Cleaning marble calls for an understanding of the nature of the stone, the soils to be removed and the cleaning solutions being applied. Patience and thoughtfulness, rather than brawn, are required. Further, if you have sufficient marble you should establish a maintenance program using only products specifically formulated for marble.

The following are some issues and general guidelines for maintaining marble, travertine, terrazzo, agglomerate tiles and similar limestone products:

Water: Most city water systems provide soft water; in which most mineral impurities have been removed. Hard water has calcium, magnesium and other mineral ions that can reduce the effectiveness of cleaning compounds and react with soap-type solutions to produce insoluble salts and/or soap scum. Therefore, where avoidable, hard water should not be used for cleaning and rinsing marble. Over a period of time, hard water will encourage discoloration, particularly if iron is present, and cause the build-up of insoluble salts. Even though commercial cleaners usually contain water softeners, such as sodium carbonate, aluminosilicates, sodium citrate, etc., it is best to avoid using hard water for repeated cleaning of marble products.

Water Temperature: Though hot water usually facilitates cleaning, it alone can dull some polished varieties of serpentine, black and darker marbles. More importantly, in regards to a thinner marble, the thermal shock of applying a copious amount of very hot water can stress the marble, and even crack it. Therefore, to be on the safe side, use water not hotter than 120OF for interior marble.

Household Polished Marble: For periodic cleaning of polished finished pieces and small areas, warm water applied with a clean, lint free cloth, then wiped dry with a soft cloth is sufficient. If the marble has become soiled, a "soapless" cleaning solution is preferred; these include mild, phosphate-free cleaners, biodegradable liquid dish-soaps, general household neutral cleaners and soap powders. You must rinse thoroughly. A test application is advisable with porous, polished limestone marbles and serpentine marbles. Warm water mixed with one of the following general cleaners makes a good light cleaning solution for marble and marble poultices. (1 oz to 1 1/2 gal of water should be sufficient in most cases.) Rinse thoroughly with clean water once you have completed the cleaning.

Suggested products: Ultra Joy^®,Ultra Dawn^®, or Ultra Ivory^® Liquid Dishwashing Detergents.

Household Cleaning Products/Solutions: You may use or improvise certain household cleaners to clean marble in your home, but caution should always be exercised. Some of the solutions mentioned here are directed at particular soils or stains, and are not intended for general cleaning of marble, unless specifically noted. As a rule, do not use any cleaning solution which contains any form of acids, phosphorus, chlorine or scouring powders on polished marble, unless adhering to the cautions and/or formulas provided. Furthermore, it is always prudent, particularly with the more fragile marbles, to make a test application in an inconspicuous area to assure that the product is compatible with the mineral content of the marble you are cleaning.

Equipment: Always make certain that buckets, brushes, mops, rags, etc., are free from any grit or residues that may remain from previous use which can mar the marble you are cleaning. Be careful to use only white or colorfast cloths because the dyes in colored cloths or sponges may discolor lighter marbles.

Drying: Drying time is related to the size of the area. The larger the area worked, the longer that section of stone is saturated with water, the longer it will take to dry. Work a small section at a time.

Restoring Marble Surfaces

Hazing and Scratches: Marble polishes up to a highly reflective surface by honing it smoother and smoother to a point where all light that is hitting the marble surface is reflected back from a single plane. Cleaning may haze polished finishes and the surface may be etched from drinks or food. Scratches are inevitable on floors, table tops, marble counters, etc. Generally, when marble becomes dull and scratched it should be re-polished by a professional, since there is an art to polishing.

Over a period of time all marble will be abraised, etched, and/or scratched depending on its use. Major restorations usually are best left to the stone restoration contractor. A contractor will evaluate the stone, the cause of the damage, and provide a concise plan to reach specific goals.

Do not compare bids on cost alone. You must have confidence that the restoration contractor understands the stone, has qualified employees, proper equipment and the experience to meet reasonable expectations. Determine in detail how the contractor will proceed and plan for the disruption such work involves. The contractor should recommend a maintenance program to assure longevity of the finished work.

31-01 Broadway
Fair Lawn, New Jersey 07410
201-796-1844

Site Created by
NET ACTIONS