How To Clean Limestone Floors?

Last Updated on October 15, 2023 by admin

Limestone is a beautiful and popular flooring option in homes, but it requires special care to ensure it looks its best. Limestone floors are susceptible to staining, so they require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep them looking their best. You can easily clean limestone floors without causing any damage.

What Is Limestone Floor?

Limestone flooring is a type of natural stone made from sedimentary rock composed mostly of calcite, a mineral form of calcium carbonate. Limestone is quarried and cut into large blocks or slabs for use in many residential and commercial construction projects, including floors. Limestone flooring provides a beautiful and durable finish but requires regular care and maintenance to keep it looking its best. Cleaning limestone floors can be easy with proper techniques.

What Is The Best Cleaner For Limestone Floors?

A mild detergent or stone soap is the best cleaner for limestone floors. Avoid using acidic cleaners or harsh abrasives, as they can damage the surface of your floor. When cleaning, use warm water and a soft cloth or mop to avoid scratching the stone, and never use steel wool pads which can cause scratches in the finish.

How To Clean Limestone Floors?

Step 1: Wipe down the floor with a microfiber cloth: Before you apply any cleanser, use a microfiber cloth to pick up dust and dirt from the surface. This will prevent abrasive particles from scratching the limestone while cleaning.

Step2: Dilute your detergent in water: Using a mild detergent, such as dishwashing liquid, dilute it in water. Start with a few drops and slowly work your way up if you need more cleaning power. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area before using it on the floor.

Step 3:  Scrub any obvious grime: Using a soft-bristled brush, scrub away any obvious dirt, oil, or grime. Take care to apply only gentle pressure, as doing so could damage the surface of the limestone.

Step 4: Rinse the floor with clean water: Once you’re done scrubbing, rinse the floor with clean water and a mop or cloth. This will help remove any residue left behind by the detergent.

Step 5: Dry the floor with a soft cloth: Once you’ve finished rinsing, dry the floor with a soft, absorbent cloth. Allow the limestone to air dry naturally, and avoid using heat sources as they may be damaging.

Mopping The Limestone Floor

Step 1: Select a pH-neutral cleaning product: To protect the floors, you should select a pH-neutral cleaner. This will ensure that your limestone floor is not overly acidic and susceptible to etching or staining.

Step2: Spray your limestone with your cleaner: Mist your limestone floor with the cleaning product using a spray bottle. Take care to avoid saturating the stone, and make sure you reach all corners and crevices.

Step 3: Wipe down the tiles: Gently wipe down the tiles with a microfiber cloth. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the surface of the limestone.

Step 4:  Remove any stains with a toothbrush:  If there are any stubborn stains, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub them away. Be careful not to apply too much pressure, as this could damage the stone.

Step 5:  Rinse off your tiles:  Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the limestone with clean water and a mop or cloth. This will help remove any residue left behind by the cleaner.

Step 6: Dry the tiles: Dry the tiles with a soft cloth to prevent any water stains. Allow the limestone to air dry naturally, and avoid using heat sources as they may be damaging.

Can You Steam Clean A Limestone Floor?

Yes, you can steam clean a limestone floor, though it is essential to do so with caution. When using a steam cleaner, ensure the temperature, and pressure settings are appropriate for the type of limestone floor you have. In general, use low-pressure steam cleaners set on low heat to avoid potential damage to the surface.

How Often Should You Clean A Limestone Floor?

The frequency of cleaning necessary to maintain a limestone floor properly will depend on the foot traffic it receives. Generally, you should sweep or vacuum your limestone floor at least once a week and mop it with a pH-neutral cleaner every two weeks. If the area experiences high levels of foot traffic, you may need to increase the frequency of cleaning and perform a deeper cleaning every month.

How To Deep Clean A Limestone Floor?

Blot up fresh spills with a clean cloth: Immediately remove any fresh spills from a limestone floor. Blot up the liquid with a clean cloth to prevent it from seeping into the stone and creating a stain.

Sweep or vacuum up loose dirt: Use a soft-bristled broom or cleaner to remove loose dirt, dust, and debris. Pay special attention to crevices on the floor where dirt can accumulate.

Mop the whole floor with water and mild detergent: Mix a few drops of mild detergent into a bucket of warm water. Mop the entire floor with this solution, making sure to rinse out the mop each time you refill the bucket with fresh water.

Use water and gentle soap for most stains: For most colors, use a cloth soaked in warm water and mild soap. Work the cloth into the stain with a light circular motion and then blot it dry with another clean, soft cloth.

Lift oily stains with acetone: If an oily stain does not lift with warm soapy water, use a cloth soaked in acetone to dab the stained area lightly. Rinse the area immediately after and dry it with a clean cloth.

Remove discoloration with hydrogen peroxide: Mix equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water for discoloration or rust stains. Apply it to the stained area with a clean cloth and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the solution with plain warm water and dry the floor afterward.

Buff away hard water spots gently with steel wool: Hard water spots can be removed with a soft steel wool pad. Go gently, making sure not to scratch the stone surface. Rinse off the area and dry it with a clean cloth afterward.

Clean algae or mildew with diluted ammonia: Make a diluted solution of ammonia and water for algae or mold. Apply it to the area with a cloth and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Rinse off the area well with plain warm water and dry it afterward.

Apply a poultice to deep stains: A poultice may be necessary for very deep stains. Mix powdered detergent with enough water until it forms a thick paste. Apply it to the stained area and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it sit for 24-48 hours, and then remove the poultice and rinse off the area with warm water.

Clear of harsh or acidic cleansers: Harsh or acidic cleansers, such as bleach, vinegar, and lemon juice, can damage limestone. You should always avoid these products when cleaning a limestone floor.

Seal Your Floor To Prevent Future Staining: Applying a sealant to your limestone floor can help protect it from future staining. Apply a thin coat of sealant with a clean cloth, making sure to cover all areas of the floor. Allow the sealant to dry completely before using the floor again.

Verities Of Limestone

Chalk: Chalk limestone is the softest and most porous type of limestone. It needs to be sealed with a breathable sealer to prevent staining and can be cleaned using a mild degreasing agent or soapy water.

Coquina Limestone: Coquina is a very porous type of limestone and must be sealed with a breathable sealer. It can also be cleaned using mild degreasing agents or soapy water.

Fossiliferous Limestone: This type of limestone is made up of fossils and is fairly soft compared to other types. It should be sealed with a breathable sealer and can be cleaned using mild degreasing agents or soapy water.

Lithographic Limestone: This limestone is hard and dense, making it the most durable type. It can be cleaned with mild detergents, pH-neutral solutions, or soapy water and should be sealed with a high-quality sealer for protection.

Olitic Limestone: Olitic limestone is composed of fossil fragments and has medium porosity. It should be sealed with a breathable sealer and can be cleaned using mild degreasing agents or soapy water.

Travertine Limestone: Travertine is a very porous type of limestone and needs to be sealed with a breathable sealer. It can also be cleaned using mild degreasing agents or soapy water.

Tufa Limestone: This form of limestone is highly porous and needs to be sealed with a breathable sealer. Tufa can be cleaned using mild degreasing agents or soapy water.

Uses Of Limestone

Used as a construction material: Limestone is a sedimentary rock used for thousands of years. It’s often found in homes and commercial buildings as flooring, countertops, wall cladding, and decorative accents.

Used in landscape design: Limestone is often chosen for outdoor landscaping projects due to its durability and attractive appearance. Limestone can be used in various ways, from walkways and patios to retaining walls and fountains.

Used for concrete: Limestone is a typical aggregate material used in concrete, where it functions as a filler that adds strength and improves the overall appearance.

Used for acid neutralization: Limestone is often used to reduce the soil’s acidity, which can be beneficial for agricultural purposes. The calcium carbonate content in limestone helps to reduce soil acidity over time, making it more suitable for growing plants.

Window sills: Limestone is a popular material for window sills due to its durability, low maintenance requirements, and unique appearance. Limestone window sills can be polished or left natural to provide an attractive accent that stands out against other materials.

Fireplace mantel: Limestone is an ideal choice for a fireplace mantel since it won’t burn due to its high heat tolerance. A limestone mantel is also easy to clean and maintain, adding elegance and charm to any room.

Pros And Cons

Pros:

• Limestone floors are beautiful and add a natural, timeless beauty to your home.
• They are also durable and can last many years if properly cared for.
• The surface of the limestone is very porous, making it easy to clean with minimal effort.

Cons:

• Limestone floors can be easily stained if not maintained properly, especially in areas of high traffic.
• The porous nature of the stone makes it vulnerable to water damage and etching, which can be challenging to repair.
• In addition, limestone is a softer material that can be scratched or damaged more quickly than other flooring materials.

FAQs

Which products make limestone shine?

A quality limestone floor cleaner or polisher can help restore a limestone surface’s shine. If you’re looking for something natural, you can use warm water and vinegar.

Can you use vinegar to clean limestone?

Yes, vinegar is a great natural cleaner for limestone floors. Make sure to dilute the vinegar with warm water and mop the surface carefully to avoid damaging the floor. It’s also important to rinse the area after cleaning.

What should you not use on the limestone floor?

It’s best to avoid using abrasive cleaning products like steel wool, harsh chemicals, and scouring pads on limestone floors, as these can cause scratches and damage to the surface.

Can I use bleach on the limestone floor?

No, bleach should not be used on limestone floors as it can cause discoloration and damage to the surface.

Conclusion

Cleaning limestone floors requires special care as it’s a softer and more porous material than other types of stone. Regular maintenance, such as sweeping or dust mopping, will help keep your limestone floor looking clean and polished. You can also use a damp mop to remove dirt and debris. When it comes time for a deep clean, you should use a pH-neutral cleaner in combination with warm water and a soft cloth or mop. With regular maintenance and the right processes, your limestone floor will look new for a long time.