Granite and marble are two of the most popular natural stone floors. Natural stone floors are non-flammable, allergy-friendly, and abrasion resistant. They also come in rich colors and intricate structures that can be used to create individual interior designs. It will last for many years if it is properly maintained and cleaned.
Table of Contents
Silky texture and stunning shine
External influences like heat and pressure over very long periods of time made it possible to create marble from limestone. Since ancient times, marble’s soft texture and intricate design have been a fascination for people. The sheen that emerges from polishing is amazing. Other characteristics of limestone were also preserved throughout the process of geological formation. When planning maintenance, it is important to take into account the acid sensitivity and open-pored texture of marble floors.
Because of its low hardness, scratches are often more noticeable than in very hard granite. Laymen can polish marble floors themselves, which is another advantage of soft rock types. You can also grind or repair quirks. Hard stone processing requires special equipment and expertise. These stone floors should be restored only by professionals.
What time do you need to polish?
When the original, high-quality shine of natural stone floors has been lost in some way or another, a polish is applied. This is due to the fact that natural stone can become matted over time from the strain on marble. This is normal. Acidic cleaners can damage marble, causing the natural stone floor to lose its shine. Avoid using acidic cleaners to clean your stone. Instead, use natural stone-specific care products.
Why we need Polishing natural stone ?
- Polishing natural stones such as marble can make them look elegant and high quality. To make natural stone floors last as long as possible, it is important to maintain them.
- A new polish will be required if the natural stone is no longer shining. Natural stones lose their shine over time and gradually become duller.
- Particularly, harsh cleaning agents that get on natural stone floors can cause damage to the floor. Acids can damage the floor by causing it to become acidic.
- Natural floors should be cleaned with gentler cleaning agents than those used for concrete. However, polishing makes stone more resistant to chemicals.
- However, any stain can cause floor damage. Orange juice, for instance, can cause damage to natural stone when it falls on it.
- If the natural stone is to be protected from this, it must be impregnated. Impregnation should be done every four years. A protective membrane is applied to the floor to protect natural stones from being damaged.
Cultured or natural marble?
Before you polish your marble, make sure you check its culture. This will not only affect your polish selection but also the process. This can be tested by placing the marble in a shaded place and observing if it feels warm or cold.
Marble feels cold.
If this is the case, it is most likely that the marble is natural marble. Natural marble is typically colder than ambient temperature. This will cause bubbles when you add vinegar to the mixture, but this is not something we recommend.
Marble doesn’t feel cold:
Cultured marble will not be more cold than the surrounding environment. This marble is artificially aged using an ageing drum.
A typical texture for a marble slab used as a floor
Surfactants in household cleaners can cause marble surfaces to shine, despite their appearance at first. Pores on the other side allow the substance to penetrate. Surfactant deposits bind dirt and cause the process to be reversed. Special products can be provided by dealers for marble care. Natural stone floors will provide you with pleasure for many years after you have finished cleaning them.
How to Polish Natural Stone :Preparation
Different equipment will be used depending on the size of the natural stones’ matte surfaces. The procedure is therefore different.
- Take a look at the natural stone. A large polishing machine is needed if the floor becomes dull. This machine can be used to polish the entire floor.
- You can use a hand polishing machine if you have only small areas that are dull.
- In specialized shops, you can rent polishing machines. You can also hire a professional to professionally polish your natural stone floors.
- You must grind the stone if there are any scratches in the natural stone. Water can enter cracks and cause damage to the stone.
- A special machine is used to grind natural stone.
There are many polishing agents available for natural stones in specialty and building stores. You need to choose the correct agent depending on the type of stone you are polishing. A crystallization fluid is appropriate for marble.
- Use a polishing machine to lightly polish the stone. You should polish carefully.
- Use the liquid to form the stone.
- This will soften and polish the natural stones.
- Keep polishing the floor until it reaches the desired shine.
- Make sure you clean the granite or natural stone before polishing it. Clean the stone’s surface with a brush to remove any dirt.
Avoid acidic polishes
It is important to remember that marble belongs in the limestone category. Therefore, you should not use acidic agents when choosing a polishing agent. They degrade the stone’s surface and can cause severe damage. It is not recommended to polish or clean marble with any agents with a pH value that is higher than neutral. Use one of these polishes for marble:
- Mixture of baking powder and water (50g of baking soda per Liter of water);
- Natural marble can be polished with special marble polish;
- Special marble polish for cultured marron
Maintaining your home with mild cleaners
You will not need to polish marble if you make the usual cleaning mistakes. Too much enthusiasm when cleaning can lead to visual impairment. You can remove any loose particles using a soft brush and a broom. Common soiling can usually be removed with warm water. When you do this, make sure to not add too much moisture. After wet cleaning, lime deposits can remain on surfaces which makes them appear dull.
You will need to use a special cleaner for marble floors that is capable of removing stubborn stains or basic cleaning.
The natural properties of a material determine how it unfolds. Microfiber cloths can be damaged by hard sponges and abrasive cleaners. The stone type is attacked by acids and sharp materials. Natural cleaning agents such as acetic acid or fruit acids are just as unsuitable as those that have been chemically prepared.