CARING FOR MARBLE FLOORS

Marble is one of the most popular options in natural stone flooring solutions for residential and commercial settings.  It has been treasured for centuries for its beautiful colours and distinctive veining.  Marble floors are rarely replaced once installed, provided they are properly cared for and maintained.

 

Before discussing the fundamentals of marble care, it is important to understand its composition and formation. Marble is formed when a combination of rocks undergoes metamorphosis due to extreme temperature and pressure within the earth’s surface.  It is primarily composed of minerals such as calcite, dolomite, silica, and alumina.  These minerals make marble a soft and porous stone that is susceptible to scratches, stains, chipping, and cracking.  In addition to a standard maintenance programme, employing preventive measures significantly extends the life of marble floors and reduces the risk of damage.


DAILY CARE


To avoid damage to the marble, the daily cleaning practice should adhere to the following guidelines:


·   Marble should only be cleaned with pH neutral cleaning products.  These products are designed specifically for marble and other sensitive stones.  Household cleaning chemicals are highly acidic and cause the stone to discolour and appear dull.


·       When cleaning or scrubbing the marble floor, remove any excess water and allow it to dry completely.  Due to the porosity of the stone, moisture can seep in and react with the minerals present in the stone.  This impacts the structural integrity of marble, resulting in fracture and efflorescence in addition to stains.


· Immediately clean any spills of any kind, such as juice, coffee or oil, to prevent staining.


· Remove dirt and dust from the marble surface to prevent scratches and dull appearance. 


REGULAR MAINTENANCE


Despite several safeguards and precautions, caring for and protecting marble flooring, necessitates professional intervention. This is a specialized field that requires the expertise of a natural stone specialist.  These experts are skilled in evaluating natural stones to identify flaws, assess potential damage, and provide a solution.

 

Regular marble maintenance includes sealing and polishing the stone on a regular basis.  Sealing is an application of a chemical compound to the stone that serves as a protective layer to prevent liquids and other contaminants from permeating the marble.  Sealants have also proved to enhance the life span of marble by preserving it from environmental variables such as humidity, temperature changes, and UV radiation, which can cause cracking and fading over time.

 

To restore the marble’s sheen, it must be polished.  Marble polishing is a technical and sophisticated process that requires in-depth knowledge of the stone. The procedure involves grinding with specially formulated chemicals and diamond grits. These are specially developed chemicals and polishing compounds intended for use on delicate stones like marble.  All marble surfaces, including the floor, kitchen counters, countertops, tabletops, sinks, and even the marble scalding and walls, must be polished.

 

A+ Touchstone Services, a one-stop solution for all your natural stone-related issues, is a Mumbai-based company with a nationwide presence.  Write to us at  info@aplustouchstoneservices.com with your queries or visit us at https://www.aplustouchstoneservices.com


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