Vinaya Govind paints a picture of the beauty of marble as a flooring option and also offers tips to retain its charm and increase its longevity.
Timeless beauty, elegance and class are what marble can add to your home decor — be it countertops, tabletops, fireplace mantles or floors.
Marble tiles can match any decor and add a classic touch to your spaces including walls, vanities and shelves, though it is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Since it is expensive (cost depending on the type and grade), it is important to take extra care once it is installed to maintain its lustre and natural colour.
Marble floors are quite often stained by iron, bronze, oil, grease, tobacco, smoke and ink. It is important not to remove these stains by scraping, scouring or applying bleaching agents as they can be harsh on marble.
Marble is porous and absorbs moisture, so make sure to wipe any spills as soon as possible.
The first and the foremost step you need to take is to ensure that your marble is sealed with a high quality sealer. This will go a long way in preventing staining and make cleaning easier.
Avoid use of abrasive cleaners as marble can be scratched by grit. Use a liquid dish soap and warm water instead. Rinse with soapy water and use a soft towel to dry the floor.
Do not use mild acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice. For tougher stains, use of marble polishing is suggested, but, it is advisable to call a professional marble restorer.
Maintenance
Daily housekeeping is the easiest and the cheapest way to maintain marble floors. Place large-sized mats with waterproof backing at all entrances. This will prevent staining due to dust, grime and water.
Secondly, use very less water and mop the floor with a cotton string mop. Mopping will also prevent soil from penetrating the surface of the floor. To minimise absorption of stains from oil or grease, blot them immediately. If maintained well, marble can last years.
Marble floors require periodic polishing and honing by a professional floor maintenance contractor, restorer or conservator. Honing needs to be done depending on the wear the floor has received and it is done to create a smooth surface with fine screens (concealers) followed by buffing with a slightly abrasive putty and synthetic felt or wool pads for a polished finish.
Timeless beauty, elegance and class are what marble can add to your home decor — be it countertops, tabletops, fireplace mantles or floors.
Marble tiles can match any decor and add a classic touch to your spaces including walls, vanities and shelves, though it is a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms. Since it is expensive (cost depending on the type and grade), it is important to take extra care once it is installed to maintain its lustre and natural colour.
Marble floors are quite often stained by iron, bronze, oil, grease, tobacco, smoke and ink. It is important not to remove these stains by scraping, scouring or applying bleaching agents as they can be harsh on marble.
Marble is porous and absorbs moisture, so make sure to wipe any spills as soon as possible.
The first and the foremost step you need to take is to ensure that your marble is sealed with a high quality sealer. This will go a long way in preventing staining and make cleaning easier.
Avoid use of abrasive cleaners as marble can be scratched by grit. Use a liquid dish soap and warm water instead. Rinse with soapy water and use a soft towel to dry the floor.
Do not use mild acidic solutions like vinegar or lemon juice. For tougher stains, use of marble polishing is suggested, but, it is advisable to call a professional marble restorer.
Maintenance
Daily housekeeping is the easiest and the cheapest way to maintain marble floors. Place large-sized mats with waterproof backing at all entrances. This will prevent staining due to dust, grime and water.
Secondly, use very less water and mop the floor with a cotton string mop. Mopping will also prevent soil from penetrating the surface of the floor. To minimise absorption of stains from oil or grease, blot them immediately. If maintained well, marble can last years.
Marble floors require periodic polishing and honing by a professional floor maintenance contractor, restorer or conservator. Honing needs to be done depending on the wear the floor has received and it is done to create a smooth surface with fine screens (concealers) followed by buffing with a slightly abrasive putty and synthetic felt or wool pads for a polished finish.