Keep your marble tiles in constant good condition

Marble is a material that has historically stood out for being used in the construction of famous works of art and world-renowned structures.

Although marble is considered a soft stone and can be damaged by dirt or other materials that can scratch its surface, it has not swayed many people to use this stone as a material of choice for home applications. It is a fact that marble can become dented by wax buildup or by using improper cleaning materials. Acidic materials such as cola, cleaners, coffee, fruit juice, and wine can dull the surface.

Now that more people are using marble tile in their kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, and entryways, the demand for marble tile cleaning products is growing. With proper maintenance and upkeep, it is not that difficult to clean marble tiles. Natural stone tiles, such as marble, granite, slate, or more, are typically priced at $2 per square foot, or $200 for 10×10 feet, however costs go up considerably for custom designs or specialty orders.

Helpful Tips to Keep in Mind When Installing Marble Tiles

According to building contractors and developers, marble tile can be installed over an existing floor, as long as it is smooth, level, clean, and well attached to the subfloor; otherwise, it must be removed. These types of tiles must be laid dry and all pieces must be cut to fit before gluing and spreading the mortar between the tiles.

There is usually a chance that it will break when cutting, so it is standard practice to ask for an extra 10 to 20 percent. This means that you will have some available for future repairs. If you are using manufactured tile of any type, make sure they are all from the same batch and shade number, or are made from the same batch. Also, tile grout comes in a variety of colors and should be selected to match your tile.

Marble Floor Maintenance Tips

To keep your marble floors sparkling, you need to make sure you keep them free of the usual dust and dirt as much as possible. Clean marble tiles by sweeping the floor often with a soft-bristled broom or using a vacuum to pick up loose dirt. If this can’t be done every day, then you could settle for cleaning it two or three times a week. Homeowners should be aware that loose dirt can be easily ground up when people walk on the floor.

If family and friends have been walking on the dirt or mud, you can politely ask them to remove their shoes before walking on the marble tiles. Sand, dirt, and other debris left on the bottom of the shoe is abrasive, as it will scratch the marble and can then grind the dirt deeper into the scratches. As these types of tiles gain in popularity, products to clean them are also being formed.

It would be best to have some cleaners on hand in case of an accidental spill or for regular weekly or monthly cleaning, however you should be sure to read the product label and follow the instructions to the letter. While vinegar is often considered a great household cleaner, it’s not recommended for cleaning marble tile. The acid in the vinegar can damage the surface. Soaps and some mild detergents are not even recommended. However, if you are not using a special marble floor cleaner, use only warm water.

It would also be good to seal and polish this type of tile every few months. The polish will help your floor shine, while the sealer will protect your floors from everyday dirt and grime and make it easier for you to clean your marble tiles on a regular basis. Your local home improvement store is sure to have plenty of options for marble tile cleaners, sealers, polishing materials, and agents.

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