How to Clean Marble Floors

Marble floors are easily scratched and stained, so it’s important that you know how to clean marble floors properly before you proceed. If you or your landlord have the floors buffed and sealed on an annual basis, you’ll be able to clean better with less risk for scratching the surfaces.

Tools Needed:

• Soft bristle broom and dust pan or soft-bristled vacuum
• Sponge mop
• Soft towel
• PH-neutral cleaning solution (or make your own with 1 gallon warm water and 1/4 cup pH-neutral dish detergent)
• Warm water

Step 1: Remove Dust and Debris

Use your broom or vacuum to gently remove dust or debris from your marble floors. Daily removal of dust and is the first step that anyone who knows how to clean marble floors undertakes for regular maintenance. Leaving dust and debris on your floor can contribute to scratches on the delicate surface.

Step 2: Test the Cleaner on the Floor

In an apartment especially, where you may be responsible for damage to the flooring, you have to know how to clean marble floors properly and that means making sure your cleaner won’t stain the marble. Many cleaners–particularly those with acidic content–will permanently stain marble. If you opt for a pH-neutral cleaner, you should be safe. However, you should test the cleaner first by spraying a rag and rubbing the rag into a small, out-of-the-way corner of the marble. Allow it to soak and see if there is any damage.

Step 3: Mop with the Cleaner and Water

Once you’re sure the cleaner won’t stain the marble, you can mop the floor with a mixture of warm water and cleaner (equal parts water and cleaner). Use a sponge mop so you can make minimal strokes across the floor in back and forth motions. The less often something passes over your marble floor, the lesser the chance for scratches.

Step 4: Dry with a Towel

Anyone who knows how to clean marble floors can tell you that leaving a marble floor to dry naturally increases your risk for water stains. Once you’ve finished mopping a section of the surface, take a soft towel and dry the area in a circular or back-and-forth motion.