This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.
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Limestone floors need regular cleaning. To clean a limestone floor, first sweep up obvious dirt and debris. You can then scrub down the floor with a pH-neutral cleaner. Limestone floors also need to be rinsed and dried after cleaning. Try to clean limestone immediately if you spill something, especially if it is unsealed, since this can quickly lead to staining that is difficult to remove after it seeps into the rock (it's highly advisable to seal your limestone floors). Regular cleaning can help maintain your limestone floor for the long term.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:Removing Dirt and Debris
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1Wipe down the floor with a microfiber cloth. To start, take a microfiber cloth. Wipe it across the floor to remove any obvious dirt and debris, such as spilled food or dust. A microfiber cloth should easily lift obvious messes off of a limestone floor.
- You can also clean the floor with a vacuum, but since limestone can scratch easily, be sure to use a brush attachment with soft bristles and don't drag the vacuum across the floor.
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2Dilute your detergent in water. Any ingrained dirt should be scrubbed away before you give your floor a general mopping. For limestone, use a detergent formula specifically created for calciferous stone. You can purchase this online or at a local supermarket. Dilute your detergent with water, using a ratio of one parts detergent to five parts water.[1]
- It should say somewhere on a cleaner's label what types of floors it's appropriate for. Do not use a detergent unless it specifies it can be used on limestone.
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3Scrub away any obvious grime. Apply your detergent to spots where there is built up grime. Let it sit for 10 to 20 minutes. Use a cleaning brush to scrub out the dirt and grime from your floor.[2]
- Keep in mind, if you clean your floor regularly, there may not be built up dirt. If this is the case, skip this step and proceed to general mopping.
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4Wipe away the dirty cleaner. After removing dirt and grime, wipe away the dirty cleaner from the floor using a mop soaked in clean water. After wiping away dirty cleaner, pat the floors dry with a clean towel.[3]
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:Mopping Your Limestone Floor
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1Select a pH-neutral cleaning product. Limestone may be damaged by harsh cleaners, so look for a pH-neutral floor cleaner. The pH of a cleaner should be indicated somewhere on the label.[4] A pH neutral cleaner should have a pH-level of seven.[5]
- Many cleaners are specifically labeled as being safe for limestone. To ease the process of finding a pH-neutral cleaner, look for a limestone-specific cleaner.
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2Spray your limestone with your cleaner. If your cleaner does not already come in a spray bottle, put the cleaner in a spray bottle. Spritz a light layer of the cleaner over your limestone floor to start the cleaning process.
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3Wipe down the tiles. You can use a towel, mop, or paper towels to wipe down the tiles. Use a light, buffing motion to give the tiles a nice shine. As set-in dirt and grime has already been removed, you should only need to give the floor a light cleaning.
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4Remove any stains with a toothbrush. If you noticed any stains you missed earlier, use a toothbrush to scrub them out. Use circular motions to remove any stains on the floor, such as stains from liquids or spilled food. Work from the outside in to remove stains.
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:Completing the Cleaning Process
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1Rinse off your tiles. You should never leave cleaning residue on limestone tiles. This can cause them to wear down. Take a mop soaked in clean water. Wipe it over your limestone tiles to remove cleaning residue.
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2Dry your tiles completely. Unlike many floors which can air dry, it's important to dry your limestone tiles after washing them to prevent damage. Use a microfiber cloth or cotton towel to dry the limestone completely. Make sure your tiles are dry to the touch, without any excess water pooling anywhere on the floor or between the tiles.
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3Sweep up excess dirt. After you dry your tiles, some dirt that was not removed earlier may be present on the floors. If you notice any lingering dirt or dust, take a microfiber cloth and give your tiles one last wipe down.
Community Q&A
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QuestionHow often do you clean limestone?
Michelle Driscoll, MPHMichelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.
Founder, Mulberry MaidsHow often you clean your limestone floors depends on how often they are used. As a general rule of thumb, a weekly cleaning works well. You want to make sure to not “over mop” your floors, so it is best to keep them well maintained, which will reduce the need for using water and detergent on your flooring as often. -
QuestionAre there any cleaning products that make limestone shine?Michelle Driscoll, MPHMichelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.
Founder, Mulberry MaidsYou can try to use mineral oil on your limestone flooring to help polish and shine it. Apply the mineral oil to a clean rag, and polish your floors in a circular motion. You can also seal your floor to keep it in good shape.
References
- ↑ https://www.periodliving.co.uk/advice/cleaning-stone-floor-tiles/
- ↑ https://www.periodliving.co.uk/advice/cleaning-stone-floor-tiles/
- ↑ https://www.periodliving.co.uk/advice/cleaning-stone-floor-tiles/
- ↑ https://www.builddirect.com/learning-center/flooring/how-to-clean-limestone-tiles/
- ↑ http://thecleanestimage.com/neutralizer-or-neutral-cleaner
About This Article
To clean limestone floors, start by removing any dirt or debris, like spilled food, from the tiles with a microfiber cloth to get rid of obvious messes. Then, mix 1 part detergent specially formulated for calciferous stone to 5 parts water in a bucket or bowl. Apply your detergent mix to any areas where grime has built up, and allow it to sit for about 10 to 20 minutes before scrubbing the area with a cleaning brush. Finally, wipe away the dirty cleaner with clean water and a mop, and pat the floor dry with a clean towel. For more tips for cleaning limestone floors, like how to find a cleanser with the right pH level, read on!
