Marble is a natural stone used in the covering of floors, walls, countertops, columns, furniture, etc. It brings extra elegance and distinction to any space. Choosing natural stone for your home has many benefits such as its resistence, the uniqueness of each piece, its fireproof quality, its thermal and sound isolation capacity together with a long etcetera.   Although it is a material known for its strength and durability, the passage of time and wear and tear can result in the loss of polish and scratches on its surface. If you find yourself wondering how to recover damaged marble, here at Fiorantina we present tips and techniques to restore the beauty of your marble surfaces so that they look as they did on the first day.

Why does marble lose its shine?

Marble is a very resistant stone that can last for many years with the right maintenance. Before knowing the methods to recover deteriorated marble, it is important to understand why this wear occurs.

Daily wear and tear

In high-use areas such as kitchens and bathrooms, marble is exposed to daily wear and tear. The spills, friction and accumulation of dirty surfaces contribute to wear and tear.

Use of aggressive chemical products

We often make mistakes with the choice of products used to clean our marble surfaces. The contact of marble with abrasive substances can cause the deterioration of its protective layer. Strong chemicals such as chemical bleach should be avoided as it is an abrasive product.

Acidity

Acid spills, such as critical acids or vinegar, can penetrate the marble and cause stains if not cleaned immediately. The most normal thing that can happen is that the marble loses its shine and begins to adopt a matte texture if acids are spilled and not removed in time. In extreme cases and persistent neglect of the surface, white stains will be generated.

Humidity

There are different types of marble recommended for installation in humid areas. The truth is that marble is generally recommended for humid areas, although it is believed otherwise. It is a stone that, since ancient times, has been used for hot springs, baths and wet areas due to its durability.

Recovering the shine: steps to follow

Now that we know the reasons behind the deterioration of marble, it is time to learn some tips to restore its splendor:

1. Deep cleaning

Before any restoration process, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. First, with a mop, soft cloth or vacuum cleaner we will remove the dust and then scrub with warm water and neutral soap or a soft detergent specialized for surfaces such as marble (without acids or abrasives) to remove the most encrusted dirt. The really important thing about cleaning marble is not to overuse water and to dry it properly once it is clean. For you information: If your floors are made of marble, the mop will be your great friend.

2. Polishing

Once we have the surface clean we can give step to the polishing. This process is one of the most effective to recover the shine of our marble. We recommend doing this treatment once every several years. There are experts in polishing surfaces with quite accessible prices, but there are many ways to do it at home. One of the best known remedies is the mixture of baking soda and water. You should apply this mixture and leave it on for several hours before rinsing.

3. Protect for the future

There are many treatments on the market to maintain the physical and aesthetic characteristics of your marble over time. One of these treatments is the water repellent. This is a specific product that is applied before installing natural stone to protect it from absorbing liquids and dirt, but it can also be applied afterwards. This treatment does not alter the appearance of the stone and makes it more durable and even enhances its qualities. Invisible water repellents will simply give it that protective layer we were talking about, while wet-effect water repellents will bring out all the shine and luster of the stone. To waterproof the marble it must be done on the clean and dry surface, as we have explained with the polishing process. Once the product is applied, it should be left to dry for a day before putting the surface in contact with liquids. Choosing the right product and following the manufacturer’s instructions will be key to good results. You have already seen that keeping your marble surfaces impeccable has no secret. Get the most out of your marble and make it look as good as the first day.