| The Importance of Cleaning |
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The daily removal of ordinary dirt and soil is an important phase in the
maintenance of marble. Sweeping compounds containing oil must never be used on
marble because they will eventually discolor the surface. If floor is heavily
trafficked it should be cleaned daily and rinsed with clean water until all
traces of dirt solution are removed. Marble should then be allowed to dry.
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| Marble Maintenance Procedures |
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The care and cleaning of marble
products is quite simple, if the proper procedures are followed, products will
maintain their natural beauty and durability for a lifetime. To ensure the best
service from marble products, clean the product thoroughly after installation,
and follow up a regular maintenance program.
Immediately after completing installation, wash the floor clean of loose
debris, dirt and foreign material. Use clean, soft cloths, sponges or mops and
fresh warm water. Allow to dry. A second rinse application may be required to
remove any additional film. Apply a thin, even coat of sealer and allow to dry
for 3-5 minutes, removing excess sealer before it dries. If too much of
material is applied, it may be removed by re-applying sealer to re-activate
residue, buffing it off before it dries. Finished area can be used for normal
foot traffic in 3-5 hours, but must be kept dry and free of staining agents for
72 hours.
It is strongly recommended that the above-mentioned procedures be completed
immediately after installation and repeated in a regular maintenance program.
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| Suggestions for the Maintenance of Marble |
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| The physical characteristics of
marble govern the methods of maintenance and the products chosen to treat and
maintain it properly. Marble is a natural product of crystallized rock composed
of calcium carbonate. Generally, marble used in the interior of buildings for
decorative purposes has either a polished finish (glossy surface reflecting
light) or a honed one (dull and smooth surface giving relatively little
reflection of light). Each of these types of marble finishes should be treated
in the same manner.
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| Why Does Marble Need Maintenance? |
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| Because marble is naturally
porous, it is necessary to use a penetrating (not surface) sealer. Such
penetrating products fill the pits and voids and actually become an integral
part of the floor itself. The primary purpose of sealing is to provide
protection to the marble itself. Ordinary dirt and soil are sealed out of the
floor as if all pits and voids have been filled and sealed. They are held on
the surface where they can easily be removed. Marble floors properly sealed and
finished are easy to clean and maintain. Marble floor should not be sealed
until the surface is thoroughly cleaned and dried.
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| Why Marble Should Be Kept Clean?
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The secret to beautiful marble is
merely keeping it clean agents original treatment with sealer. Complicated
cleaning agents and maintenance procedures will never be needed if the marble
surfaces are regularly cleaned. If marble deteriorates it is simply because
it’s cleaning has been neglected or harsh damaging cleaners have been used.
When marble is neglected dirt and grease are allowed to accumulate, therefore
the surface can be damaged almost beyond repair and cracks can be caused by
general deterioration. Improper cleaning materials such as those containing
alkali, acid metallic salts or other strong ingredients actually attack the
marble itself and increase and enlarge dirt catching pores. Soap or abrasive
type cleaners should never be used on marble surfaces. This type of cleaner
reacts with the calcium carbonate /the marble itself to build a soapy scum
which destroys the beauty of the marble and forms a greasy or slippery film
that will catch or hold dirt.
The use of an abrasive cleaner will result in unsightly scratches on the
surface. Abrasive cleaners are almost impossible to remove by rinsing and
normal foot traffic will grind the left over abrasive particles into the
surface, thus running the floor. The ideal cleaner should be first of all,
effective in removing soil. Secondly, it should not develop any damaging
discoloration or surface film. It should be rinsed free even in hard water.
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| Special Notes |
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| Professional cleaners: a skilled,
knowledgeable in-house maintenance staff should be able to maintain the
products successfully. For consistency and proper tools it may be advisable to
hire a marble contractor or a professional cleaning contractor. Maintenance
people must be aware of previously used waxes and of residuary materials on the
surfaces. Proper removal and cleaning must be accomplished prior to applying
any maintenance products.
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Disclaimer: The information provided at this page is property of
StoneTileDepot.com and cannot be copied without a written authorization from
StoneTileDepot.com. StoneTileDepot.com is not responsible for any damages,
losses or injuries that may be caused by the information provided here. It is
the customers responsibility to make sure that proper installation, care, and
guidelines are used before using any of products.
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