Marble is an exceptionally beautiful type of flooring. It is also soft and porous when compared to alternatives such as granite, which means it can damage or stain more easily if not cared for properly.

What is marble?

Marble is a stone made from limestone and sedimentary minerals. The heat and pressure in the earth lead to the mineral grains recrystalising into solid stone. The different colours found in marble come from impurities such as metal oxides, sand, and clay. The result is an elegant material that has been used in buildings since ancient times; today, it can add value to the home. If you are looking for marble tiles for your floor, make sure you buy good quality tiles from a flooring specialist such as Irwin Tiles.

Cleaning a marble floor

Start by using a vacuum cleaner or a dry mop on the marble tiles to remove dirt and dust. Follow this by cleaning with a mop or microfiber cloth using a cleaning solution tailored for marble, as many standard floor cleaners will have chemicals that can damage marble. Rinse thoroughly and either allow the marble to dry naturally or dry it with a towel.

Treating stains

You will ideally prevent stains by cleaning spills quickly; however, if it is stained, how it is cleaned will depend on the substance. Organic stains such as wine, coffee, tea, and other food can be cleaned with a hydrogen peroxide solution, although be aware that darker marble tiles may lighten.

Soap residue that fills the pores of marble floors, such as in the bathroom, can be cleaned with a marble deep-cleaning chemical. You can also use a solution of ammonia and water, but this can leave the surface of the marble dull.

Rust from metal containers can leave brown stains that you may be able to polish away with 0000-grade wire wool, while ink is best removed with acetone. Etch marks, which are caused by acids such as fruit juice, can also be removed with 0000 steel wool, although large areas are likely to need professional cleaning.