How to Clean & Shine Marble Floors

Marble flooring makes a beautiful addition to any home. Whether in a kitchen, bathroom or entryway, there is no stone quite as magnificent as marble. Not only is marble flooring aesthetically appealing, it is durable, as well. Care must be taken, however, when cleaning marble floors. Certain cleaning products may harm the surface. Properly cleaning and shining marble floors will preserve their natural beauty and ensure they last for years to come.

Things You'll Need

• Dust mop
• Bucket
• Mild dish soap
• Half-cup ammonia
• Water
• Sponge mop
• Soft rags
• White chalk sticks
• Bowl

Instructions

1. Dust mop the marble floor frequently to pick up loose dirt, dust and debris. Spray the dust mop lightly with an anti-static spray prior to dusting. This will help to pick up the dust and dirt. Avoid using a broom on marble as this can cause scratches.

2. Fill a bucket with warm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap if the floor is really dirty. Use ½ cup of ammonia per 1 gallon of water for heavy-duty cleaning. For general cleaning, however, warm water is all that is needed.

3. Dip a clean sponge mop into the bucket and wring it out thoroughly. Mop the entire floor with the water, applying some force over troublesome areas. Rinse and wring out the mop frequently to avoid spreading more dirt onto the floor.

4. Empty the bucket after cleaning and rinse it out thoroughly. Fill the bucket with clean, warm water and mop the entire floor again to rinse any residue from the floor.

5. Wipe the floor with a clean, soft cloth to dry up the water. For quicker drying, wrap a clean, soft cloth over the end of a dry mop and go over the floor.

6. Polish the floor after cleaning by finely crushing up a stick or two of white chalk into a bowl. Moisten a clean, soft cloth with water and dip it into the chalk. Rub the chalk onto the marble floor using a smooth stroke, overlapping the strokes both back and forth. Work in small sections of the floor. Allow the section to dry for about a minute, then wipe up with a rag dampened in plain water. Go over the floor with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use products containing acid, such as vinegar, on marble floors as they can mar their surface.

References

• Homeimprovement.superpages.com: How to Clean Marble Floors
• Marble Institute of America: Care
• Howtocleanstuff.net: How to Clean Marble Flooring