Limestone tiles are a stunning addition to any home, exuding elegance and timeless charm. However, to maintain their beauty and longevity, it’s crucial to clean them properly. Limestone is a delicate natural stone that requires specific care to avoid damage. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the steps to safely clean your limestone tiles, ensuring they remain as beautiful as the day they were installed.
Before embarking on the deep cleaning process, the initial step involves removing any existing sealant, if present, that may have deteriorated or worn away. This ensures a uniform finish and extends the lifespan of your floor’s cleanliness. The specific product used for this step will be contingent on the stone’s origin and finish, as well as the type of sealant previously applied. This procedure is entirely free of dust and utilises clean water, alkaline cleaning solutions, and abrasive powders. This method of limestone cleaning not only restores your floor and grout to their former splendour but also minimizes any mess in the process.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin cleaning your limestone tiles, gather the necessary supplies. You’ll need:
pH-neutral limestone cleaner
Warm water
Soft cloths or mop
Bucket
Soft-bristle brush
Mild dish soap (optional)
Sealer (for sealing your limestone after cleaning)
Dry towels
It’s essential to use a pH-neutral cleaner as acidic or abrasive products can damage the limestone’s surface.
Step 2: Dust and Sweep
Start by dusting and sweeping your limestone tiles to remove loose dirt and debris. This prevents scratching during the cleaning process. Use a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment to gently sweep the surface.
Step 3: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
In a bucket, mix warm water with a pH-neutral limestone cleaner according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you prefer a homemade solution, you can add a few drops of mild dish soap to warm water. However, be cautious not to make the solution too soapy, as soap residue can leave streaks.
Step 4: Test in an Inconspicuous Area
Before applying the cleaning solution to the entire surface, test it in a small, inconspicuous area of your limestone tiles. This helps ensure that the cleaner won’t cause any adverse reactions or discoloration. After applying the solution, wait for a few minutes, then rinse and dry the test area.
Step 5: Clean the Limestone Tiles
Dip a soft cloth or mop into the cleaning solution and wring it out to avoid excessive moisture. Gently clean the limestone tiles, working in small sections. Avoid using excessive pressure, as limestone is porous and can be damaged by abrasion. For stubborn stains, you can use a soft-bristle brush, but be cautious not to scratch the surface.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry
After cleaning, rinse the tiles thoroughly with clean water to remove any residual cleaning solution. Make sure all the cleaning solution is completely removed, as leftover residue can damage the stone’s surface over time. Dry the tiles with clean, dry towels to prevent water spots.
Step 7: Optional: Seal Your Limestone Tiles
Limestone is a porous stone, making it susceptible to stains and moisture absorption. To protect your tiles and maintain their appearance, consider applying a limestone sealer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and reapplication frequency.
When considering cleaning your limestone floor, it’s crucial to comprehend the variety of services at your disposal. For some, a thorough cleaning can provide the rejuvenation that the limestone needs.
Professional cleaning penetrates deep into the pores of your limestone floor. Regardless of how diligently you maintain your limestone, over time, dirt can accumulate within the grout lines, and this can prove challenging to eliminate with common household products. A limestone cleaning treatment will eradicate this build-up and revive the surface of your stone in a surprisingly cost efficient way. Interested?