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Marble Care |
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Usually selected for their unique colorings and the elegance they project, these stones are generally softer than granite and the polished surface is prone to scratching. More care and attention is required to maintain their sometimes fragile beauty. Regular cleaning and sweeping floor areas to remove grit goes a long way towards a preventative maintenance program. Be aware that hard-soled shoes can carry damaging dirt and gravel from outside – entrance mats are very important. Ladies high-heel shoes and other metal tipped shoes can also scratch marble floor tiles. Consequently, we believe you should be realistic about the expected pattern of wear in an entrance area or a commonly frequented living area compared to, say, an en-suite or bathroom where bare feet or slippers are usually the case. It’s not necessary to be a "slave" to your cleaning, but enough that you should be able to recognize potential problems before they make a permanent impact. If you choose to install polished marble flooring in a moderate to heavy wear area, it’s not unusual for the surface to "settle" to a gloss finish that is easy to maintain; but still somewhat removed from the showroom "mirror" finish you may have first seen. In such instances you still retain the beauty and color of the natural stone – simply look at the great palaces and cathedrals of Europe. The simple truth is that modern stone processing techniques produce such a high degree of polish that it is compared to glass on a scale of reflectivity. Maintaining that high degree of polish in any floor area subject to moderate foot traffic can be difficult, so save yourself the heartache of worrying about every little scratch or scuff and be realistic about your expectations. Spills should be wiped up as soon as possible. Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and fruit juices contain mild acids and can etch the polished surface of a stone and stain quite rapidly. These should be cleaned off immediately with a mild soap and warm water. Remember – do not use any abrasive cleansers. In order to prevent staining or dirt build-up, regular cleaning is recommended. Stones should be rinsed weekly with warm water and a non-abrasive, clear, non-acidic soap. For polished marble and granite, we also recommend periodic application of a marble floor polish. This polish remains on the surface of the stone, enhancing the luster and shine of the marble while affording an extra measure of protection. If you choose to vacuum, please take extra care to avoid metal components of the suction head coming into contact with the floor – these have the potential to scratch marble tile surfaces. It’s also advisable to fit felt or rubber under chairs or heavy furniture. Generally, we recommend the purchase of a commercial fringe mop for day to day removal of dust and grit. A fringe mop is a fast, easy to use alternative: there is little weight on the mop head and a couple of minutes at a time will be enough for the average feature floor area. A vigorous shake outside to remove grit and you have just completed a large part of your preventative maintenance program. Of course, you will have to be extra careful if you have gravel outside your entrance – make sure there are good mats both inside and out to remove as much of the offending grit as early as possible. Bathrooms Marbles, Limestones and Travertines are usually chosen for these areas because the colorings tend to be "softer" and more elegant. However, compared to granite the polished surface is also softer, so a little extra care and attention is warranted. Sealing a vanity top will protect against everyday spills and staining, but there are some influences found in the bathroom that will attack the stone itself – which will manifest itself by etching or removing the polish. Be careful with perfumes, toothpaste and nail polish solvents – just as you use a soap dish it’s advisable to find a suitable glass or ceramic tray to stand your toiletries in. We also recommend that you apply a marble sealer to marble tile areas in the shower recess and surrounding toilet bowls. In the shower recess it simply makes life easier for you when you have to clean. Around toilet bowls we have a different motivation. Uric Acid can etch marble, so keep an eye on this potential problem area. Don’t use harsh alkaline or acid based cleaners. Similarly, don’t use abrasive cream cleaners or scouring products of any type. |
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