Natural stone is one of those investments that will provide you with many years of magnificent ambiance in your home, workplace, or business place. Simple care & upkeep will assist in preserving the beauty of the precious stone for the future. We often see that the flooring goes pale and dull due to the continuous exposure to air and wear and tear. And this is more frequent with natural stones like granite and white marble stone. People switched to tiling and wooden flooring to eliminate this, but these proved to be unendurable and highly delicate materials. And later came the trend of carpeting. But, this again required a lot of cleaning and maintenance.
Amidst all this transition, one fact remained intact: no material as sturdy as the natural stone. Also, if we take the necessary precautions, it can last beyond the time we can imagine. And this applies not only to the flooring but also to the other places where we have the application of white marble stone like cladding and interior decor.
Similarly, when we talk about the similar material Granite, we know that it is famous for countertops due to its wide range of colors and patterns and scratch and heat resistance. This also requires a similar degree of upkeep and maintenance. Some people believe that few varieties of natural stone require less maintenance, which is not a fact.
Let’s look at some other similar finishes.
There are three main stone finishes to choose from:
- Polished finish that has a glossy surface and reflects light. This draws attention to the material’s color and marks.
- A honed finish is another one that holds a silky texture reflecting light very little. A cutting surface is typically recommended for flooring, stair treads, thresholds, & other areas where frequent usage might lead to dullness.
Furniture tops can also benefit from a honed finish. On the granite flooring tiles, a rough-textured surface is commonly utilized. There are numerous finishes of white marble stone, and these are used throughout the world differently. If your finish does not match one of these three main kinds, you can get advice from an expert.
Now that we know enough about the touches and finishes, let’s look at maintaining them for a longer duration.
The highly polished surface of marble tends to chip and degrade as it ages. The character of this polish becomes harsh and a magnet for dirt as it wears off. If the wrong cleansers are employed, dirt can build up in the stone’s pores, causing it to become yellow.
When we find situations, it can be assumed that filthy mops are being used. It might also happen that these marble floors are cleaned with Strong cleaners or wax cleaner mixtures, or no cleaners are used to wash the floors. Indeed, its effects raise an ugly head on the white marble stone.
- Smart tip:
If the marble has yellowed due to poor maintenance, it should be cleaned using a good quality alkaline marble cleaner. It is recommended that you use a heavy-duty stone cleaner. Make sure the stone cleaner you choose is not acidic because acid cleaners diminish the shine. After applying this cleaning agent, scrub the surface with a gentle brush. And then make sure to rinse the floor properly.
To remove all of the embedded dirt, you may need to repeat this method many times. If your marble floors are dull after cleaning, get them professionally re-polished, followed by applying a good grade penetrating sealant (impregnator).
Another common issue with natural stone is the deposit of iron rusts, and we have also seen this in our homes. However, White marble stone can last for years without fading or turning brown. When the surface is exposed, the oxidation process is expedited. This oxidation process is dependent on how the metal rusts.
The iron in the marble undergoes the same procedure. The iron is unable to oxidize if water & air are absent. This is why some white marbles turn yellow unexpectedly. The process is challenging to reverse, and replacement may be the last option in some cases. In some situations, the stain removal (stated above) method has proven to be effective. It’s critical to first debug this method before putting it to the test.
Some new compounds on the market include Ammonium Thioglycolate, which appears to eliminate iron oxidation. The degradation of White marble stone by yellowing is a typical concern. New fittings should be packed up with a good-grade sealer. This will prevent the iron from further oxidation.
Many homeowners look for means and methods to save their precious stones from falling apart. But in most cases, people take it a little longer to realize. However, if one takes appropriate care from the beginning and maintains consistency, one can place themselves on the safer side. And even if you have landed in a problematic situation, you can look out for the tips mentioned above or consider an expert.