How to Clean a Limestone Floor Safely

Learn how to clean and care for your limestone floor safely. Find out which products to use, what to avoid, and when to reseal. Expert guidance from StoneCura.

How to Clean and Maintain Your Limestone Floor Without Damaging It

Limestone floors bring natural warmth and character to any space, but without the right care, they can quickly lose their appearance. In this guide, you’ll learn how to clean and maintain a limestone floor safely, avoid common mistakes, and keep your stone looking beautiful for years to come.

Why Limestone Floors and Surfaces Need Special Care

Limestone is a porous, calcium-based stone that requires gentle cleaning. It’s sensitive to acids, harsh chemicals, and abrasive tools. Everyday spills, supermarket cleaners, or even the wrong mop can cause:

Etching (dull patches caused by acid)
Staining (from liquids soaking in)
Dullness and grime build-up

What to Use on Limestone Surfaces and What to Avoid

To keep your limestone looking its best, always use the right products and techniques.

Recommended Products:

PH-neutral stone cleaner
Microfibre mop or soft cloths
Warm water (not hot)

Avoid:

Vinegar, lemon juice, bleach, or acidic cleaners
Steam cleaners, which can force water into the stone
Mop-and-shine or wax-based products
Abrasive pads or scourers

Step-by-Step: How to Clean Your Limestone Floor Safely

Dry sweep or vacuum: Remove loose dust and grit first, as it acts like sandpaper on the surface.
Mop with PH-neutral cleaner: Dilute the cleaner according to the label and mop in sections. Do not flood the floor – a damp mop is enough.
Dry the floor: Use a clean, dry mop or towel to remove leftover moisture. This helps prevent streaks and mineral marks.

Routine Maintenance Tips

Keeping your limestone floor clean doesn’t need to be complicated. Follow these simple habits to maintain its natural beauty:

Daily: Dry sweep or vacuum high-traffic areas

Weekly: Mop with a PH-neutral cleaner

As needed: Spot clean spills immediately with warm water and a soft cloth

Annually: Have the floor professionally deep cleaned, checked, and resealed

When to Reseal Your Limestone Floor

If water no longer beads on the surface or you notice stains or dull areas, it’s likely time to reseal. Resealing protects the stone against stains and daily wear.

At StoneCura, we use breathable, high-quality impregnating sealers tailored to your stone type and how your floor is used. Resealing keeps your limestone floor protected, easier to clean, and looking its best.

For professional limestone floor cleaning and restoration services, contact the StoneCura team for expert advice.

Call us now on 01628 520354 or 07737 137022 or message us

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a steam mop on limestone?

It’s best to avoid using a steam mop on limestone floors. The heat and pressure from steam can force moisture deep into the stone’s pores and beneath the sealer, leading to damage, streaking, or even lifting of the finish. Instead, clean your limestone floor with a damp microfibre mop and a pH-neutral stone cleaner for safe and effective results.

How do I remove marks or etching on my limestone floor?

Etching appears as dull or light patches caused by contact with acidic substances like wine, juice, or bathroom products. These cannot be removed by regular cleaning. Therefore, they require professional honing or polishing using diamond abrasives to restore the smooth, even finish. Attempting to scrub or use harsh products can make the marks worse. If you notice etching, contact a stone care specialist such as StoneCura for advice or restoration.

How often should I reseal my limestone floor?

Most limestone floors should be resealed every 12 to 24 months, depending on usage and traffic. High-traffic areas such as hallways or kitchens may need resealing more frequently, while low-use rooms can last longer. A simple way to check is to sprinkle water on the surface. If it soaks in rather than beading up, it’s time to reseal. Resealing helps protect against staining and keeps your stone looking its best.

Can I polish limestone myself?

Polishing limestone is not a DIY-friendly task. It requires specialist diamond polishing equipment and knowledge of the correct grades and pressure to achieve a consistent shine without damaging the surface. Over-polishing or uneven buffing can cause permanent marks. For the best results, book a professional limestone polishing service to safely restore the stone’s natural lustre.

Get Professional Limestone Cleaning Help

If your limestone floor looks dull, stained, or uneven, or if you’re unsure whether your current cleaning products are suitable, get in touch. We’re happy to offer advice, share our stone care guide, or provide a quote for deep cleaning and resealing.

Contact StoneCura today for expert limestone floor cleaning and restoration. We are trusted by homeowners and businesses across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and surrounding areas.

Call us now on 01628 520354 or 07737 137022 or message us

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