Marble is a beautiful stone that is popular in counter tops and flooring. Marble is an alkaline-based stone composed of calcite and calcium carbonate that contains swirls of veining that can absorb stains. It is vulnerable to scratches and dulling by common foot traffic. If using a commercial cleaner, read the ingredients carefully. Acids such as lemon juice and white vinegar can remove the polish from the marble floor or marble counter top if left over an extended period of time. "No-Streak" cleansers that contain high alkaline can dull or damage the finish of the tile. Marble should only be cleaned with neutral pH detergents. Sweep and/or vacuum the marble tile prior to proceeding to make sure it is clean of all surface dirt. Before trying any cleaning solution on your marble tiled floor or counter top, be sure and check an inconspicuous area to determine effectiveness and to make sure you are not going to dull the finish. If you experience a dulled finish to your test spot, the cleanser is too acidic and could etch the marble.
Granite is one of the most popular counter top stones due to its resistance to stain, scratches and cracks. The only thing that will scratch granite is a diamond or another piece of granite. Granite is an igneous rock formed from liquid magma with a chemical composition similar to that of lava. Granite is a very solid and non-porous rock. It carries a very dense grain and is the hardest of all building stones. It is impervious to stain and will carry a high gloss finish when polished. A neutral pH cleanser along with a semi-annual application of a non-yellowing paste wax is recommended for cleaning of granite tile.
To clean a rust stain from your marble or granite tile, you will need to make a paste of a commercial rust remover (CLR is one choice) and powdered whiting, which is available at your local hardware or paint store. Cover the rust stain with a thick coat of the paste. Cover the paste with plastic wrap sealed with masking tape to keep it damp. Let the poultice sit on the rust stain for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse with clean water, rub dry with a clean towel. Repeat if necessary
Organic Stains
Organic stains such as tea, coffee or tobacco can be removed from your marble or granite tile by soaking in a 20-percent solution of hydrogen peroxide. Using the same poultice method as the one used in rust removal, make your paste with hydrogen peroxide and whiting. Let the covered paste sit on the stain for 24-48 hours before rinsing. If the peroxide is ineffective, substitute mild powdered detergent and begin the process again.
Scratches
As granite is the hardest building stone available, scratches are not something to worry about. You cannot scratch the surface of granite unless you use something like tungsten and diamond tools; however, marble is prone to scratches. To remove scratches from your marble tile, begin with a coarse-grit sandpaper working up to about a 320-grit sandpaper. Work the sandpaper back and forth with moderate pressure sprinkling with water to help reduce friction. After removing the scratches, smooth the surface with a 400 to 600 grit sandpaper. Apply a mixture of rottenstone and water using a felt pad. After application, use a sponge and clean water to remove the rottenstone and water mixture. Polish the marble with a soft cloth.
Daily Maintenance
Marble: Use only warm water and mild detergent to clean your marble tiled floor. Wring out your mop completely to keep excess moisture from the marble. Completely rub the marble tile dry after cleaning as marble is prone to water spots. Remove your shoes to avoid grinding sand and dirt into the porous surface and damaging the surface of the tile. Wear socks or slippers to keep the oils from the bottom of your feet off the tile. The use of a good marble polish can freshen the marble and may help remove small scratches. The use of a commercial floor machine, polishing pad and polishing compound can restore the floor to a natural high polish. Do not use an acrylic or polyurethane finish as it will not allow the marble to breathe, will show scuff marks, peels and scratches easily. Use only a nylon brush to avoid scratching the marble.
Granite: A mixture of non-sudsing ammonia or a mild neutral powdered detergent and water are recommended for daily cleaning.
Note of caution: Both marble and granite tile are extremely slippery when cleaned and polished so extra precautions are necessary to eliminate the possibility of accidents.
