Marble
Maintenance and Cleaning
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Maintenance
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Cleaning Method
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Cleaning Frequency
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| Visual inspection every 5 years. If necessary, cleaning, repointing and surface repairs in accordance with BS 6270: Part 1or CP 67 Part 1: 1997
Thermographic test should be done in every 5 years to detect tile delaminations of tiled walls |
Normal cleaning:
Using high foaming jet with neutral cleaner. Avoid acidic, high alkaline and chlorinated products Periodic cleaning: Warm water* applied with a clean, lint free cloth, then wiped dry with a soft cloth is sufficient. If the marble has become soiled, a “soapless” cleaning solution is preferred; these include mild, phosphate-free cleaners, biodegradable liquid dish-soaps, general household neutral cleaners and soap powders. It has to be rinsed thoroughly. The use of proprietary stone cleaner is also recommended, with method of application in conjunction with manufacturer instruction. As a rule, do not use any cleaning solution which contains any form of acids, phosphorus, chlorine or scouring powders on polished marble, since this will make marble looks dull or known as “orange peel” unless adhering to the cautions and/or formulas provided. Any type of abrasive product should be avoided, in order to prevent scratches and loss of shine |
Once a year |
Sealer / Impregnator
For those used as external façade and interior, usually impregnation or sealing are done before installation to create a water or oil repellant membrane, yet allows the stone to breath and release moisture vapour. This can prevent staining caused by the growth of bacteria, mold and mildew, and also helps to prevent the adhesion and penetration of fluids and dirt.
For textured finishes, such as bush hammered and flame, the use of proprietary stone cleaner is also recommended, with the method of application follow closely with manufacturer instruction. This is normally designed with pH7 balanced, to be safely used without harming the stone’s natural crystalline structure.
* Water
Most city water systems provide soft water; in which most mineral impurities have been removed. Hard water should not be used for cleaning and rinsing marble. Over a period of time, hard water will encourage discoloration, particularly if iron is present, and cause the build-up of insoluble salts. Hard water has calcium, magnesium and other mineral ions that can reduce the effectiveness of cleaning compounds and react with soap-type solutions to produce insoluble salts and/or soap scum. Even though commercial cleaners usually contain water softeners, such as sodium carbonate, alumino silicates, sodium citrate, etc., it is best to avoid using hard water for repeated cleaning of marble products.
Water Temperature
Though hot water usually facilitates cleaning, it alone can dull some polished varieties of serpentine, black and darker marbles. More importantly, in regards to a thinner marble, the thermal shock of applying a copious amount of very hot water can stress the marble, and even crack it. Therefore, to be on the safe side, use water not hotter than 120OF for interior marble.