Marble is a beautiful investment to any home. Marble is a natural stone that comes in a variety of colors and can be used for flooring, countertops, and backsplashes. Marble requires proper care and maintenance as this natural stone is prone to erosion. Without the proper care, marble can erode, crack or chip. Heart of Texas Chem-Dry has a lot of experience maintaining and caring for marble stone. Today we would like to share the do’s and do not’s of marble care.
Do’s of Marble Care & Maintenance
Marble Sealer – Most, but not all, marble requires a sealer which helps to protect the marble from erosion. Sealers are required to be reapplied every few years. Refinishing marble can be a bit of a hassle and also must be done correctly. Therefore, it is recommended to have all your home’s marble cleaned and resealed professionally when needed. For those few types of marble that don’t use a sealer, they often use a topical polish which helps enhance the marble’s shine and provides some kind of protection.
Clean Stains on Marble Immediately – When spills occur on marble they should be cleaned immediately, especially acidic substances such a soda, wines, lemon juice and etc. When cleaning spills, be sure to use a blotting motion. When marble is cleaned, it is recommended to uses a sponge or soft cloth, especially, when buffing the surface dry.
Avoid Scratches on Marble – For marble countertops where food or drinks are prepared and/or served. make sure to always use cutting boards, coasters and trivets for hot pans and such. When rated on the hardness scale, marble varies between 3 and 5, with the highest being 10. Marble is softer than glass. Our teeth is even harder than marble. Basically, marble is a soft stone which makes it easy to scratch and erode. You will want to take every step necessary to protect the surface.
Clean Marble Floors Daily – For marble floors, make sure to clean the floor every day with a dust mop, which provides a soft surface. Avoid using traditional brooms as they can scratch the marble. Also use doormats, runners, and rugs throughout the home to help reduce dirt and debris that gets on the tile.
Only Use Marble Cleaners – When cleaning marble, never use DIY cleaners or generic household cleaners. When cleaning marble, get a marble cleaner. Other ingredients in DIY cleaners such as vinegar, ammonia, lemon or orange juice are too acidic, and you will hasten erosion. The same can be said for generic cleaners or multi-purpose cleaners. They too have harsh ingredients that will simply damage the marble. Be careful when cleaning the grout line. Again, most grout cleaners are harsh on marble. There are some grout cleaners that are used for marble. Make sure to use the proper grout cleaner with marble tile.
Don’t of Caring for Marble Floors & Countertops
Don’t Store Hygiene Products on Marble Countertops – It is recommended to also avoid placing hygiene products such as toothpaste, hair spray, lotion, hair gels, and perfume and colognes on the countertop. Hygiene products also contain acidic substances and if your hygiene product falls on the marble, it can dull the marble, break down the sealer and begin to erode the marble. Make sure to have a hygiene tray of some kind to avoid direct contact with the marble and your hygiene products.
Don’t Put Too Much Weight on Marble Countertops – When cut for countertops, marble is rather thin, and the marble can become distressed under too much weight. Avoid standing or sitting on the marble or it could crack. Additionally, avoid placing heavy items on top of the marble.
Marble Natural Stone Cleaning, Sealing & Polishing Services & More in Waco, Dallas, Harker Heights, Cedar Park, Allen & the State of Texas
For help maintaining your home marble, carpet and other flooring surfaces, contact Heart of Texas Chem-Dry for quality services.
