Marble Floor Cleaning Guide

If they’ve managed to keep the intricate marble floors of St. Mark’s Basilica clean since the 9th century, we can certainly keep our own in top shape – provided we follow the right techniques. Marble floor cleaning isn’t as straightforward as scrubbing any other surface. Marble is a delicate, porous, and soft stone that is easily stained, scratched, or etched by acids and harsh cleaners. Whether your floors are honed, polished, or sealed, they require special care and the right materials to maintain their beauty and durability.

What You’ll Need for Marble Floor Cleaning

To clean your marble floors properly, gather these supplies:

• A broom or a lightweight canister vacuum
• A soft cotton mop or microfiber mop
• A bucket of warm water
• A neutral pH floor cleaner (like Murphy’s Oil Soap or a marble-specific product)
• Clean towels or dry cloths for drying

Sweep or Vacuum Thoroughly

Begin every marble floor cleaning session by removing loose dirt, grit, and dust. While vacuuming may seem counterintuitive for marble (or wood or linoleum), we regularly use a lightweight Sanitaire canister vacuum at Mrs. Clean because it’s incredibly effective at lifting fine debris that sweeping alone can’t fully remove.

Even after vacuuming or sweeping, you may be surprised how much dirt remains – this will be addressed in the next step.

Mop with Warm Water and Neutral Cleaner

Plain warm water is often enough for regular marble floor cleaning. Dip your mop into the water, wring it well to avoid soaking the floor, and gently clean the surface.

For floors that are particularly dirty or greasy, add a neutral pH floor cleaner as per the manufacturer’s directions. At Mrs. Clean, we typically use 1 capful of Murphy’s Oil Soap per gallon of warm water. Never use acidic or alkaline cleaners – no vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or dish soap – as they will damage the marble’s surface.

Dry the Floor Immediately

Marble is vulnerable to water spots and mineral deposits, especially if your water is hard or softened. After mopping, take a clean, dry towel and thoroughly wipe the floor dry. This not only prevents spotting but also lifts any remaining grime the mop may have missed.

Buffing and Scratch Removal

Marble floors benefit from periodic buffing to maintain their shine and remove minor scratches. Inspect the surface after each cleaning for dull spots or etched areas. If needed, rent a floor buffer from your local hardware store and use a marble-safe buffing compound. Follow the equipment and product instructions closely to avoid damage.

Buffing helps restore luster and extends the life of your marble floor’s finish.

Dealing with Stains and Etching

Marble’s porous nature makes it susceptible to staining and etching. Liquids like wine, citrus juice, vinegar, or even high-mineral-content water can leave permanent damage if not cleaned up quickly. Never use harsh chemicals or acidic solutions on your marble floors.

If your marble becomes stained or etched:

• Wipe spills immediately.
• Use only marble-specific stain removers.
• Consider consulting a professional stone restoration expert for deep damage.

Caring for Cultured Marble

Cultured marble is more durable than natural stone but still requires care. Over time, it may lose its shine. To clean:

• Spray with a neutral pH multi-purpose cleaner.
• Wipe dry with a soft, clean cloth to prevent water spots.

Even cultured marble can be scratched or dulled by the wrong cleaners, so avoid abrasive pads and acidic products.

Sealing and Protecting Marble Floors

One of the most critical aspects of long-term marble floor cleaning is sealing. Marble should be sealed using a neutral pH stone sealer recommended by your flooring manufacturer. This protective barrier helps guard against moisture, staining, and etching.

Tips for sealing:

• Clean and dry the floor thoroughly first.
• Apply the sealer evenly according to product instructions.
• Avoid walking on the floor for at least 6–8 hours.
• Reseal every 6–12 months, depending on foot traffic.

If your marble is protected with a floor finish, it should be buffed or burnished periodically to maintain shine and protection.

Marble’s Lasting Beauty

Natural stone floors, especially marble, offer timeless beauty and can last a lifetime when properly cared for. However, this beauty comes with a commitment to regular maintenance, the right tools, and the right techniques.

To summarize:

• Use only neutral pH cleaners.
• Sweep and mop regularly.
• Dry the floor completely after mopping.
• Seal periodically.
• Avoid acidic or abrasive products at all costs.

Marble floor cleaning is as much about prevention and gentle care as it is about cleaning technique. With proper tools, consistent upkeep, and attention to the details, your marble floors can remain as beautiful as the day they were installed – perhaps even worthy of a basilica.