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Marble surfaces, be it floors, countertops or others, always add elegance to any home. But they are very delicate and require careful and periodic maintenance. Here are some of the most useful tips on how to clean your marble surfaces to a shine.
Clean your marble surfaces with linseed oil
Linseed oil is easily found in herbal pharmacies and BIO products stores. It is only suitable for removing stains caused by acids. Do not use it for polishing. Rub the oil onto the stain and cover it with a piece of paper. Leave for 12 hours. To remove it, use a solution of water and Marseille soap.
Baking soda
Keep in mind that baking soda is alkaline, but it is a mild abrasive, so you should use it sparingly and not every day. Using it often could damage your marble surfaces. Never leave baking soda or a baking soda solution in contact with your marble for more than a few seconds.
What do you need:
- Baking soda
- Water
- Soft cloth; do not use a scrub or brush to clean marble.
How to use:
Pour some of the mixture onto the marble surfaces. Gently rub the baking soda into the marble with a soft, damp cloth. Rinse with water and dry.
Benefits of baking soda cleaning:
- It is cheap
- No harsh chemicals
- Effective disinfectant
- Effectively removes stains
Seal your marble surfaces regularly
Here’s what you need:
- Sealant (silicone)
- Soap and water
- Dusting cloth
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Liquid detergent
Marble is more porous than other common kitchen countertop materials, so it can be prone to staining and scratches. Therefore, it is necessary to clean and seal regularly.
Removing stains from marble surfaces
If you don’t notice spills on the marble quickly, there is still hope. Clean with a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide if you spill something oil-based like sauces. If the stain has set, attack it (gently) with a liquid cleaner containing mineral spirits or acetone.
Use anti-scratch pads
You can use decorative anti-scratch pads for cleaning your marble surfaces. Place mats or rugs to avoid scratching the marble. If you use a vacuum cleaner to clean a marble floor, do not use plastic or metal attachments.
It is important to clean up and soak up spills as quickly as possible to avoid staining the marble. After cleaning the marble surfaces, be sure to rinse and dry them well. For stubborn stains, you should try using stain removers specially formulated for marble surfaces. For light marbles, hydrogen peroxide is a practical cleaning alternative.
If you want to polish the marble surfaces, you can use a piece of woolen cloth. If cleaning with hydrogen peroxide, apply the liquid to the stains and cover the area with plastic wrap. Wait at least 24 hours and then clean it. But remember to apply this method only for light marble floors.
Steam cleaning is a suitable option for marble surfaces
Before using a steam cleaner, remove the dust with a vacuum cleaner.
- Use the appropriate accessories supplied with the machine.
- Buy a steam cleaner of reputable and proven brands.
- A steam cleaner can eliminate bacteria and germs, so there is no need to buy and use expensive cleaning products.
Precautions with cleaning products
Always read the instructions and safety guidelines of any cleaning product for marble surfaces. Test it on a small area first. Use only pH neutral detergents. Use only a soft cloth for cleaning.
Deep cleaning of marble surfaces
Hydrogen peroxide:
Pour over dried food and drink stains. Allow the detergent to take effect for a few minutes, wipe the area with a clean damp cloth and dry the marble surface well.
Baking soda:
Combine baking soda and water to make a paste for acidic stains, such as juices and vinegar. Wipe the stain before applying the paste. Allow the paste to dry on the affected area, then gently wipe with a damp, soft cloth.
Cornstarch:
Use an absorbent cloth to soak up any excess grease or oil, then sprinkle cornstarch liberally over the stain. Let the cornstarch sit for at least an hour and then gently wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.
Products to avoid on marble surfaces
Absolutely avoid products with an acidic pH. Aggressive detergents, acidic or corrosive solutions can also cause problems. Avoid abrasive tools too, as well as synthetic cleaners and acidic cleaners such as vinegar, ammonia, lemon and bleach.
Final words
Marble surfaces always look very sophisticated. But maintaining them requires more care. With proper and regular maintenance, however, you will be able to enjoy its glamour for years to come.
And if you feel that cleaning is not your cup of tea, you can always delegate that tedious task to a professional cleaning company. Feel free to contact us and request a home cleaning quote. You can find more info about our domestic cleaning services at Merci Cleaning London or on our official Facebook page.
You may also like: How to remove hard water stains in the bathroom
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