Marble floors sparkle when they are polished and well maintained which makes them highly popular in Singapore. Like other flooring types though, they eventually incur dirt, scratches, and stains.

Fortunately, marble restoration can be achieved through special techniques. There is a wide range of materials that can be used to polish the marble floors depending on the type of damage and discoloration present. To be able to restore and polish your marble floors easily, follow this detailed guide on DIY marble polishing in Singapore.

 

What Is Marble Flooring? 

Marble is a natural stone which is formed when limestone is compressed under a high temperature and pressure for long periods of time. The recrystallization process ensures that the surface formed is smooth. Despite this, crystallization is not recommended for marble polishing. 

 

DIY Marble Polishing Methods

Due to their chemical composition and physical properties, only alkaline or neutral cleaners should be used for polishing marble floors. Any type of acidic cleaners should also be avoided. In addition, only use a soft cloth for wiping as abrasive materials can cause scratches.

Hydrogen Peroxide 

Hydrogen peroxide is often recommended for marble stain removal and polishing light colored marble flooring. When used on darker marble flooring, it could cause bleaching. Therefore, it is recommended to test it first.

This solution is also an accepted method of marble floor polishing in Singapore as it’s effective in removing organic or biological stains. A concentrated version can be applied and left overnight so that it can absorb on the stain. All you have to do the next day is to wash it off. 

Cornstarch

A helpful marble polishing tip is to use cornstarch as it is very effective for cleaning oil and coffee stains since they are easily absorbed. This should be applied on the marble floors overnight so that any visible stains will be removed. Thereafter, it can simply be rinsed off. 

Baking Soda 

When performing the steps for DIY marble polishing, many homeowners make use of baking soda. This can be combined with other materials like water, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide to form a paste. This paste is then applied to the dirty marble floors. After the mixture dries and the visible stains are eliminated, the baking soda can just be washed away using water. 

Acetone 

Acetone isn’t just used in nail polish removers. In fact, it is also a very effective product to use for DIY marble polishing since it does not discolor or bleach. All you need to do is to dip a cotton swab in the acetone and apply it to the stains. Afterwards, rinse the marble floors with water.

Soap and Water 

If you see signs that you require marble polishing, you can use dish soap that has been diluted with water. After this is applied to the marble floors, it should be rinsed off so the floors aren’t too slippery.

Poultice 

If you want to perform DIY floor polishing instead of hiring a professional, you can use poultice to remove stubborn stains. This is normally made by combining baking soda, water, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia. After the stain is cleaned, cover the area with a thin layer of water and apply the poultice over the stain. Once this is done, cover the poultice using plastic wrapping and tape it down with masking tape. Let the poultice sit for two days with tape so that it hardens. 

When the poultice has dried, remove the wrapping and pour half a cup of water so it softens again. Finally, use a plastic or wooden spatula to carefully remove the poultice and clean the area underneath with a soft cloth and water. This is an essential way of maintaining marble floors after completing marble polishing.

 

Steps For Polishing Different Marble Floors

One of the things you should do before performing DIY marble polishing is to check what type of marble floors you have. In Singapore, some of the common types of marble floors include natural marble floors and cultured marble floors. The proper steps for polishing your marble floors depend on whether they’re made of natural or cultured marble.

How To Tell If You Have Natural or Cultured Marble Floors 

One of the myths about marble polishing in Singapore is that all marble floors can be cleaned easily. Natural marble floors are made of natural stone and are usually colder to touch. They are also more porous and can get scratched easily. For this reason, most people opt for cultured marble floors. These are made with a combination of marble grit, stones, and other material but still resemble natural marble floors. They also tend to have coating to prevent scratches, are highly durable, and are more affordable. 

If you’re unsure what type of marble floors you have, it’s best to call and check with a professional. Some advantages of hiring a professional for marble floor polishing are they can determine what type of marble floors you have and advise on the best methods for cleaning them.

Natural Marble 

Natural marble is extremely porous which means it absorbs liquids very quickly. Due to this, it’s advisable to remove the stains immediately after they are formed as they affect how much marble floor polishing will cost. Although water and detergent can be used to remove the absorbed liquid, special cleaning agents are required to remove older stains. A solution of water and baking soda can be applied to remove the stains after which a soft microfiber cloth should be used to prevent scratches. A sealant may be applied afterwards.

Cultured Marble

If you have cultured marble floors, you won’t have to worry about how long your polished marble floors will last. Cultured marble is easier to clean since it has a protective coating which can be cleaned using a nylon brush and cleaning solution. Floor cleaners can also be used to give a glossy finish to the floor. Moreover, it is recommended to apply a sealant every few years.

 

Ways To Remove Different Marble Floor Stains 

For more effective stain removal, it’s best to know what type of stains you’re dealing with so you know how to clean them properly:

Metallic Stains

Marble may contain iron and copper. Both of these minerals tend to experience oxidation resulting in reddish or greenish patches on the marble floors. Since these stains are internal, they can be a major reason why DIY marble polishing isn’t effective.

Oil Stains

Cooking oil, engine oil, or cosmetics may cause oil stains. Fortunately, these can be cleaned using fresh soap water solution as well as corn starch, hydrogen peroxide, and acetone. Therefore, you won’t have to use cleaning agents that could damage the marble floors, a common mistake you should avoid when doing DIY marble polishing.

Ink Stains

Any spilt ink should be blotted with paper and a soap solution can be used to wash it. Alcohol, acetone, and ammonia can then be used to absorb the remaining ink.

Biological stains 

If algae, lichen, and mosses are causing stains on your marble floors, marble floor polishing should be done right away. Acetone and hydrogen peroxide can remove these stains and prevent them from growing further. 

Water Stains 

Water stains or streaks can be easily removed by buffing them with a dry chamois or other soft cloth. 

 

How To Maintain Your Marble Floors 

How often you should do marble polishing for your marble floors depends on how many people are living in the house. Generally, you should dry clean your marble floors with a dust mop or soft cloth once per week. If you reside in a single-story home, weekly sweeping might be adequate.

For a two-story household, it’s best to dust the floor twice every week. In case your household consists of four people or more, you may need to dust your floors daily. Doing this helps prevent dirt buildup and prevents scratches on your floors. 

 

Engage DW Floor Polishing For Quality Marble Polishing Services 

If you require a reputable service provider for marble floor polishing, you should contact DW Floor Polishing Singapore. Our well-trained and experienced staff has the latest polishing equipment and supplies to thoroughly polish your marble floors and make them look brand new. 

 

Conclusion

By taking note of this ultimate guide to DIY marble polishing in Singapore, you can ensure that your marble floors always look clean and shiny. Be sure to know what marble floors are composed of and the different methods for polishing marble polishing floors. This includes hydrogen peroxide, cornstarch, baking soda, acetone, soap and water, and poultice. You should also know how to tell if you have natural or cultured floors and the ways to remove different marble floor stains like metallic stains, oil stains, ink stains, biological stains, and water stains. Lastly, always remember that the number of members in your household affects the frequency of marble polishing. 

 

DW Floor Polishing Singapore provides the quickest solution for all your floor polishing needs. Our responsive customer service support team and experienced floor polishing technicians ensure that customers have the utmost pleasant experience engaging our services. We provide one-stop floor polishing services including Marble Polishing, Marble Floor Polishing, Marble Whitening, Marble Stain Removal, Marble Restoration, and more!  Do not hesitate to contact us via WhatsApp at +65 8241 0032 if you have any queries about our marble floor polishing services. Our professionals are more than happy to assist you as well as provide recommendations on the steps to take to resolve your floor polishing needs!