How to Clean Marble Tile
Cleaning marble tile floors and showers requires careful handling to maintain their beauty and prevent damage. In this article we will provide step-by-step instructions for safely and effectively cleaning marble tile floors and showers.
What You'll Need
- Dish soap or commercial stone tile cleaning product
- Bucket
- Soft mop or microfiber cloth
- Soft towels or squeegee
How to Clean Marble Floors
Step 01 of 05: Remove Loose Dirt
Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris.
Step 02 of 05: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap or a commercial stone tile cleaner. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners as they can etch the marble.
Step 03 of 05: Mop the Floor
Dip the mop or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution, wring it out well so it’s damp but not soaking, and mop the floor gently. Avoid using too much water as it can penetrate the marble and cause damage.
Step 04 of 05: Rinse the Floor
Rinse the mop or cloth with clean water, wring thoroughly, and mop the floor again to remove any soap residue.
Step 05 of 05: Dry the Floor
Immediately dry the floor with soft towels to prevent water spots and streaks.
How to Clean Marble Tile Showers
Step 01 of 06: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or a pH-neutral cleaner in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
Step 02 of 06: Wet the Surface
Generously spray the marble surfaces with the cleaning solution, letting it sit for a few minutes to loosen any soap scum or mineral deposits.
Step 03 of 06: Gently Scrub
Starting from top to bottom, wipe down the tiles and grout lines with your microfiber cloth, paying extra attention to areas with soap scum or grime.
Step 04 of 06: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the tiles with clean water, making sure all soap and cleaner residues are washed away.
Step 05 of 06: Dry and Polish
Use a squeegee or a clean, soft towel to remove any excess moisture from the marble surface. This will help prevent water spots and mildew growth.
Step 06 of 06: Regular Maintenance
To prevent soap scum and hard water deposits from building up, squeegee the tiles after each shower and consider applying a marble sealer periodically for extra protection.
Cleaning Marble Tile FAQs
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For everyday stains, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply the paste to the stain, cover it with plastic wrap, and leave it overnight. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely. For stubborn stains or deep cleaning, it's best to consult a professional stone cleaning service.
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The best cleaner for marble tiles is one that is pH-neutral and specifically designed for marble and other natural stone surfaces. Marble is sensitive to high acidity, which can cause etching and dulling. A pH-neutral cleaner ensures safe cleaning without damaging the stone.
Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of the marble tile before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you check for any adverse reactions.
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Getting your marble tile's original shine back is a relatively easy process. After your regular cleaning routine, use a dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface of the marble tiles. Buffing will help remove any residue and bring back a nice shine.
If this does not bring back sufficient shine, you can use a commercial stone polishing product. Choose a polish specifically designed for natural stone. Apply the polish according to the manufacturer's instructions, which typically involve buffing the product onto the clean, dry surface with a soft cloth.
For a DIY solution to getting your marble tiles to shine again, mix a solution of one part water and one part baking soda and spread that across the entire surface. Once the surface has been coated, remove the mixture with a mop and clean water. Gently buff the tiles until they are dry.