10 mistakes to avoid when polishing marble floors

Marble can be processed in different ways depending on the kind of aesthetic you are aiming for

Polished marble: Polished marble provides an ultra-glossy, almost mirror-like surface that fully demonstrates the color of the marble and the design. Polishing results in the least porous surface, which gives the marble stone a shiny appearance. It is an excellent choice for indoor use, however, using it for outdoor decorative purposes is not recommended due to its slightly slippery nature.

Polished Marble: A polished finish is very similar to a polished finish with one significant difference that the finish results in a matte, velvety and smooth surface without any gloss. Honing is mainly used to repair the damage done to the stone, so the polished finish makes the marble less susceptible to desecration or damage.

Textured Finish: This specialized marble finish involves the use of various technologies to give the marble a distinctly stylish surface. Flame, forged shrub, leather, rigato, natural crevice, sandblasting - these are some of the popular textured finishes.

Common mistakes to avoid when polishing marble floors:

Marble is very strong and at the same time delicate, so it should be treated with caution, as poor handling can make it more susceptible to destruction. The owner who decided to decorate his house with marble floors needs to know the appropriate methods of cleaning, stone care.

Below are the ten main mistakes that were made when cleaning marble before polishing them, and how to fix them: -

CLEARING:

DO NOT: Do not use a completely soaked mop to wipe up spilled stains or stains from the marble tiles, as this can cause water to leak out of the cloth and get stuck between the spongy marble surfaces.

DO: Try using a wet mop to wipe the marble floor instead of a wet one. In addition, be sure to use deionized water, as it does less damage to the surface of marble stones. The permeability of the marble makes it prone to damage from liquids such as wine, coffee or juice, so it is important to clean the spill area immediately.

DRY CLEANING:

NOT: Marble is a porous stone, and due to its spongy structure, it is prone to the absorption of liquids and solvents. It is best to avoid using cloth, mops, or sponges that have been dipped in waxy, oily, or wet substances, as there is a very high chance that solvent residues can be absorbed into the permeable structure of the stone and lead to permanent staining or discoloration.

BEFORE: It is best to clean marble floors as soon as possible with a dry mop, rag or sponge, as soon as something spills on them. Using a dry cloth will not only help to better soak the spill, thereby preventing any long-term damage, but will also leave behind any wet residue that could potentially penetrate the pores of the stone.

Solvents:

DO NOT: Never clean marble floors with cleaning products that are sold in the store, as they contain acids, alkalis and chemicals that can damage the permeable structure of natural stones. Conventional store cleaners are usually very acidic, and the lack of alkalinity can make the marble more susceptible to discoloration and can significantly reduce the strength of marble stone tiles.

DO: Use distilled or deionized water, neutral stone soap, or cleaning products with a pH of 7.00, white spirit, and 2% non-ionic detergent as solvents to clean the marble, as they not only prevent abrasion and staining, but also keep the marble floors in perfect condition, as well as prolong the life of your marble.

NO NEED: It is strongly not recommended to use food products such as vinegar, milk, lemon or ammonia for cleaning marble surfaces, as they are very acidic or highly alkaline and can partially or completely destroy the surface of marble tiles.

DO IT: Use proper cleaning products specifically designed to clean marble floors instead of experimenting on your own. Unlike the first, common cleaning and maintenance methods do not provide any guarantees, so the risk of damage increases.

WATER USE:

DO NOT: Do not use water as the only means to clean the marble stone, as its constant use can make the marble dull and unattractive, as well as affect its durability.

DO: Use non-acidic, alkaline, or preferably neutral solvents to clean your marble floor, and remember to switch between your preferred solvent options from time to time to make your marble floors look as shiny as possible.

Sealing your marble floor:

DO NOT: Do not leave the marble floor untreated after laying it, as it will be more prone to damage and staining compared to "sealed" marble.

NECESSARY: It is strongly recommended to "seal" the marble floor, as this not only increases the strength of the marble stone, but also limits damage or staining caused by spills. Periodic sealing of the marble with a high-quality sealant ensures that your marble floors will remain in perfect condition, as well as prolong its life for many years. Depending on the type of marble stone installed and the type of sealant used, it may be necessary to re-seal every three to six years to preserve the appearance of the marble.

PROTECTION AND PRECAUTIONS:

DO NOT: · Never leave heavy furniture, such as tables, chairs, and sofas, directly on the surface of marble floors, as they may damage the surface over time. Also, never pull heavy furniture or sharp objects over the marble, as this can lead to abrasions and scratches.

NECESSARY: To avoid reducing the weight of heavy furniture, try putting fluffy mats or mugs under the legs, as this can reduce the contact between the marble tiles.

ABRASIVE MATERIALS:

DO NOT: Do not use abrasive materials or household cleaners to clean marble floors, as they are not intended for this purpose and will not help in the proper removal of stains. Such materials will definitely cause obvious damage to the stone, which will be visible in the long run. Bathroom cleaners and sprays are household items that should be avoided when cleaning marble.

DO IT: Use branded cleaning products designed specifically for cleaning marble instead of choosing tougher substitutes that can permanently discolor your marble.

M-Stone recommends! :

DO NOT: Do not avoid polishing marble floors. Some homeowners do not consider it necessary to polish the marble floor, but this is highly recommended for several reasons. It should also be borne in mind that excessive polishing of marble can be almost as bad as not polishing it completely.

NECESSARY: polishing can reduce the degree of absorption of marble stains and spills, as well as improve the appearance of the stone and give it an appearance. Therefore, if you want to maintain the refined look and shine of your marble floors, then polishing them from time to time is a must. You can do this by contacting M-Stone, which offers its professional knowledge and services in this matter.

Be vigilant when servicing marble:

DO NOT: Do not ignore spills or scratches on the marble floor. The best way to avoid permanent damage to natural stone is to take immediate action as soon as you notice any discoloration or a sign that time is of the essence.

DO: Marble stains very quickly, so the best way to keep it in perfect shape is to be very vigilant in maintenance and immediately clean any stains, be it water, wine, juice or coffee. Using a clean and dry mop, cotton cloth, broom or sponge to absorb or wipe the marble.

Marble is a durable stone that can last a long time if it is regularly cleaned and properly cared for. However, the durability of marble stones also depends on its quality. Factors such as climate, chemicals, heat, and humidity play an important role in testing the strength of a stone. Despite the hard surface of marble, it is actually a very permeable rock that can absorb spills and accumulate dirt in its pores if it is not cleaned properly. Even in all its polished and refined glory, acidic liquids, oils, and even water can stain and spoil marble stone, as its spongy structure sucks solvents in. And once the marble gets dirty, it's not easy to remove it without damaging the entire tile.