With their shiny, colorful surfaces, marble floors add a luxurious touch to any home.It is important to use the right technique to polish a marble floor by hand in order to restore their shine and avoid damaging the soft, porous stone with harsh chemicals.Use a broom and mop to clean the floor, then use mild liquid soap, water, a sponge, and soft towels to polish the marble.After shining the floor, make sure to protect it and keep it looking great.
Step 1: The floor should be swept.
All the dirt and debris from the marble floor can be swept up with a soft broom.Put the pile into the dust pan and put it in the garbage can.Dust and dirt can accumulate in corners and spaces under furniture.Lift up rugs and mats so you can get to the floor underneath them.
Step 2: The floor has a lot of gunk on it.
Use figure-eight motions to clean up any dirt that you weren't able to sweep up, by passing a damp mop over the entire marble floor.Put the mop in a bucket of water and wring it out when it becomes dirty.If the floor is dirty and the mop water becomes dirty when you rinse it out, you should refill the bucket with fresh water.
Step 3: Before polishing, apply a homemade poultice to stains.
To make a thick paste, mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 4 parts water and baking soda.After covering any stains with the paste, cover it with plastic wrap and tape the edges down.Allow it to sit for 48 hours and then remove it and wipe the area clean with a damp cloth to dry it off.The paste will remove stains from the marble.If the stain is not gone after the treatment, apply another application of poultice.
Step 4: A small amount of detergent should be put into a bucket of water.
Use a bucket of clean water to wash dishes.Put 3-4 drops of detergent into the bucket and it will foam up.You can polish marble floors with a solution of soap and water.Chemicals can damage marble because it is very porous and delicate.
Step 5: wring out the excess water by soaking a sponge in a bucket of soapy water.
You can saturate the bucket with a clean sponge.Remove it from the bucket and wring it out to make it damp and not dripping with soapy water.A yellow sponge is all you need to apply the solution.It doesn't matter if it has a green abrasive side or not, you just need to use the soft part.
Step 6: Sponge the floor with small circular motions.
Light pressure is applied when you move the sponge in small motions.When you are done working, sponge the whole floor with the soap solution.You can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stains more vigorously if you can't get them out with the sponge.
Step 7: Warm water from another bucket can be used to clean the floor.
The bucket should be filled with warm water.Carefully pour out the soap and rinse it away.Don't allow puddles of water to sit on marble floors for long periods of time.
Step 8: Using circular motions, wipe the floor dry with soft dry towels.
A soft, clean towel can be used.The water needs to be wiped up using circular motions.This will remove soap from the marble surface.
Step 9: Use a marble polishing powder to remove scratches.
There is a small amount of marble polishing powder on top of the scratches.Rub the powder into the scratches with a damp cloth.After wiping the marble clean, you can dry it with a fresh cloth.Make sure you use a polishing powder that says it's OK to use on marble.Refer to the product's instructions for any additional suggestions.
Step 10: To prevent damage and permanent staining, wipe up spills immediately.
Liquids can stain marble floors.If you spill something on the floor, wipe it up with a soft cloth or sponge.If you leave the floor sitting, plain water can dull it.If you don't wipe marble up right away, it will be damaged by acidic liquids.Don't use all-purpose cleaners and homemade acidic cleaning solutions.The finish of the marble can be damaged by these types of cleaners.It is possible to use a commercial cleaner that is specifically made for cleaning marble.
Step 11: To keep from scratching the marble floor, avoid vacuuming it.
The soft surface of marble can be scratched by a vacuum cleaner's hard parts.If you want to perform regular cleaning, use a soft broom and mop.You can safely clean your marble floors with a soft dust broom and a sponge mop.
Step 12: Place mats or rugs in high traffic areas.
It's a good idea to put welcome mats by doors to the outside so people don't get tracked over the floors.To protect the surfaces from scratches, place rugs in areas where people frequently pass by, such as hallways or living areas.It is easy to damage the shine of a marble floor with dirt, so the more you protect it, the longer it will last.
Step 13: Put felt pads on furniture that is on the marble floor.
The felt pads should be applied to the bottoms of the legs of any furniture.The furniture will protect the floor from scratches.Stick-on felt pads can be found at a home improvement store.If you have a lot of different furniture, you should buy a big pad that can be cut to different sizes.
Step 14: The floor needs to be sealed every 3-6 years.
Apply a new coat of marble to the entire floor with a soft rag.The marble will be sealed to protect the floor from spills and stains.If you want to know if it's time to reseal the floor, you can pour a small amount of water onto the surface.You need to apply a new coat on the marble if the water gets absorbed in 1 minute or less.