Marble is a soft stone that has been formed from limestone naturally in the Earth's crust. It is most commonly seen in flooring as either polished marble, honed marble or tumbled marble. Polished marble is shinier and more resilient than honed or tumbled marble, which both have a tendency to be more rustic and porous than marble that has been polished or glazed. Marble tiles must be treated carefully in order not to damage them and to retain their natural luster and appeal.

1
Protect you marble tile from furniture leg damage by placing protective cups or pads beneath table and chair legs. Protective mats and soft rugs placed at entryways and high-traffic areas of your home will help keep excess grit and dirt from being ground into the marble.

2
Clean your marble tile daily from sand and dirt by using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, a clean dust mop or a soft-bristled broom over areas that regularly receive traffic. Small sand particles have sharp, razorlike edges that can scratch marble surfaces.

3
Wash the tile with very warm water and a soft cloth or dampened mop for most occasions; for heavier grime, use only a pH-neutral cleanser made specifically for marble. Never use cleansers that are acid-based or abrasive; even mild soap can be dulling on marbled surfaces.

4
Buff-dry floors with a chamois cloth or soft microfiber towel to return the marble to a gentle luster. Never allow water to pool on the tile or air-dry.

5
Call in a professional to seal your honed or tumbled marble tile, which is more porous than polished marble and is easily damaged. Even polished marble tiles in areas such as bathrooms and kitchens may benefit from a sealer---check with your manufacturer for recommendations.