How and how to wash cast marble?

The development of technology leads to the creation of new materials - innovative not only in appearance, but also in operational characteristics. Cast marble also belongs to them. To care for such products at home, they use industrial marble products. But mistresses successfully cope with some types of pollution using "folk" methods.

Artificial marble is made by mixing synthetic resins, mineral and artificial fillers. After hardening, the finished product is covered with a gelcoat layer, and it acquires the properties of natural marble: hardness and beauty, characteristic shine. In order to avoid mistakes in care, it is necessary to take into account the properties of cast marble.

Properties of Cast Marble

Production technology allows you to get a material that surpasses natural marble in many ways and has special properties:

• high strength - in artificial marble there are no voids and internal cavities that are filled with resin during the pouring process, and this allows acrylic products to be several times superior in strength;
• long preservation of appearance - the coloring pigments used in the production do not lose their properties under the influence of ultraviolet radiation;
• environmental safety - marble surfaces after hardening become chemically neutral to the effects of aggressive substances (in contrast to natural marble, soluble by acids);
• practicality - artificial marble is easily cleaned of any contaminants, the products are pleasant to the touch, cast marble bathtubs retain heat for a long time.

Ensuring the safety of the properties of cast marble products depends on strict observance of the rules for caring for products.

Important!

Natural marble almost always has its own background radiation. A long stay in a room with "radiation" negatively affects health and causes diseases, and this is another argument in favor of an artificial analogue.

From cast marble make:

• sinks;
• bathtubs;
• window sills;
• table tops for tables and bar counters.

All these products are contaminated during their intended use, they need care in the form of cleaning and washing.

What can not be cleaned?

To fill the pores on the surface of the marble and give a decorative look, the product is covered with a thin layer (from 1 to 5 mm) of epoxy - gelcoat. The material prevents mechanical and chemical damage to the finished product, does not allow odors and dirt particles to be absorbed, causing mold. At the same time, a thin coating is susceptible to damage from impacts of hard and sharp objects.

Important!

Damage to the gelcoat leads to a loss of material properties - defects must be restored as soon as possible.

Gelcoat is a chemical and mechanical resistant coating, but some cleaning methods are not applicable to it.

• Metal and hard plastic brushes scratch the surface - it loses its luster and gloss.
• Marble must not be washed with cleaning products with abrasive particles - this will make the surface matte. Restoring the appearance will require polishing using special compounds and tools.
• Surface cleaning with aggressive detergents (acids or alkalis) that can dissolve the coating is also contraindicated.

Tip

Do not mix different chemicals - this can lead to a chemical reaction, which results in a mixture with aggressive properties for cast marble.

Cleaning tool

To properly and effectively clean and shine cast marble products, you will need:

• rubber gloves for hand protection;
• spray with water;
• soft clean rags or napkins;
• universal or - depending on the type of pollution - special cleaning products without impurities of abrasive particles;
• technical (pure) gasoline or meth, white spirit.
• car wax for gloss.

Cleaning agents for various contaminants

Depending on the type of impurities, various marble cleaners are used.

Tip

If there are doubts about the solvent used, consult the manufacturer's website about the permissibility of its use or refuse to use.

The following companies produce special products for cast marble.

• Vega
• Akemi;
• MELLERUD;

Stains of fat

Normal dirt left by dirty dishes or food debris is washed with a soft cloth or sponge moistened with dishwashing detergent or ordinary soap. Then the surface of the product is washed with running water. After removing dirt, it is recommended that you wipe the marble with a soft, dry cloth to remove stains and give the product a shine.

Limescale

Limescale appears in the form of white and yellowish spots on the surface of marble; its appearance is associated with the chemical composition of water. Easy to clean with special or “old-fashioned” methods:

• cleaning products sold in any store and not containing abrasive in its composition;
• food 9% vinegar applied to the surface for 2-3 minutes;
• lemon juice, which is applied with a soft cloth and washed after 1-2 minutes (this method, in addition to lime deposits, will eliminate unpleasant odors);
• mustard powder dissolved in water to a paste state (the composition will clean and disinfect the surface);
• ammonia diluted with water;
• Coca-Cola, a popular drink containing phosphoric acid.

Important!

Apply the formulations for no more than 2-3 minutes. After cleaning, the products are washed with plenty of clean water.

Rust stains

Brownish-red deposits occur due to leaking water from taps containing an increased amount of iron.

You can clean the rust:

• special chemicals;
• self-prepared solution.

The first option is the simplest, but the second does not cause much trouble. 100 g of ammonia are poured into a glass jar, and 50 g of hydrogen peroxide are gradually and carefully added to it. Composition heated to 35-40 ^aboutC, apply to the rust with a soft cloth and after 10-15 minutes rinse with clean water.

Paint

Oil, latex or acrylic paint that accidentally lands on the surface of a product (for example, during a repair) can be removed using sunflower oil. Solvents are not necessary. After removing the contamination, the product is washed with soapy water.

Cleaning instructions

Work on cleaning cast marble from any contamination is carried out according to the following algorithm.

1. Moisten the surface of the product by wetting it with a sponge or spraying water from a spray bottle. It is important that the surface remains wet throughout the cleaning process - this will protect the marble from scratches.
2. Apply liquid marble detergent or foam to the surface. To do this, use a soft rag or sponge.
3. After 1-2 minutes, rinse off the dirt with clean water, and wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
4. Remove complex contaminants using the special methods described above, or by applying household chemicals from the store.
5. Once a week, use a wax to brighten the surface. Wax formulations are used following the instructions for use.

Special tools for cast marble

Conventional kitchen care products may contain acids or chlorine.The use of such preparations can seriously harm products made of cast marble. Therefore, for the cleaning and processing of marble surfaces produce special liquids.

• MELLERUD, Germany.

The volume of the bottle is 1000 ml. To prepare the solution, 5-8 caps of the product (50-60 ml) are dissolved in 8-10 liters of warm water. The composition includes polishing additives.

To restore lost after a long use of shine, the company produces polish.

• VEGA, Italy.

The composition includes components for disinfection, elimination of fungus and mold.

• Akemi, Germany.

The company's product line contains products for all types of products - from hard, soft stone, granite, natural and cast stone. Means are packaged in containers from 50 ml to 5 liters.

• HG, Germany.

The company produces surface care products from any materials. The packaging capacity is from 300 ml to 5 liters.

So, compliance with the simple rules of cleaning cast marble products will retain their attractive appearance and consumer properties for a long time. It is worth remembering that such materials require regular care.