Marble flooring is one of the most elegant choices for a classic, timeless look in homes. The most common types of marble tile flooring include: carrara, breccia, calcatta, limestone, and cultured marble. Chemically speaking, all types of marble are classified as a base. When marble flooring comes into contact with something like lemonade, juice, or soda a chemical reaction occurs damaging it. Sealing marble flooring is key to protect it.
Whether your marble floors are made of slabs, tiles, sand marble, honed marble, or sand marble, they are susceptible to staining and damage without proper maintenance. Our team of experienced marble floor sealing and cleaning pros can take care of your floors, enhancing and protecting their beauty for years to come. We can also polish and clean marble flooring before we apply the sealant to ensure maximum effectiveness and hold.
What is Marble?
There are three types of marble: dolomite, magnesium, and calcite. They are classified into one of these three categories depending on how much magnesium they contain. Marble is a metamorphic stone that is formed from the recrystallization of limestone following exposure to extreme heat and pressure. It is composed primarily of calcite and usually contains impurities such as clay, iron oxides or bituminous material that impart color.
Marble with few impurities is white, while impurities may produce marble that is blue, green, gray, pink or black in color. Most marble is quarried in India, Italy, and Spain. It is available with a honed, polished or flamed finish.
Is it Necessary to Seal Marble Floors?
Marble is a relatively soft stone and is susceptible to scratching. Additionally, it is a rigid material and placing it under stress can cause it to crack. Since it is porous, marble readily absorbs liquids and debris that can cause staining. As we mentioned above, marble is a base that reacts chemically to acidic spills causing major damage and staining. Marble sealing is highly recommended, as it will protect your floors and keep them looking beautiful for years to come. Our marble sealing service will protect your precious flooring for years and comes with a five year written guarantee.
Cleaning & Maintenance Tips for Marble Flooring
Protecting Marble – Marble flooring should be dust mopped daily to remove sand and dirt that can scratch the surface. Care should be taken if using a vacuum since fine grit caught on the wheels can scratch the marble. Using doormats, runners and area rugs in high traffic areas is recommended to prevent abrasion from shoes. Do not place sharp objects on a marble floor. Use padding beneath the legs of tables and chairs.
Cleaning Marble – When mopping, use a diluted solution of pH neutral cleanser such as non-abrasive dish detergent or ammonia diluted with a lot of water. Avoid using alkaline or acidic cleansers like vinegar; cleaners with citric acid from lemon or orange; or bleach. Once the marble has been mopped and rinsed, use a clean, dry microfiber cloth to buff the floor. Do not allow water to stand on the marble or dry naturally, whereas it can cause staining. Blot up any spills immediately. If your marble has become scratched or lost its shine, we can restore it to its original condition. Our marble sealants are available in both a matte and glossy finish to protect and beautify your marble floor.
Maintaining Marble in Other Areas of the House
In the Kitchen – Marble countertops in the kitchen can easily get scratched by utensils and cookware. Always place mats beneath silver, china, ceramics or objects that can scratch the surface. Use a coaster beneath all glasses, bottles and cans. Never place hot pots or pans on the surface. Extreme heat can cause discoloration, and thermal shock may cause the marble to crack. Do not sit, stand or place a substantial amount of weight on a marble countertop. Marble countertops are not flexible and too much weight applied in one area can cause it to crack.
Seal marble floors in the kitchen to protect the from red wine, vinegar, orange juice, lemonade, soda, and other acidic substances that cause a damaging chemical reaction. Marble flooring and countertops are easily stained by substances such as coffee, tea, blueberry jam, beets, and tomato sauce.
Blot up spills with a paper towel, and avoid wiping to prevent spreading the spill. Use a sponge or soft cloth with marble cleaner to clean the surface. Mild soaps won’t damage the surface but tend to leave film on the marble if used consistently. Sealing your marble countertop is essential to prevent stains and scratching. Our sealants will protect your marble from damage and make cleaning easier.
In The Bathroom – When using marble flooring in the bathroom or for a shower, choosing the highest quality is essential. Marble sourced from regions near Italy and Greece tends to hold up best in wet environments. Marble contains iron, which can potentially rust and discolor the marble. Soaking the marble for a couple of days prior to installing it will allow you to observe any changes that might occur. Marble is porous and may be easily stained by personal care items such as hair coloring, toothpaste and some bath products. Avoid placing these items directly on the marble. Use a basket to hold shower and grooming supplies.
When cleaning marble in the bathroom, use a pH neutral cleanser like mild liquid dish soap and avoid using grout cleaners or abrasive cleansers containing sand or grit. Marble showers and bathroom floors sustain constant exposure to damaging agents like alkaline soaps, toothpaste, grooming substances, mouthwash, and hot water. They require a heavy duty coat of professional marble sealant like TSS PRO 500 Clear Pro to protect them. Our sealant will prevent staining and preserve the integrity of your marble.
Fireplace – Marble fireplace mantels and surrounds are subjected to smoke, soot and ash that can stain the surface. Regular cleaning and maintenance is required to retain the beauty of the stone. A soft, microfiber cloth can be used to remove surface debris. Use distilled water to dampen a cloth and lightly wipe down the surface. Marble cleaner may be required for difficult to remove stains. In some cases, a professional cleaning is needed to restore the marble to its original luster. Our expert stone care specialists can clean and seal your marble mantel to protect against staining and simplify cleaning.
Clean and Protect Your Marble Today!
Sealing your marble will protect against staining and scratching. Once you seal marble floors, cleanup is easy and low maintenance. A sealant application will preserve the natural beauty of your marble. Call your friendly local marble sealing company, Texas Stone Sealers, today for a free estimate. We can be reached at (888) 726-4655.
