While it is possible to transform a polished marble counter into a honed surface, or vice versa, the project requires skill and experience and special equipment—in other words, it’s best to leave this job to a professional with a stone polishing machine.

How to Avoid: Nothing on the market can prevent etching, so cutting boards, rubber and cork coasters—these are all highly recommended to keep things from scratching or etching the surface. Also be sure to clean countertops with non-acidic, PH-balanced (neutral) solutions.

Marble is a much softer stone than granite that can be easily scratched. Like granite, you can use a fine grit sandpaper or steel wool to very gently buff out the scratch, but be very careful not to introduce new scratches to the area.

Polished Characteristics: Polished marble is coated which acts as a protectant, making it less susceptible to stains. Consequently, the highly reflective surface means more visible scratches.

To remove etching from marble follow these steps:

1. Apply a spoonful of etch remover over the etch or “water mark”.
2. Using a rag, rub the etch remover over the blemish by hand.
3. Continue rubbing the affected area for approximately 3 minutes.
4. If necessary, repeat steps 1-3 until the etch is removed from the marble.

The dull spots are caused by corrosion of the marble surface from contact with acidic foods/drinks (coffee, soda, juice, wine) and harsh alkaline cleaning products (most common household cleaners will damage marble). It’s called “etching.” A stain occurs when something is absorbed into the marble causing a darker spot.

Sprinkle a small amount of marble polishing powder on top of any spots with scratches or scuffs. Rub the powder into the scratches with a clean damp cloth using circular motions. Wipe the marble clean with another clean damp cloth, then dry it with a fresh cloth.

Marble and Floor Polishing Tips

1. Use Marble Sealers. Don’t allow the liquid to penetrate your house marble.
2. Polish Marble.
3. Clean Spill Immediately.
4. Use Soft Sponge or Cloth While Cleaning.
5. Dust Your Marble Floors Regularly.
6. Use Doormats, Rugs or Runners on the floor.

Cost to Polish a Marble Floor Marble flooring can be successfully polished for an average cost of $2 to $3 per sq. ft. The process involves cleaning the stone’s surface, removing any stains using acid chemicals for marble floor stain removal.

Mix 3 tablespoons baking soda and a generous squirt of dishwashing liquid to 1 quart of warm water. As an alternative, use a commercial stone cleaner. Fill a bucket with plain tap water. Dip a soft cloth, nonabrasive sponge or soft-bristled scrub brush into the soapy water and scrub the floor.

Do not use acidic cleaners on your marble or it will scratch and lose shine. This means no vinegar! Clean your marble floors with a highly diluted mixture of ammonia and water or with a highly diluted mixture of dish soap and water.

Used correctly, steam cleaning is a natural and effective way to remove stubborn dirt and stains. Plus, a steam cleaner kills 99.9% of household germs, including salmonella, E. Coli and Staphylococcus, as well as dust mites and surface mold. But, when it comes to your floors, a steam mop isn’t always the best choice.

Why is your floor sticky after you steam mop? The reason why your floor is sticky after steam mopping is using too much cleaning chemicals. Even the mildest of cleaning solutions, if used in heavy dilution, will cause floors to become sticky. The soapy residue dries and is left behind.

The best steam cleaners and steam mops you can buy

1. Bissell Steam Shot: The best handheld steam cleaner.
2. Hoover SteamJet Handy SGE1000: The most versatile handheld cleaner.
3. Vileda Steam Mop: The best budget steam mop.
4. Shark S6003UK Klik n’ Flip Automatic Steam Mop: The best “no frills” steam mop.

steam mops don’t necessarily clean better than regular sponge mops—and there are drawbacks. A steam mop is limited by a cord, typically between 20 and 25 feet long. You’ll need to wash the detachable mop head after each cleaning, and you might not be able to clean an entire room with one tank of water.

Is a steam mop good for tile floors? Yes. Steam mops can help you scrub even the toughest grime and stains from your tiles. A good steam mop can blast grime off of tile flooring, and even reach into tile grout to clean and sanitize.

These are the best mops in 2021, according to customer reviews:

• Best Overall: O-Cedar Easywring Microfiber Spin Mop and Bucket System.
• Best for Hardwood Floors: Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop.
• Best Microfiber: Turbo Microfiber Mop Floor Cleaning System.
• Best Steam: Bissell PowerFresh Steam Mop.

The Best Wet Mop

• Our pick. O-Cedar Microfiber Cloth Mop. The best mop for most people. Exceptionally absorbent on spills, able to scrub stuck-on dirt, compact, nimble, and economical, it’s all you can ask of a mop.
• Our pick. O-Cedar Quick Wring Bucket. The best bucket.
• Runner-up. Libman Wonder Mop. Almost as effective.