Marble floors are the height of elegance. They instantly make any room look more luxurious with its one of a kind polish and veining that can serve as the statement feature of any room. However, this aesthetic comes at a price: marble floors require a higher level of commitment and maintenance. It is worth it, as long as you know the basic do’s and don’ts of maintaining marble floors.
DO: Know What Kind of Marble You’re Working With
Not all marbles are built the same way. Natural marble is a raw stone that is mined from quarries. Cultured marble, on the other hand, are man-made marble designed as a more affordable option. While both look similar from a distance, natural marble is more porous, which means that it requires more care than cultured marble. Natural marble also means that you need a sealant on your flooring to prevent chipping, scratching and etching.
DON’T: Use Harsh or Acidic Cleaners
This is a basic for any marble surface. Marble is infamously porous and soft, which means that harsh chemicals like bleach or even lemon juice can seep under the surface and corrode the natural polish of your marble. Instead, opt for a gentle dish soap solution to spray on your marble floor and wipe it off with a damp, non-abrasive soft towel.
DO: Mop Regularly
When it comes to regular maintenance, nothing beats being consistent with your care. Mopping regularly means that you do not get a build-up of dirt or dust that can scar your marble floors, and you can easily spot fresh spills and stains before they get worse. Remember to use an untreated dust mop and sweep in a single direction instead of back and forth to prevent debris from spreading and scratching your floors.
DON’T: Use Vacuum Cleaners
While vacuum cleaners make dusting easier, the hard attachments and the plastic wheels of the equipment are likely to do more harm to your marble floors. Vacuums also tend to drag debris across the surface before they are sucked into the hose, which may incur dents on the flooring.
DO: Use Mats and Rugs
Placing a welcome mat in front of your door does not only give your guests a warm welcome, it also keeps outside debris from scratching your marble floors. Mats and rugs are also handy and aesthetically appealing options to make sure that the legs of your furniture don’t scratch the floors.
DON’T: Let Spills Sit for Long
Spills and stains that have been left on marble surfaces can become a real headache in the long run. The marble’s porous material means that the stain seeps through the material and settles deep in the stone. Getting it out without the use of harsh chemicals can be taxing.
Avoid this by immediately wiping off spills before they have a chance to settle. Also, be wary of acidic substances like lemon juice, vinegar and alcohol, as they can ruin the surface of the marble.
Caring for marble flooring may sound like a fuss, but the trade-off is worth it. After all, there is a reason why this material has been used for centuries in various cultures. Taking care of your marble flooring now means that your children and your children’s children can enjoy the majestic beauty of your home.
For high quality marble flooring, Hong Lee Building Materials has supplied major developers, constructions and homes for decades. View our collection at honglee.com.sg or drop us a message on our Facebook page to find out more.