Do you want to know the best methods of cleaning limestone floors? If your answer is yes then you are in the perfect place. Here, you will get complete information about cleaning limestone floors.
Limestone flooring is beautiful and is a great alternative to vinyl or wood planks in high-traffic areas. Its durable nature makes limestone tiles a functional and durable flooring option that gives a unique charm to any room.
Although limestone is durable, it requires special care to avoid damage to the surface of the natural stone. Learning how to properly clean and maintain limestone floors will keep them looking their best for decades.
Here Are The Best Methods Of Cleaning Limestone Floors
Learning how to properly clean limestone floors is critical to preserving the stone’s appearance and structural integrity. This sedimentary rock can be easily damaged by excess moisture and acidic cleaners due to its porous nature and natural calcium content. Here are some tips for safely cleaning limestone tiles.
What is limestone?
Limestone is a sedimentary rock that commonly forms at the bottom of the ocean.
There are different types of limestone that depend on where they are formed. Organic limestone forms in seawater and is composed of organic material and calcium carbide.
Animals at the bottom of the sea mine calcium carbonate in their shells and when they die, their shell and bone debris mix with the ocean floor to form limestone mud.
This then compacts over time as more layers build up on top of it. This squeezes the water and turns it into solid rock. In many types of limestone, you can literally see fossilized remains of sea creatures in the rock.
Get rid of stains
A poultice can usually remove stains that leave dark spots on natural stone. A poultice safely absorbs surface stains without discoloring the stone. You can buy a ready-to-use poultice or make your own. For more information visit our stain removal app.
The problem of do-it-yourself finishes
Countertop finishes and lacquers can create that desired “wet look” and a temporary guarantee to protect your floors, but they can actually do more harm than good.
These finishes eventually flake off, leaving the floor vulnerable to damage from foot traffic. They can also clog the pores of the limescale and cause premature degradation and opacity over time.
If you already have such a finish, it is best not to remove it yourself as the process can be very difficult and can cause permanent damage to the stone if not done correctly.
A professional stone restoration expert will be able to remove the finish with the appropriate stripping agents and equipment, then buff and polish the floor to a low or even glossy sheen, depending on your preference.
Seal your limestone floors
Limestone floors may need to be sealed periodically to inhibit stains. Keep in mind that sealants wear out over time, so it’s best to have sealed limestone floors cleaned and resealed by a professional restoration contractor every two years or so.
Restoration of worn floors like new
If the limestone floor is worn, scratched, or damaged, do not replace it. One of the most beautiful features of natural stone is that your floor can be professionally restored to be as good as new.
Make them look new
With proper care and maintenance, your limestone floors can always look like the day they were installed and provide you with impeccable service for a lifetime.
Faqs | Best Methods Of Cleaning Limestone Floors
What is the best anti-limescale cleaner?
Simple Green is a favorite limestone cleaner because its ingredients brighten stone surfaces without damaging the finish. Each component of the detergent is biodegradable and non-toxic, making the cleaning solution completely safe for kitchen counters.
Can vinegar be used to clean limescale?
Do not use vinegar, lemon juice, or other acid-containing cleaners on marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx surfaces. Do not use cleaners that contain acids, such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners, or tub and tile cleaners. Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleaners or mild cleaners.
How do you clean and polish limestone floors?
The easiest way to polish limescale is with mineral oil. Avoid using polishes that contain the wax as this will yellow limescale and trap dirt. Apply mineral oil to a clean soft cloth and rub the surface in circular motions.
Can you use baking soda on limestone?
One important thing to keep in mind is that natural cleaning solutions that can be used on other surfaces, such as baking soda, will not be effective on limestone surfaces. In fact, they could even damage the stone. This is due to two reasons: Limestone is porous: which means that it absorbs liquids easily.
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