How to remove and prevent marble floor haze?« Back to Previous Page

This is called etching, and it's likely caused by your cleaner using an acidic or alkaline cleaning product that is chemically reacting with the calcium carbonate in the marble. Even a "small amount" of the wrong product, mixed with our hard tap water and the high humidity, can leave behind these cloudy, dull streaks as it dries. The haze is the result of the marble's surface being microscopically damaged.

To remove the existing haze, you'll need to have the floors professionally honed and polished. This process mechanically abrades the very top, damaged layer of the stone to restore a uniform, glossy finish. For a severe or widespread case, a professional assessment is strongly recommended, as DIY attempts with store-bought powders or acids can make the damage much worse and far more expensive to fix.

To prevent it from returning, you must stop the chemical reaction at its source. Provide your cleaner with a dedicated, pH-neutral stone soap specifically formulated for marble. Do not allow the use of vinegar, lemon-based cleaners, or generic all-purpose cleaners. The most effective method is to use a very well-wrung microfibre mop with the diluted neutral cleaner—the goal is damp-mopping, not wet-mopping, to prevent any soapy or hard water residue from drying on the surface. This is especially critical in our climate, where high indoor humidity from AC use can slow drying and amplify residue buildup.