Should You Bleach Your Marble Tile Flooring?

Marble is a type of natural stone that historically has been popular in most flooring applications, and no other natural stone enhances a home or offices' formal, elegant and soft look that marble creates.

Historically, marble was commonly installed in hallways, ballrooms, dining areas and foyers, although it can be effectively applied in almost any room. The lighter marble floor types are most effective for flooring, although colored tiles also can make an excellent design statement, as with patterned or mosaic styles.

Marble Tiles Add A Rustic Feel to Homes And Buildings

In bigger houses homes and offices, marble floor tiles add to a stately feel. Marble steps also add a famously regal element. Marble tiles installed in a fireplace are an excellent way to add formality to an architectural element that is often considered rustic.

For those who crave more extravagant designs, there are even exquisitely-carved marble hearths and mantles and entire fireplace surrounds. The end resulting of fire and sculptured stone surely would make an elegantly bold statement.

The Use Of Tumbled Marble Tiles Has Grown Lately

The recent popularity of "tumbled marble" has significantly increased, as these rustic-looking tiles have a rough finish, and often have little pits full of crystal, and an uneven edge which is usually rounded at the corners. These types are available in many sizes and are popular for backsplashes, showers, and flooring. The hand-carved design provides an effective method of counteracting the formal air which marble typically brings to different types of rooms.

Marble Has A Penchant For Staining When Used Outdoors

For outdoor use, marble usually does not fare as well as granite. Because it can easily be stained and dissolved by water, which may wreck the integrity of a fine polish, polished marble usually has a limited outdoor lifespan.

However, as with the Parthenon and a host of other ancient Roman and Greek buildings and structures, which are still standing two thousand years later, marble still is definitely a durable material. The bright, creamy appearance of marble often changes, when weathered, into an aged, rustic look. For many homeowners, this can add a stately charm to a home's exterior, and outdoor marble is a popular choice for that reason.

Materials That Could Damage Marble Floors

For those who install these types of tiles at home, it would be wise to take note that some types of liquid or food which contain acid and spilled on marble floors could etch, or leave a dull mark on marble surface.

Among these are carbonated beverages, lemon juice, orange juice, cranberry juice, apple juice, tomato, wine, etc. The dull stain may either be as large as a coin or could spread over several tiles. Another major contributor of stains and etch marks are cleaning agents, or detergents which contain acid.

Examples of these are tile cleaners, vinegar, Ajax and others . Since, marble tiles are porous and can easily be discolored by spills from food, sitting pots, metal furniture legs, oil, ink, water damage, extra care should be observed when carrying liquids or food with high acid contents. In addition to chemicals that contain acid, there are also other mixtures that have high alkaline or bleach content, which may be damaging to marble floors, and make it lose its luster and elegance.

Tap water could also have a negative effect on these tiles. As we know, tap water could contains high chlorine, salt, magnesium and potassium levels. When water is regularly utilized to clean marble floors, it could ruin certain these by causing pitting, spalling and yellowing. It is vital for individuals to protect the floor by using a premium sealer.


Vanessa Arellano Doctor