Although marble, like other robust natural stones such as granite, quartz, limestone and etc., is considered timeless and classic, it is currently experiencing a renaissance and is being attractively integrated into numerous living styles. As a worktop in the kitchen, floor covering or in the bathroom, the material impresses with its exclusivity and flawless surface. Perfect structure, beautiful shine and unique grains are the characteristics that characterize the robust natural stone and the reason why it stood for luxury and class even in ancient times. Unfortunately, over the years of use it often happens that it is affected by mishap and the surfaces no longer look as magnificent as before. Below we give practical tips for cleaning and caring for marble.
Marble: advantages and disadvantages
Knowing the material with its advantages and disadvantages and background information makes life easier when it comes to stone cleaning. Geologically, marble belongs to the group of limestones because it was created by transforming limestone. Therefore, the same cleaning guidelines apply here and the material is like thislike limestonesensitive to acid.
The beautiful surface can spoil a shaken glass of apple juice, wine or carbonated drink. After just a short time, the unprotected surface becomes mattspots to be seen. Therefore, the natural stone should be treated with a special polish as a protective measure. Oils and fats are absorbed by the stone and leave unsightly stains and discoloration. Over a long period of time, even water caused by rain or snow can change the color of the natural stone.
The material, like the other limestones, is considered medium hard and even the smallest stones can leave unsightly scratches. Especially atMarble floor surfacesthat are constantly walked on will damage the surface more quickly. The dirt on the soles of shoes acts like fine abrasive particles that gradually make the material rough and dull. Over time, the matt area becomes larger and dirt collects in the micro-cracks and bumps. Since layer-forming care products are often used, the dirt particles can also be retained in the care layer. To clean marble, you can use a basic cleaner or it is best to clean it dry.
Basic cleaning of the marble surface is only necessary if it is treated with a protective impregnation. Before that, the old layers of care must be removed and then treated with basic cleaner. You should neutralize this with enough water, but wipe the marble with as little as possible, because too much water can lead to limescale deposits. The optimal PH value of the basic cleaning agent should be between 7.0 and 8.5. It is applied using a soft brush or a microfiber cloth. Then wipe two or three more times with a damp, clean cloth, but do not soak the surface. It is best to test on an inconspicuous area before treatment.
Basically, neutral cleaners, alcohol cleaners and of course a special marble cleaner are suitable for cleaning marble. Alkaline cleaning agents are generally harmful, but are a possible solution to combat limescale or cement deposits on heavily soiled surfaces. After treatment with it, you must clean it thoroughly with water.
Cleaning and caring for marble: Impregnation
As with other natural materials, any cleaning of marble is temporary. Treatment with special protective and care products is also limited in time and must be repeated. You should generally avoid coffee, oils and fats on marble surfaces or remove them promptly. However, there are modern care products that make the surface less sensitive to dirt - impregnations. These do not create a protective film over the material, but rather support it from the inside. These are usually water-based and enable different optical effects such as water-repellent effects and others.
Although the durability of water-soluble impregnations is limited, they are more suitable for do-it-yourselfers and any errors during processing can be more easily corrected afterwards. Depending on the surface and use, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the marble one to four times a year and then impregnate it. If you want a long-term solution, you should turn to professional stone floor finishers. Professional impregnation is permanent, cannot be removed and costs more than the do-it-yourself version, but is ultimately cheaper because the protective effect is higher.
The use of so-called crystallization provides more protection against scratches. This additionally hardens the surface of lime-based stones such as marble, travertine and etc. and gives it a high-gloss finish. This process increases the surface resistance of the material and reduces the formation of scratches.
Caring for marble
After cleaning marble, proper care is important. This means that the results that you have already achieved through intensive cleaning last longer. Despite impregnation or other long-term treatment of the material, regular care is required. Cleaning agents that are not as intensive as those used for basic cleaning are not used. If these are used regularly, they have a gentle effect.
Marble can also be cleaned without special cleaning products. However, the PH value of the respective cleaning agent must be taken into account. For the material and other limestone, it is best to use an alkaline cleaner and under no circumstances an acidic one. The PH value is measured from 1.00 to 10.00, with the neutral and alkaline range being optimal for the material, i.e. from 7.00.
Especially in the kitchen andin the bathroomLime-dissolving cleaners are recommended where you have to regularly remove annoying limescale residues from fittings and plumbing. However, these are unsuitable for marble and other limestone because they leave the surface matt and dirt settles on it even more easily. A special marble bathroom cleaner is able to remove light limescale and other typical substances from the joints itself. The dull spots and stubborn stains that dishwashing and care products cause, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, can be removed with a marble polish and the shine restored.
Slightly dirty marble can easily be cleaned with stone soap and a little clear water. It is best to use a microfiber cloth or microfiber mop. Before that, you should of course have swept away the coarser dirt with a broom or vacuum cleaner with an extended brush.
home remedies
Due to the large variety of cleaning products on the market, it is often overwhelming to choose the right one. Instead of using expensive special cleaners, it is worth using pH-neutral and food-safe home remedies. Stubborn stains can be easily removed with a lemon peel and a little table salt.
A very simple natural wax is ideal for making the marble shine beautifully. It must be applied very sparingly with a microfiber cloth and lightly polished so that the silky shine of the natural stone is discreetly highlighted.
