How Do I Clean Black Marble Tile Without Leaving Streaks?

Black marble tile adds an elegant touch to any room. Cleaning this tile without leaving streaks is an easy task when you use the right cleaning ingredients. Though there are a variety of retail cleaning products available, they can be costly. Instead, make your own cleaning solution by using ingredients that you probably have on hand.

Liquid dish detergent, hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol clean marble tile well, leaving behind a streak-free shine. Dish detergent is safe for both tile and grout, making it an ideal cleaner for all marble surfaces and tile floors. In a bucket, mix a gallon of warm water with two squirts of liquid dish detergent. For a spray-on solution perfect for bathtub tile, counters and backsplashes, mix 2 cups water and 2 teaspoons liquid dish detergent in a spray bottle.

For a hydrogen peroxide solution, mix a gallon of warm water in a bucket with 2 cups of hydrogen peroxide (available at any grocery or drugstore). The peroxide disinfects as well as cleans. Alternatively, make a spray bottle solution of 2 cups water and 1 cup hydrogen peroxide.

To make a cleaner with rubbing alcohol, mix 1 cup of the alcohol in a bucket with a gallon of warm water. This will clean without damaging the tile surface. Mix 2 cups water and 1 cup rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle for tub tile and countertops.

To clean black marble floors, dip a mop into your choice of cleaning solution, wring out the excess water, then clean the floor as you normally would. Follow with a dry cloth to dry the floors and avoid streaking or water spots. For bathtub tile and countertop backsplashes, spray the surface with solution, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth. The solutions are safe for regular use, but plain water may be enough for day-to-day cleaning.

Stains on black marble should be handled with care to prevent further damage. Always absorb as much of the stain as possible when the spill first occurs by blotting (not wiping) with a clean cloth or paper towels.

For acidic stains caused by vinegar, tomatoes or acidic fruits, pour a half-cup of baking soda into a dish and stir in water slowly until a thick paste has formed. Apply a thick, even layer of the paste over the stain and let it sit until dry. Then wipe away the dried paste with a damp cloth.

For grease or oil stains, sprinkle the stained area with a thick coating of cornstarch and let sit for a few hours. Wipe away with a clean, damp cloth.

Food stains can be removed by rubbing the area with hydrogen peroxide. Soak the edge of a cloth or sponge in hydrogen peroxide, then rub over the stain until it is gone.