Marble floors provide a touch of richness and sophistication to any house, making them a classic and graceful feature. But additional consideration and care are needed to keep them in perfect order. Marble is a delicate, porous natural stone that is readily harmed by some cleaning agents. The incorrect products used can cause etching, dullness, discoloration, and even irreversible damage. That’s why having professional assistance from an expert like https://www.handymansingapore.net/marble-polishing/ is crucial as they have extensive knowledge about all aspects and know what’s bad for the marble. This article discusses cleaning agents that might damage marble floors and provides advice on how to safeguard your investment.
Acidic Cleaners:
One of the things that damages marble flooring the most is acidic cleaning solutions. The primary ingredient in marble is calcium carbonate, which reacts adversely with acids. Lemon juice, vinegar, and commercial products with strong acids like phosphoric acid or hydrochloric acid are common acidic cleaners. These cleansers have the potential to produce etching, a chemical reaction that leaves the marble surface with dull patches or markings. Even a brief contact with acidic materials can cause harm that is apparent. You can also hire a professional like https://www.handymansingapore.net/marble-polishing/ to perform the cleaning.
Scrubbing Pads And Abrasive Cleaners:
Marble floors are also harmed by scrubbing pads and abrasive cleaners. Marble surfaces may get scratched by abrasive cleansers’ particles, and physical harm may result from scrubbing pads—especially those with rough textures. Even if these scratches are not very deep, they add up over time to give the floor a worn-out, dull appearance. To clean your marble flooring, use a microfiber mop or a soft cloth instead.
Ammonia and Bleach:
When cleaning marble flooring, conventional household cleaners like bleach and ammonia should be avoided. Being extremely alkaline, these two substances have the potential to cause discoloration or dullness. Bleach is especially dangerous because it not only ruins marble but also releases toxic fumes that can be damaging to one’s health. Although ammonia is not as strong as bleach, it is still not recommended because it can cause harm to surfaces.
All-Purpose Generic Cleaners:
A lot of all-purpose cleaners are made up of a combination of chemicals that work well on some surfaces but not on marble. Marble can be harmed by the acids, alkalis, or abrasives found in these items. It is important to always check the label to make sure the cleaner is made especially for marble or other natural stone surfaces. If a product isn’t specifically labeled as safe for marble, steer clear of it.
Commercial Bathroom Cleaners:
Bathroom cleansers frequently contain powerful acids or abrasives because they are designed to remove stubborn stains and soapy residue. Marble surfaces can be easily dulled and etched by these substances. It is advisable to test commercial cleansers that are listed as safe for natural stone on a small, discrete area before applying them fully. It’s important to realize that different natural stones react differently, and that what works for quartz or granite could not work for marble.
DIY Cleaning Solutions:
Although a lot of people use natural alternatives like homemade cleaning solutions, not all of them are suitable to use on marble. As previously indicated, vinegar and lemon juice are common do-it-yourself cleansers, but they are acidic and can damage marble. Another popular DIY cleaner is baking soda, which is rather abrasive and can harm marble if applied frequently. Select pH-neutral solutions, such as a blend of water and mild dish soap, if you prefer making your own cleaning supplies.
Cleaning Cloths:
Because of their ease, disinfecting wipes are frequently used, but they might include chemicals like alcohol and acids that can harm marble. These wipes are too abrasive for delicate marble surfaces because they are made to destroy bacteria and viruses. To safely clean your marble floors, use a soft cloth wet with a moderate, pH-neutral cleaner instead of disinfecting wipes.
