Part 3 of 3: Removing dirt from the floor

1. Sweep the floor with a soft broom. Grab a soft dust mop or a soft-bristled broom and sweep the floor with it. Make sure to sweep up as much dirt as possible. Focus especially on the areas along walls and doors.
2. Be careful with a vacuum cleaner. If you choose to use a vacuum cleaner, be careful not to damage your marble floor. The plastic on the squeegee and wheels of a vacuum cleaner can etch and scratch the marble. Therefore, be careful if you decide to use a vacuum cleaner.
   • If you have a central vacuum system in your house, you may be able to put a soft attachment on the nozzle. However, test the attachment in an inconspicuous place (such as behind a door) before using it.
3. Place rugs and mats in your house. Rugs and mats help to collect dirt. It will therefore be easy to sweep and vacuum your floors. Rugs and mats also protect high traffic areas from scratches.

Necessities

• Hot water
• Bucket
• PH neutral cleaner or liquid marble cleaner
• Mop (preferably made of microfibre fabric)
• Microfiber cloths
• Felt sponge and powder cleaner to remove stains
• Impregnating agent