Marble floor treatment and cleaning: how to extend the life of your surface

Marble is elegant but also porous and delicate. Poor maintenance leads to dullness, scratches and loss of shine. In this guide you’ll learn how to assess the condition of the floor, which treatments to apply (and when), and the best cleaning routine to keep it spotless with minimal wear.

Why marble requires specialized maintenance

• It is a calcareous material, highly sensitive to acids and abrasives.

• A proper maintenance plan prevents loss of shine, improves slip resistance and reduces long-term costs.

• In high-traffic spaces (lobbies, offices, hotels, retail), wear accelerates and periodic interventions are essential.

Initial floor diagnosis

• Current level of shine and presence of haze or micro-scratches.

• Scratches, voids and eroded joints.

• Water/oil stains and aged wax layers.

• Water drop absorption test to decide whether sealing is necessary.

Professional treatments (when and how)

Diamond polishing (deep restoration)

• When: visible scratches, general wear, loss of planarity.

• Process: grit sequence 50→100→200→400→800→1500→3000, marble-specific emulsion, slurry vacuuming and final cleaning.

• Result: leveled, smooth surface, ready for sealing or crystallization.

Crystallization (shine and surface protection)

• When: compact marbles in good condition, or as a finish after light polishing.

• Advantages: enhances reflectivity and makes routine maintenance easier.

• Note: avoid over-application and check slip resistance in high-traffic areas.

Mechanical buffing

• When: periodic maintenance between polishing cycles.

• Goal: refresh shine without removing material.

Sealing/impregnation (hydro-oleophobic protection)• When: marble quickly absorbs water drops or is exposed to grease stains.• Key: breathable sealers (non-film forming) compatible with marble.

Stripping and removal of old waxes• When: wax build-up has yellowed and traps dirt.• Process: controlled stripping, neutralization and redefinition of the maintenance system.

Cleaning and maintenance: daily, weekly and monthly routine

Daily

• Sweep or damp mop with pH-neutral marble cleaner.

• Mop well wrung out (avoid excess water).

• Immediately remove acidic spills (wine, juice, vinegar).

Weekly

• Mechanical cleaning with soft pads.

• Check corners and joints for fine dust build-up.

Monthly/Quarterly

• Light buffing or spray buffing depending on traffic.

• Inspect sealer effectiveness and reinforce if needed.

Stain removal protocol

1. Remove excess without rubbing.

2. Apply appropriate cleaner (non-acidic) according to type of stain.

3. If persistent, use a poultice designed for marble.

4. Rinse, dry and recheck sealing.

   
   

Common mistakes that damage marble (avoid them)

• Using vinegar, acidic descalers or bleach.

• Over-wet mopping with hot water.

• Pads or abrasives that are too aggressive.

• Low-quality acrylic waxes that darken over time.

• Not protecting furniture legs (localized scratches).

Safety and slip resistance

• Maintain cleaning and treatments to ensure slip resistance.

• In wet areas, choose less slippery finishes and place entrance mats.

Where we work and for whom

• Residential communities and building foyers.

• Hotels, offices, retail and restaurants.

• Clinics, corporate spaces and landmark buildings.

Service area: Barcelona, Metropolitan Area and Vallès.

Indicative prices and key factors

• Total surface and condition of the marble.

• Accessibility and furniture handling.

• Need for deep polishing or just maintenance.

• Number of passes and post-protection (sealing).Request a free, no-obligation quote adapted to your needs.

Why choose Net i Pulit

• Experience with high-traffic marbles and representative spaces.

• Professional equipment (planetary polishers, diamonds, industrial vacuuming).•

Phased maintenance plans with quality control.

• Continuous advice with detailed condition reports.

• Founded in 1994, with in-house team and local service.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between polishing, buffing and crystallization?

Diamond polishing corrects and levels; buffing refreshes shine; crystallization adds shine and surface protection.

How often should marble be polished?

It depends on traffic and daily care. Regular buffing and sealing extend the time between deep polishing.

Can I clean marble with “all-purpose” products?

Only if they are pH-neutral and marble-safe. Avoid acids, bleach and descalers.

Do oil stains have a solution?

Yes, with specific treatments and poultices if necessary. Preventive sealing greatly reduces risk.

Do you provide free quotes?

Yes. We include a full diagnosis of the floor and a recommended work plan.