If you are considering installing tile, or are looking for tips to keep your existing tile glossy and shiny, take a look at these tips. Marble is an extremely popular option for floors, walls, and countertops, but with the benefits comes additional responsibilities. Maybe, unlike some other materials, is notorious for requiring extra attention to keep it pristine. You can not use the same cleaning supplies for marble as what you would normally use on other surfaces without risking acid etching, clouding, or other degradations, but if you follow these five steps, you will keep your marble looking as good as the day it was first installed. Once you know how to maintain your marble, get more marble ideas here!
Tip 1: Start With a Dry Cloth
Before you apply any cleaning products to your marble, make sure that you have removed any debris with a soft, dry cloth. This will remove any bigger pieces of dirt off the surface, and can reduce any long-term wear and tear from dragging large, abrasive materials across your polished marble which could lead to scuffing or dulling.
Tip 2: Clean Spills Immediately
Marble is more porous than some other traditional options, and therefore absorbs stains faster than a formica or granite. However, this simply means that you will want to clean up anything that spills on your marble faster than you might with a different floor or countertop. If you are diligent with cleaning spills, you are already on the right path to keeping your marble shining and attractive for many years to come.
Tip 3: Marble Sealers
Since marble is more porous than other rocks like granite or soapstone, you need to be sure that you use a sealer to keep the pores protected. When you use a sealer to put a shell around your marble, you are creating a protective barrier that keeps liquids out of the pores, and adding an additional line of defense against microabrasions that will dull your glossy surface.
Tip 4: Polish
The key to any shining surface is a good layer of polish. Not only will polish make your marble surface more attractive once you have applied a fresh coat, but you are also adding an additional layer of protection for the porous surface against any possible stains. Keeping up with your polish on marble will give you the double benefit of a shiny surface, and long-term protection to keep it looking new.
Tip 5: Coasters
If you think about your marble as you would a high-end wooden surface, it will help you remember that your marble is susceptible to stains and discoloration. Using coasters underneath any sort of glass, mug, or can will keep them from sweating directly onto your marble, and will reduce or eliminate the risk of any acids etching your gloss. The same applies for bathrooms – put down a protective layer to keep your toiletries away from direct contact to keep your vanity fresh and glossy.
Know Your Marble
When you decide to use marble for a wall, floor, or countertop, you are deciding to upgrade your space with an attractive, classic material. However, it is important that you understand the unique characteristics and care requirements to keep your investment looking as attractive as the day it was installed. Following these tips, and working with a professional for installation, is a great way to get a complete idea of how to protect your surfaces.