Marble can make any room feel special – but it’s also one of the most sensitive floors to clean. It’s calcium-based, so acidic products etch it, and a polished finish shows every smear and scratch. Here’s how to clean it safely.
Everyday cleaning, step by step
Sweep or vacuum first
Remove loose grit with a soft broom or a vacuum on its hard-floor setting. Grit dragged across marble by a mop is one of the main causes of fine scratches.
Mix a pH-neutral stone cleaner
Use a cleaner made specifically for natural stone, diluted in warm water as directed. Skip washing-up liquid and general-purpose cleaners – they leave a residue that dulls the finish.
Damp mop in sections
Wring the mop out well so it’s damp rather than wet, and work across the floor in sections. Change the water when it starts to look dirty.
Rinse if needed and dry off
On polished marble, a final pass with clean water and a dry microfibre mop or towel prevents water marks and streaks.
What never to use on marble
- Vinegar, lemon or “natural” acidic cleaners – they etch marble, leaving dull, rough patches.
- Limescale removers and bathroom sprays – most are acidic.
- Bleach and strong degreasers – they can strip the sealer and discolour the stone.
- Abrasive creams, powders and scouring pads – they scratch the surface.
- Steam cleaners – heat and moisture can break down the sealer and push dirt deeper into the stone.
Spills and stains
Blot spills straight away rather than wiping, which spreads them – especially wine, coffee, fruit juice and cooking oil. If something has already marked the floor, don’t reach for a stronger product: dull etch marks are surface damage rather than dirt, and can only be removed by honing and re-polishing.
When it needs more than a clean
If your marble has lost its shine, has scratches or etch marks, or the grout has darkened, a professional deep clean and polish will bring it back – often further than people expect. Take a look at our guide to marble floor restoration and scratch removal, or our stone floor cleaning and restoration service.
Marble looking tired or dull?
Book a free survey and we’ll show you what’s possible with a test patch on your own floor.