The JPN journal · Homes
Cleaning a luxury apartment: marble, wood and delicate finishes
A premium apartment can contain several materials that look similar but need different care. Before a visit, identify the surfaces, share the relevant care instructions and agree on what should remain untouched. This planning guide combines JPN's scope-setting approach with linked guidance from the Natural Stone Institute and flooring manufacturer Bruce. It is not a restoration guide or a substitute for your specific product's care manual.
The short answer
The practical first step is a surface-care brief: material, finish, approved product or method, existing damage and no-touch areas. Avoid treating every polished surface as marble or every wood-look floor as hardwood. If the finish or instructions are unknown, clarify them before wet cleaning, applying a product or attempting stain removal.
At a glance
| Surface or item | Share before the visit | Boundary to agree |
|---|---|---|
| Marble or other natural stone | Stone identification, finish and supplier care sheet | Routine cleaning versus treatment of marks or damage |
| Wood flooring | Manufacturer, finish and approved cleaning instructions | No unapproved wet or steam treatment |
| Coated metal or decorative fixtures | Brand and finish-specific care instructions | No assumed suitability of a generic metal polish |
| Art, antiques and fragile objects | An explicit no-touch list and handling instructions | Which items remain outside the cleaning scope |
| Unknown finish | Photos or product details from the owner or supplier | Pause product use until the method is confirmed |
Make a room-by-room surface list
For each room, note the material and where it is used: a stone vanity, wood floor, coated faucet or delicate decorative object. Include the manufacturer or installer details when available. Photographs may help explain the location, but appearance alone is not a reliable way to identify a material. Keep sensitive documents out of images and tell the team which items must not be moved.
Marble and natural stone: avoid a generic bathroom routine
The Natural Stone Institute explains that calcareous stones are sensitive to acidic solutions and recommends mild, non-acidic cleaners. Its care guidance also identifies grit as abrasive and recommends soft cleaning materials. Do not assume a bathroom cleaner suitable for one surface is suitable for nearby stone. Share the stone supplier's instructions and confirm the product, dilution and method before the appointment. The source is linked below for the full guidance.
Wood flooring: use the instructions for the actual floor
Bruce advises against water or steam cleaning for its hardwood floors and recommends its specified cleaning products and tools. That is manufacturer guidance for Bruce floors, not proof that every floor has the same finish or approved product. For another brand, an oiled finish or an unknown floor, obtain the relevant instructions. Ask the cleaning team to follow the confirmed method rather than choose a product solely because its label says wood cleaner.
Delicate fixtures and objects: define no-touch areas
A decorative finish may have its own care requirements. Send its care sheet instead of assuming that a general metal polish, abrasive pad or all-purpose product is appropriate. For art, antiques, fragile lamps and unstable objects, agree whether they will be left untouched. Move valuable or fragile personal items yourself when appropriate; do not assume handling or specialist conservation is included in an apartment-cleaning booking.
Separate cleaning from restoration
An existing scratch, dull patch or other persistent mark needs clarification before anyone promises to remove it. Record known concerns and discuss whether routine cleaning is appropriate. JPN's standard cleaning scope does not automatically include stone polishing, wood refinishing, specialist treatment or repair. If a concern needs an installer or restoration professional, adding stronger products or pressure is not an agreed substitute.
Turn the instructions into a practical cleaning brief
Put your three most important priorities alongside the approved surface instructions and no-touch list. Confirm which accessible areas are included and whether special requests can be accommodated. Keep the agreed scope for reviewing the visit. This is particularly useful for recurring service: tell the team when a surface is newly installed or its care instructions change, rather than relying on an earlier brief.
Common questions
Does premium cleaning include stone polishing?
No. Premium describes the agreed service approach; specialist polishing or restoration must not be assumed to be part of routine cleaning.
Can I supply my preferred products?
Tell JPN what you want used and provide the surface-care instructions before booking. Product preference alone does not establish compatibility with the finish.
What if I do not know what the surface is?
Ask the owner, supplier or installer for identification and care instructions. Agree to leave the uncertain treatment outside the scope until the method is clear.
Make it your own
A brief you can use
Room/surface: __. Material and finish: __. Manufacturer or supplier: __. Care-sheet link: __. Approved product and method: __. Existing marks or damage: __. Items not to move or touch: __.
Adapt these planning fields before requesting a quote. Keep entry codes and other sensitive access details out of public documents.
Sources and care instructions
Reviewed October 25, 2026. Follow the instructions for your specific material and finish.
Keep this checklist
Your next steps
- Identify the material and finish rather than relying on appearance.
- Share current manufacturer or supplier instructions.
- Confirm special requests and no-touch areas before booking.
- Keep restoration and repairs separate from routine cleaning.
From planning to a quote
Let’s define the work.
Tell us your apartment size, location and surface-care requirements so we can review the appropriate cleaning scope.
Request a cleaning quoteScope, availability and price are confirmed before booking.