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The Importance of Cleaning
The daily removal of ordinary
dirt and soil is an important phase in the
maintenance of marble. Sweeping compounds
containing oil must never be used on marble
because they will eventually discolor the
surface. If floor is heavily trafficked it
should be cleaned daily and rinsed with clean
water until all traces of dirt solution are
removed. Marble should then be allowed to dry.
Marble Maintenance Procedures
The care and cleaning of marble products is
quite simple, if the proper procedures are
followed, products will maintain their natural
beauty and durability for a lifetime. To ensure
the best service from marble products, clean the
product thoroughly after installation, and
follow up a regular maintenance program.
Immediately after completing installation, wash
the floor clean of loose debris, dirt and
foreign material. Use clean, soft cloths,
sponges or mops and fresh warm water. Allow to
dry. A second rinse application may be required
to remove any additional film. Apply a thin,
even coat of sealer and allow to dry for 3-5
minutes, removing excess sealer before it dries.
If too much of material is applied, it may be
removed by re-applying sealer to re-activate
residue, buffing it off before it dries.
Finished area can be used for normal foot
traffic in 3-5 hours, but must be kept dry and
free of staining agents for 72 hours.
It is strongly recommended that the
above-mentioned procedures be completed
immediately after installation and repeated in a
regular maintenance program.
Suggestions for the Maintenance of Marble
The physical characteristics of marble govern
the methods of maintenance and the products
chosen to treat and maintain it properly. Marble
is a natural product of crystallized rock
composed of calcium carbonate. Generally, marble
used in the interior of buildings for decorative
purposes has either a polished finish (glossy
surface reflecting light) or a honed one (dull
and smooth surface giving relatively little
reflection of light). Each of these types of
marble finishes should be treated in the same
manner.
Why Does Marble Need Maintenance?
Because marble is naturally porous, it is
necessary to use a penetrating (not surface)
sealer. Such penetrating products fill the pits
and voids and actually become an integral part
of the floor itself. The primary purpose of
sealing is to provide protection to the marble
itself. Ordinary dirt and soil are sealed out of
the floor as if all pits and voids have been
filled and sealed. They are held on the surface
where they can easily be removed. Marble floors
properly sealed and finished are easy to clean
and maintain. Marble floor should not be sealed
until the surface is thoroughly cleaned and
dried.
Why Marble Should Be Kept Clean?
The secret to beautiful marble is merely keeping
it clean agents original treatment with sealer.
Complicated cleaning agents and maintenance
procedures will never be needed if the marble
surfaces are regularly cleaned. If marble
deteriorates it is simply because it’s cleaning
has been neglected or harsh damaging cleaners
have been used. When marble is neglected dirt
and grease are allowed to accumulate, therefore
the surface can be damaged almost beyond repair
and cracks can be caused by general
deterioration. Improper cleaning materials such
as those containing alkali, acid metallic salts
or other strong ingredients actually attack the
marble itself and increase and enlarge dirt
catching pores. Soap or abrasive type cleaners
should never be used on marble surfaces. This
type of cleaner reacts with the calcium
carbonate /the marble itself to build a soapy
scum which destroys the beauty of the marble and
forms a greasy or slippery film that will catch
or hold dirt.
The use of an abrasive cleaner will result in
unsightly scratches on the surface. Abrasive
cleaners are almost impossible to remove by
rinsing and normal foot traffic will grind the
left over abrasive particles into the surface,
thus running the floor. The ideal cleaner should
be first of all, effective in removing soil.
Secondly, it should not develop any damaging
discoloration or surface film. It should be
rinsed free even in hard water.
Special Notes?
Professional cleaners: a skilled, knowledgeable
in-house maintenance staff should be able to
maintain the products successfully. For
consistency and proper tools it may be advisable
to hire a marble contractor or a professional
cleaning contractor. Maintenance people must be
aware of previously used waxes and of residuary
materials on the surfaces. Proper removal and
cleaning must be accomplished prior to applying
any maintenance products. |
