Marble floors are often the favorite choice
for many casas and condos in Mexico.
Marble is a sophisticated floor choice.
It is elegant and often associated in history with the splendor of
aristocracy. Marble is a natural
element, removed from the earth in large slabs and then cut down and sliced
into smaller pieces for floor and wall tiles and countertops.
Marble is available in a wide range of
colors. Even within each piece, you will
see variations. No two pieces will look
alike. Although there will be
variations, always try to buy marble pieces cut from the same original slab so
that the colors will harmonize.
Unlike many other natural stones, because
marble is a hard stone, it can withstand harsh polishing. Most homeowners prefer their marble to be
very shiny. Polishing emphasizes the
colors and makes the floors dramatic.
Marble is also slightly translucent. Lighting enhances the sheen of this beautiful
material.
It is essential to know that acidic
substances can interact negatively with marble.
If you accidentally spill a sauce or fruit juice, wipe it quickly, or it
could produce a very noticeable stain.
Marble also tends to be easily scratched if you are moving furniture
around. Many cleaners improperly clean
marble floors with vinegar, ammonia, bleach or harsh citrus soaps. Be cautious not to use floor cleaners meant for
ceramic tiles on marble floors. Using
these cleaners could result in the sheen’s dulling and the break down of the
protective sealer.
Most marble experts recommend washing
floors with hot, distilled water. Add a
PH neutral soap or a commercial marble cleaner to the water and mix well before
mopping the floor. Microfiber mop heads
are best for marble floors. Make sure to
ring out the mop head, so it is damp rather than soaked.
Once you have finished mopping with the
soapy water, wash a second time with cold, clean water to ensure the removal of
any additional dirt and soap from the floor.
Change water frequently; otherwise, you will see streaks when the floor
dries. Using a soft towel, wipe the
marble floor. If you leave the floor to
air dry, the soap can soak into the porous marble and discolor it.
Regularly seal your floors and countertops
to keep marble looking new and shiny. I
spoke with Gerardo Garcia, who owns a marble polishing company in Puerto Vallarta,
Jalisco. He is the person I use to keep
my floors and countertops looking top-notch.
He is knowledgeable and happy to share tips on marble floor
maintenance. First, avoid scrubbing out
stains on a marble floor using a circular rubbing motion. This can leave permanent marks. Instead, he suggests you use a felt pad and
rub along the grain. If you use a
vacuum, be cautious, so the plastic broom does not scratch the floor.
To keep your marble floors and counters
looking new, get them professionally cleaned, polished and sealed every 6 to 12
months. It will keep your home looking
glamorous!
Don’t forget to join our FB Group: Mexico Furniture and Décor for great tips,
ideas and inspiration for your home in Puerto Vallarta.