Maintenance of Polished Marble Floors

Recommendations

Lithofin cleaning products available from Stone Tile Warehouse.

“Enjo” Mopping implement and fabrics – “Enjo” products and method cleaning products contact Kathy Smith 0400363960

Neutral Detergent recommendation: Johnsons “View Quick” and “Tempo Heavy Duty Cleaner available from:

  • Bunzl Cash Store: 346 Newcastle Street, Perth 9328 4200
  • Campbells Janitor Supplies: 22 Irvine Street, Bayswater
  • 9370 5100Statewide Cleaning Supplies: 39 Frobisher Street, Osborne Park 9444 8677

Selection Considerations

In determining the suitability of a polished marble floor finish for a particular application, awareness of material and surface finish characteristics are important as the extent of any pitting or fissures varies with each material. Fissures, pitting and veins may show up as a break in the polish.

Some materials may have variations in density resulting in high and low spots in the polish. Characteristics such as veins or fissures may “open” or become more apparent with wear & time. If you are not clear about this aspect of the material you are considering please discuss it with one of our consultants. The vulnerability of the polish to abrasive action, and the risk of staining due to the porous nature of the material, can fortunately both be minimised. This is due to the availability of impregnating sealers or surface sealers which protect and enhance the polished finish while also reducing the risk of staining.

Any measure that can be taken to minimise tracking of sand or other similarly abrasive materials from adjacent or external areas should be considered a priority (e.g. mats and use of other entries for regular internal and external traffic). Careful consideration must be given to the fact that in any potential application site conditions as well as owner expectations are usually unique to that particular situation.

Washing and Cleaning

Normal household maintenance involves periodic washing with clean, potable water. A dash of methylated spirits can be added to help minimise streaking or the need for dry buffing on completion. (Do not use Ajax, Jiff or other aggressive cleaning products).

Alternatively consider Johnsons View Quick non-rinse cleaner, (see recommendation below).  For removal of difficult marks, we recommend “Tempo Heavy Duty Cleaner” (see recommendation below). “Tempo” is an aggressive yet non-acidic neutral cleaning agent; however rubber gloves should be used while applying this product.

If choosing to use other household detergents ensure it is neutral and will pose no risk to the marble surface! Mild phosphate-free biodegradable liquid dish soaps, soapflakes or powders are acceptable if rinsing is thorough on completion. If in doubt, dishwashing liquid or shampoo are always safe options.

Enjo Approach

As an environmentally friendly approach consider the “Enjo” approach where washing with cold water only is recommended followed by use of “ Method Squirt and Mop Hard Floor Cleaner”, a chemical-free product that does not require rinsing and leaves an appealing finish on the floor. Due to the availability of new mopping implements and fabrics, washing without the risk of leaving streaks has become easy to achieve (see recommendation below for “Enjo” and “Method” products).

Option specific to stone industry: “Lithofin MN Easy Care” is a cleaning product designed for regular maintenance. MN Easy-Care cleans and enhances in one action (that is, no rinsing required). For removal of difficult marks consider “Lithofin” MN Power Clean (see product recommendations below)

Sealing

On completion of the installation of a polished marble floor, we recommend that it be sealed. Consider penetrating and surface sealer options, (see attached list of recommended sealing products and application contractors). Note that it is critical that the floor is professionally cleaned prior to sealing, allowing adequate time to dry prior to application.

Note that ongoing care and maintenance will vary depending on the choice of sealer and manufactures recommendations. A penetrating sealer or choosing to use no sealer means the polished is completely vulnerable to scratching from any abrasive action such as sand on the sole of a shoe or animal paws.

For further clarification or discussion, please do not hesitate to discuss the above further with our showroom staff.