Marble is a beautiful material that can make your bathroom feel luxurious. It has been used by designers around the world for centuries because of its elegance. The intricate, organic designs in marble are second to none. Since marble is so luxurious, how do you safely and effectively clean it? We’ve pulled together the best method to do so.
Unfortunately, a marble floor is susceptible to stains and scratches, making it difficult to clean. You should only use gentle, non-abrasive cleaning products to avoid damaging your floor. To best clean your bathroom floor, follow these steps:
- Use a soft dust mop for surface dirt and dust.
- Dampen the floor with clean water.
- Apply a mild cleaner using a soft mop.
- Dry completely with a soft rag.
It might seem intimidating to try to clean marble floors, but don’t worry. We’ve organized this helpful list so that you can avoid making costly mistakes. For more details on how to clean your bathroom floor, what products to use, and answers to other questions about marble floors, continue reading!
Steps For Cleaning A Marble Bathroom Floor
Let’s take a closer look at the steps necessary for cleaning your marble floor.
1. Use a soft dust mop for surface dirt and dust
The first step to clean your marble bathroom floor is to sweep up the dirt, dust, and other loose particles on the floor. Use a dry dust mop to do so. Look for a microfiber mophead like the one below, as this is a safe material that won’t harm the floor.
Click here to see this microfiber mop on Amazon.
Shake the dust mop into a trash can frequently while sweeping. Simply pushing around the same dirt is not good for the floor. Do not use a broom with stiff bristles to sweep the floor. Even if you’re as gentle as possible, the firm bristles are liable to harm the floor.
2. Dampen the floor with clean water
Next, use clean water to dampen the floor. If you are not sure about the quality of your water, use distilled or pure water. Do not use water that contains rust or limescale.
The goal is not to soak the floor, so do not pour the water directly onto the floor. Instead, use a spray bottle. Alternatively, you can use a wrung-out mop to apply the water to the floor.
3. Apply a mild cleaner using a soft mop
When purchasing a cleaning product for your marble floor, look for a gentle, non-abrasive liquid. Ideally, use a product that has a neutral pH. Always follow the directions on the label completely. There are several products on the market that can be used on marble. Check them out below:
Marblelife Cleaner
Click here to see this cleaner on Amazon.
Weiman Cleaner
Click here to see this marble cleaner on Amazon.
If you’d like a homemade solution, any mild dish soap that does not use citrus will work to clean your floor. Look for one that is pH neutral, like the one below. Add about a tablespoon of it to warm water. Then add it to a spray bottle and spray it on the floor. Or, keep the mixture in a mop bucket and dip your mop into it.
Click here to see this soap on Amazon.
When using a product for the first time, test it by spraying it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Let it sit for at least a day to make sure it does not damage or stain the marble. Use a microfiber wet mop like the one below.
Click here to see this microfiber mop on Amazon.
4. Dry completely with a soft cloth
Once you’ve mopped the floor, dry it completely with a soft rag. Do not leave the marble surface wet, as this can leave soap stains or damage the floor permanently. Use a soft rag or towel and replace it as it gets dirty or wet. It is not recommended to let the floor air dry, as this process is too slow.
How Do You Restore Shine To Marble?
Marble floors are prone to etching, which refers to rough, dull spots. Etching can be caused by harsh or acidic chemicals, water that wasn’t dried quickly enough, or repeated scraping. You can fight etching by taking care of the marble, including polishing it regularly.
First, clean the marble using the instructions above. Then, use a damp, soft towel to moisten the parts of the marble that are etched. Once the marble is damp, sprinkle on some polishing powder, like the one below. Follow the instructions on the label for best results.
Click here to see this polishing powder on Amazon.
Using the same damp cloth, gently rub the powder into the marble. Use another clean, damp rag to rinse the residue off, then dry the marble.
A great way to avoid etching on your marble floor is to seal it. This won’t completely prevent etching or staining, but it will help considerably.
This sealer is marketed mainly for granite, but it also works for marble.
Click here to see this sealer on Amazon.
Spray the sealer on your floor, then use a clean microfiber towel or dry mop to spread it throughout the floor. Let it soak into the marble for however long the label instructs. Then, use another clean towel or mop to rub the sealer into the floor using a circular motion. As always, follow the instructions on the label.
You should seal your marble floor every time you repair etching for the best results. For more details on sealing stone surfaces in the bathroom, check out “Do Bathroom Tiles Need To Be Sealed?”
Why Is It Difficult To Clean Marble Floors?
Marble is a soft, porous stone. It is known as a calcareous stone, which means it is chalky and contains limestone. Because of this, any material that is too harsh or abrasive could permanently damage the floor. Additionally, any tool that is too abrasive can scratch the floor. Avoid scrub brushes, scrapers, or the rough side of sponges.
What Cleaners To NOT Use On Marble?
Avoid acidic products such as citrus, lemon, or vinegar, as these will eat into the marble. Also avoid any powdered cleaner, grit-based creams, grout cleaners, tile cleaners, and all-purpose bathroom cleaning products. Do not use any cleaner that is certified for granite only; make sure it is safe for marble, too.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bathroom Marble Floor?
A deep cleaning of your marble floor — as outlined in this article — should be done at least twice a month, especially if it is used every day or by multiple people. Because marble is soft and porous, it quickly traps germs and bacteria, potentially leading to mold and other issues.
You should spot clean your marble floor as soon as you notice a mess. Marble is easily stained, so as soon as you see a problem, clean it up. Makeup, toothpaste, cleaning products, or even water can cause irreparable damage to your floor if left for too long.
Water contains trace amounts of rust, which stains marble. If you drip or spill any water, immediately dry it up.
In Closing
Your marble bathroom floors are elegant, and you want to keep them that way. Do this by cleaning them properly: use a soft dry mop, dampen the floor, mop with a gentle cleaner, then make sure to dry the floor completely.
Only use pH-neutral cleaners such as mild dish soap or other marble-safe products. Use very soft tools, as marble can be scratched easily. Clean spills quickly and do regular maintenance on the floor for best results.
With care and effort, your marble floor will look great for a lifetime!