Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[fancybeetle]

Last year we installed a natural marble floor. From the beginning there has been some cloudiness on some of the tile. I have used all kinds of products that were suppose to take the cloudy residue off but nothing has helped. If you touch the tile you it's very smooth. So it's not like any kind of buildup. I noticed today that it just seems to be on the tile where we walk. The others are still shine a glassy looking. What could this be and how do we clean it?

[mrscleannw]

Hi Fancybeetle,
Welcome to Mrs. Clean!

The problem is likely 1 of 2 things, hopefully the floor is merely scuffed and you need to reapply and buff your marble sealant. Marble is highly porous, and the sealant fills those holes and helps repel stains. As the sealant is buffed, it protects the shine. Sealant does not add to the shine as newly polished marble that is completely unsealed and unstained will shine just like it was wet.

The second, and more likely scenario is etching. Marble is delicate, and totally unforgiving when mistreated. Dirt tracked in will scratch it, and any contact with material that is not neutral ph (acid or alkaline) will cause etching. This includes what you use to mop the floor with.

Etching, which destroys the shine and makes the marble appears cloudy and dull is permanent. A professional must be called to regrind the floors. They do so with an acid solution, very fine grit and a high speed burnisher.


I've included some info on marble floor care below, I hope this helps and good luck!

Mrs. Clean


1. Vacuum the floor often to remove grit and dirt that will scratch the marble.
2. Wipe up spills immediately.
3. Avoid all contact with acids. (orange juice, tomato juice, soda, etc)
4. Use only ph neutral cleaning products.
5. Always dry the floor after moping to avoid water spot formation.
6. Reapply sealant every 6 months.
7. Use runners in high traffic areas.


Marble is very delicate and it does require maintenance to look its best. Here are some basic care tips for cleaning marble.

Marble is a very soft stone and it is much softer than granite. It is also highly porous, so it is very easily etched by acids. (vinegar, tomato juice, orange juice, etc)

It's also prone to develop water stains or spots, such as marks left by drinking glasses, or water spots after mopping.

Always wipe off any spills immediately as they happen. NEVER, EVER clean marble with vinegar, as you will destroy the finish, and permanently etch the stone.

Because marble is so sensitive and very porous, only clean it with a neutral pH cleaning solution (water is ph neutral). We use 1/4 cup murphy oil soap to 2 gallons of water. Always Wipe it dry to stop water spots from forming.

If your polished marble is protected with floor finishing sealant, the finish should be buffed or burnished in and reapplied periodically to keep the surface optimally protected and looking good.

You can try to revive your scratched and dull marble surfaces with a neutral pH marble restorer, however, I've tried this myself and it only temporarily masks the damage. It only sure way to restore your marble is to have it re-polished by a professional.

[jimclemmer]

Hey mrscleannw
great information it would also help me for cleaning. I have a one more question, of which company's cleaning products are good to use.

Thanks

Regards
Jimclemmer

[tammy123]

Yes you are right Mrs. clean as, for cleaning marble floors you need to be very particular as, it is very necessary to take proper care of marble floors like, to maintain the shine it is important to use the detergent which is mild and pH neural so that, it will remove all the stains and helps in maintaining the shine.

Thanks

[cleanway]

As with a natural and delicate precious stone like marble, you need always take care.

Even drops from hand liquid soap can be detrimental to stones like granite and marble ruining it irreversably. So take care not to use any harsh chemicals while mopping the floor. The best you could do is to sweep regularly with plain water with disinfectant added.

[FromPGHPA]

Unfortunately, I dripped some orange juice on my marble floor and now I have spots. What is the best way to fix that (i.e. to get rid of the spots and make it shiny again)?

[mrscleannw]

That is permanent etching from the acidic orange juice.

You need to get some marble polish, and follow these new cleaning tips that I just prepared on how to polish marble.

Good Luck!