Cleaning Marble: Tips & Interesting Facts

If you want to clean marble, there are a few things you have to consider! We give you tips on how to make your marble floor and marble surfaces shine in new splendour again.

Marble creates a luxurious charm in the apartment. This natural product is a material that needs to be cleaned gently to preserve its noble appearance!

Cleaning marble: You should consider this!

Remember that certain cleaning agents are not suitable for marble:

• Vinegar can lead to corrosion on marble!
• Likewise, other chemicals such as acids and alkalis as well as alkaline or surfactant-containing cleaners are not suitable for marble surfaces, as they deposit in the pores of the marble and attract dirt particles. Unsightly stains on the marble floor are the result.

• Cleaning agents for ceramic tiles are not recommended for marble: They dull the marble floor.
• Marble is a natural material made of limestone. Accordingly, lime cleaners are not suitable, as they would also decompose the marble.
• Oil, grease, wine and heavily pigmented foods should be removed from the marble as soon as possible and the surface thoroughly cleaned.
• Vacuum cleaners, scrubbing sponges and scouring agents scratch the marble and are not suitable for cleaning this material.

Cleaning marble: That’s the way to do it!

• Dry cleaning is done with a broom with natural bristles.
• Alcoholic or pH-neutral cleaning agents are recommended for wet cleaning. To clean marble, for example, clear water with a little alcohol or neutral cleaner is suitable. Use as little water as possible for cleaning to avoid lime deposits. Tip: You can also use a mild dishwashing detergent and put it in warm water.

• Test the cleaning agent in an inconspicuous place to ensure that you do not damage the marble.
• It is best to use a soft, damp cloth for cleaning and gently rub the marble without scrubbing (risk of scratches!). Be careful not to make any circular movements, but to rub back and forth along the stone structure.
• If the floor is to be mopped, make sure you use a soft mop. Wipe first with a little warm water, in which you put some cleaner, and then with cold, clear water. The second cleaning should remove all cleaning residues.
• In the second step the surface is rubbed dry with a soft dry cloth (e.g. microfibre cloth). Shammy leather is also very suitable for polishing. If you simply let the surface dry after cleaning the marble, unsightly water stains will appear!
• If you want to apply a marble polish afterwards, make sure that it is specifically for marble!

Cleaning marble: Remove stains

Stains on the marble should be removed as soon as possible!

• Spray some water on the spot. Stir some baking powder and water to make a paste. Put this paste on the stain and put a plastic foil over it. After 24 hours you can remove the foil and the cleaning agent with a damp cloth. You may have to repeat the application on the marble if the stain is still visible.
• Hydrogen peroxide can also be used for light marble: It is also applied on the spot and covered with a foil for 24 hours. Wipe the product away with a damp cloth after the application time.
• You can treat grease stains on the marble with cornstarch. Put some starch on the stain and wait 20 minutes. Wipe the area well afterwards.

Marble: How to protect the surface

• Immediately after laying marble, you can provide effective protection with an impregnation that allows liquids to run off. An impregnation is applied to the dry surface before grouting. This protection should be renewed every four to five years.
• Take care not to place any sharp objects on the marble: Sticky pads, mats, carpets or boards are a good way to avoid scratches.