How to Clean Marble Floors Without Scratching or Staining Them, According to Experts

Marble flooring can instantly elevate the look of any home. A paragon of timelessness and luxury, marble is a natural stone well-known for its unique characteristics, durability, and brilliant shine. However, marble is also known to be more challenging to maintain than other common flooring materials.

For all of its pros, marble's porous nature means it can be more easily scratched and stained than some of its counterparts. To keep your marble floors in excellent condition, learning how to properly clean marble floors is essential. "Even the smallest abrasive particles can create scratches in marble floors," cautions Chris Willatt, owner of Alpine Maids.

For a gentle yet effective cleaning routine, we turned to the experts. Below, see how professional cleaners tackle marble floors.

Materials Needed:

• A soft sweeper broom or vacuum with soft brush attachment
• Mild dish soap or commercial marble cleaning solution
• A soft mop
• Microfiber cloths
• Hot water

What Not to Use:

Think soft and gentle when it comes to caring for your marble floors. Remember, this is an organic material that will show its age if not tended to properly. You'll want to avoid harsh chemicals and cleaning agents, such as the following.

• Vinegar, bleach, or ammonia
• Abrasive cleaners and tools like scouring pads
• Cleaning products specially formulated for other types of natural stone

How to Clean Marble Floors

Remember: these dazzling floors are yours for life if you care for them properly. Consider treating your marble floors as you would your most treasured jewelry, as this tile is as costly as it is unique.

Cleaning expert Michael Bogoyavlenskiy, CEO of Cleaning Express, suggests this effective method for cleaning your marble floors. Before beginning, make sure to spot test any new cleaning products in an inconspicuous area to ensure it’s safe to use.

1. Remove dust and debris by sweeping the floor with a soft sweeper broom or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment. Do not use a stiff brush or the carpet setting on your vacuum cleaner head. “Rough bristles could scratch the marble,” warns Bogoyavlenskiy.
2. To ready your cleaning solution, mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a gallon of warm water. Alternatively, you can opt for a specialized marble floor cleaner, which is widely available and designed exclusively for use on natural stone.
3. Mop your floor using your DIY or commercial cleaning solution and a soft-headed mop. Avoid using mops with abrasive strips, as these can also scratch the marble. Dip the mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out to prevent the floor from getting excessively wet. Work in small areas, rinsing the mop after every use.
4. Use a second bucket of clean, warm water to rinse the floor. Wring out the mop as you go.
5. Dry and buff the floor to a shine with a clean microfiber towel, working in large circles. Consider swapping out towels when the one in use becomes wet, as standing water can leave behind water stains and spots.

How Often to Clean Marble Floors

Most cleaning experts can agree that a full cleaning of your floors should be done on a weekly basis, with additional upkeep and lighter-lift care performed more frequently. Delah Gomasi, CEO at MaidForYou, one of the highest-rated cleaning companies in Sydney, Australia, recommends sweeping your floors about 4 to 7 times per week to prevent scratches caused by surface debris.

Tips and Tricks for Keeping Marble Floors Spotless

To best maintain your marble floor's luster and its cleanliness, consider the following expert-approved tips and tricks.

• Avoid using bristle brooms or brushes, which could inflict permanent micro scratches on your marble floors. Not only unsightly, scratches “can also create safe havens for dirt, grime and mildew to grow,” says Willatt.
• According to Gomasi, using distilled water is best for cleaning marble floors. It lacks the minerals of hard water and is less likely to leave behind stain-causing residue, he explains.
• Avoid highly concentrated cleaning solutions that can leave a film-like residue on your flooring's surface. (This can leave marble floors looking dull.)
• Sealant prevents stains from penetrating the porous surface of marble and should be reapplied every 8 to 12 months, depending on the condition of your floors. (Homes with pets and more foot traffic may require re-sealing more frequently.
• Make use of doormats, rugs, and felt furniture pads in high-traffic areas to prevent scuffing, says Bogoyavlenskiy.