Marble tiles add timeless elegance to any room and when they are cared for well they can last way beyond your own lifetime. But in order to get the most out of them you should follow these tips.
Marble Floor Tiles
- Dust and mop: Regularly removing dirt and grit from your tiles is key to protecting them and preventing scratches. Use a soft, natural mop to remove dirt each day. Be sure to clean the mop after each use so you don’t end up reapplying the dirt the next day.
- Use mats and rugs: Mats and rugs can be a life saver in high traffic areas. Place mats near entry points and encourage guests to wipe their feet so they don’t bring dirt into your home.
- Be careful when vacuuming: If you are using a vacuum cleaner make sure to only use brush attachments, do not use any plastic or metal attachments as these may damage your marble tiles.
Marble in Bathrooms and Kitchens
- Rinse, shower and dry: Shampoos, conditioners and body washes contain ingredients that can damage your marble tiles by clouding or discoloring them. After a shower you should rinse your tiles so ensure there aren’t any remnants of your toiletries on them.
- Remove soap scum: If you don’t get into the habit of rinsing your walls soap and suds may develop over time. You should only use pH neutral cleaners that are deemed safe for marble tiles. Do not use vinegar, bleach or scrubbing pads to remove these marks.
- Wipe backsplashes: Kitchen backsplashes are very aptly named, they often get coated in soup, curry, oil or whatever else you are cooking. A little splash here and there is fine but you should always wipe up these spills as soon as you can, to prevent them damaging your marble tiles.
Marble Tile Do’s and Don’ts
Do mop floors frequently with a soft cloth.
Do clean surfaces with mild, pH neutral soaps or specially formulated marble tile cleaning products.
Do blot up spills as quickly as possible. Blot, don’t wipe.
Do protect surfaces with rugs where appropriate.
Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners that contain harsh chemicals or acids.
Don’t mix bleach and ammonia, this creates a lethal and toxic gas.
Don’t use generic cleaning products unless you know they are safe for use on marble.