Marble is an ideal choice for flooring, kitchen countertops, bathroom vanity and various home refurbishments. While it is visually appealing, durable and long-lasting, marble needs regular cleaning and maintenance to preserve its natural beauty.
Marble is a metamorphic rock that is formed of re-crystallized carbonate mineral which makes it susceptible to etching by acids. Likewise, marble tends to be much softer and therefore porous than other natural stones, so do not be surprised if you start seeing scratches, cracks, stains and even a gradual loss of its original sheen if not taken care of properly. On the flip side, you will be much relieved to know that natural marble needs minimal care and maintenance to look forever magnificent.
Daily Care
The biggest threat to marble is etching and staining by sodas, coffee, citrus fruits, fruit juice, wine and vinegar – anything which is acidic in nature. So you have to be careful of spillage, splashes, leakage and overflow of food and drink. After preparation of food, always wipe the surface clean and do not let vestiges of food sit on the stone for long.
Regular Maintenance
Since marble is extremely porous, it must be sealed to repel stains. Applying a marble sealer will make marble care so much easier and more convenient for homeowners. You can also use a protective sheet (silicone or plastic sheets work best) for regular maintenance of marble.
Cleaning Marble Floors
Marble surfaces need regular dusting, sweeping and mopping. You can use a mild detergent or a stone soap for this purpose. It is best to rinse and dry the floor with clean water.