Have you decided to get marble floors installed in your home? You're likely going to have questions about how to care for the flooring to keep it in great shape. Here are some tips for marble floor maintenance that you need to know. 

Always Clean Up Spills Immediately

Marble is a porous surface, which means any liquid that falls on the flooring material will absorb into the stone. That means that you should be cleaning up any spills on the marble as soon as possible. This is especially true of any liquid that is colored, since that can cause more damage to the marble floors than just pain water. 

Apply A Marble Sealant

The best way to prevent liquids from absorbing into the marble is to use a sealant. It will apply a transparent layer to the top of the marble that prevents liquids from finding a way into the porous stone. However sealant does need to be reapplied periodically. Test the marble by pouring a small amount of water on the surface. If it pools on the surface, the sealant is still working. If it absorbs into the stone, it needs a new protective layer. 

Use Marble Cleaning Supplies

You may be tempted to use your typical household cleaners on your marble floors. However, these cleaners can cause damage to the surface. Cleaning material that is acidic can cause damage, as well as abrasive materials to scrub the surface. It is a good idea to buy cleaning supplies specifically designed for marble flooring. It will ensure that you won't accidentally cause damage to the flooring when you try to make it look better. That said, it is a good idea to stick with soft materials to wipe down the surface. Use a sponge or a cloth since they do not have rough edges. 

Sweep The Floor Regularly

Since abrasive items can damage your marble flooring, you'll want to be proactive about regularly sweeping the floors. Having items that are on the floor that are stepped on or dragged across the surface can ruin the finish of the marble over time. Don't wait for there to be a lot of visible debris on the surface to start sweeping, because by that point plenty of people have walked over it. 

Use Rugs To Protect High Traffic Areas

It is a good idea to put area rugs down in places that have a lot of high traffic to protect your marble floors. This includes entrances where people step inside to take off their shoes, or even placing runners in areas of a kitchen where people tend to be standing a lot to do meal preparation.

If you have marble floors in your home, remember to treat them gently to ensure they last for years to come.