Sunday, May 24, 2009

A Basic Guide To Marble Maintenance

Marble is natural stone that can add a touch of class to your house and enhance your home decor. It differs from other stones because it is very porous. It is gorgeous and its stature and luxurious design cannot be compared with any other artificial or natural stone.

The concept of putting marble in the kitchen or bathroom is not a very good idea. This is because marble stains easily. Hence if you use marble in those places make sure that you take proper care of it. Marble can be best used for table tops, powder baths, tub surrounds, floor tile, marble shower and stone fireplace surroundings. Proper cleaning of marble tiles is simple. Read on as we give you some great tips on marble maintenance…

In order to make your marble tiles sparkle always, make it sure to keep it away from everyday’s dirt and dust. The marble tiles should be cleaned by sweeping the floor. Use a vacuum cleaner or a soft bristled broom to pick the loose dirt. If doing this becomes a problem for everyday, then it should be done at least thrice a week.

Once you have removed the loose dirt from the floor it needs to be mopped. You can best maintain the marble tiles by using a soft cloth and cleaning it with lukewarm water. The marble tiles should be wiped occasionally with non-abrasive and milder industrial detergents. It must be wiped dry thoroughly after cleansing.

A light wax coat can be applied to get the maximum protection. However, this choice is an optional one because marble would not gain and would involve additional cost.

Marble tends to fade away with passage of time. This doesn’t detract much from its elegant beauty. The luster of faded marble tiles can be repaired effectively by specialty cleaning agents like tin dioxide. If utilized in combination with electric floor polish or manual polish or vacuum cleaner, it freshens up the marble’s lost shine.

It is possible to keep the marble tiles in good condition with proper care. It should be cleaned properly with conventional, gentle cleaning products. Most of the stains can be eased out with hydrogen peroxide. Polishing the marble tiles can also keep it looking new.

However, marble cannot withstand harsh cleaning mediums especially materials like acids and heavy detergents. Marble has a slightly unstable chemical mixture. Calcium carbonate is the main ingredient of marble. So, it is important to keep in mind that it dramatically and immediately reacts with acid resulting in scarring and pitting. Substances like juice, coffee and wine can easily etch, stain or dull the polish easily even if it has been sealed.

It is important to be aware of loose dirt, which can easily be brought in with people walking all over the floor. For example, if friends and family have been walking in mud or dirt, you should inform them to remove their sandals and shoes before stepping on your marble tiles. Dirt, sand and other debris on shoe’s bottom is abrasive to the marble tiles. It scratches the marble and unless it is immediately removed can cause harm to your floor surface.

Marble definitely can accentuate the décor of your house. So make sure that you maintain it to ensure that the beauty of your house stays unmatched.

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