Picking Equipment And Chemicals For Cleaning Marble Floors

A reader asks: “I read one of your articles on marble and have a question as how best to clean it up once all the construction is over.”

As we continue our thoughts on how best to conduct construction clean up on a marble floor we need to consider the best/appropriate tools to use as well as testing before you proceed. I highly recommend that you NOT just start scrubbing the floor with a pad and chemicals until you determine that the process you are using gives optimal results. Since you said it was over 15,000 square feet of surface, I suggest you find a corner or area not in sight where you can manually test a 2-foot by 2-foot area using the same pad and chemicals recommended to you. If the floor does not respond well, you can stop and try another pad or chemical until you get it right.

As to tools, I suggest you consider an autoscrub machine (low speed of course) that can put down solution and pick it up efficiently. If you do not have such a unit then a low speed (175 -200 RPM) side by side floor machine with a good wet vacuum will work as well. Assuming that you have identified the correct chemical mix as well as correct color pad, proceed with caution and stop periodically to inspect results. Remember that the primary reason for a low pH (7.5 – 8.5) solution is to attack any soils (grease, dirt, etc.) that is on the floor. If appropriate, flood the floor (one section at a time) with solution and begin scrubbing and wet pick up almost immediately. Do not let the floor dry out and be careful not to scrub areas unless they are thoroughly wet. Lubrication and detergency are important in this phase.

We will continue with a few thoughts in a future article. Your comments and questions are important. I hope to hear from you soon. Until then, keep it clean…

Mickey Crowe has been involved in the industry for over 35 years. He is a trainer, speaker and consultant. You can reach Mickey at 678-314-2171 or CTCG50@comcast.net.