Limestone is a gorgeous natural stone that’s an increasingly popular option in both homes and businesses. After all, it looks stunning and is highly durable. So it’s no wonder it’s so sought-after for flooring. But this material is also porous, so you need to look after it well to preserve its structural integrity and appearance.
However, the good news is that, with the right care, your limestone floor can remain pristine for years ahead Here are our main do’s and don’ts for looking after your stone.
DO: Be careful about the cleaning products you use
The cleaning items you use on limestone floors should be pH-neutral. Anything alkaline or acidic, including vinegar and lemon, could damage the surface via a process called etching. Meanwhile, ammonia and bleach can cause discolouring and a weakening of the stone’s natural integrity.
Stick to soft cloths, mops and sponges. If you use abrasive tools or stiff bristles, these can wear down your stone.
DO: Clean up spills immediately
Limestone stains especially easily. Blot, don’t wipe, to avoid spreading the spill. And don’t scrub – this can leave scratches. Work with gentle motions. For best results, opt for a moist cloth plus a pH-neutral cleaner. But if you allow stains and spills to bed in, they will be much harder to shift.
DO: Have preventative measures in place
These include entrance mats at appropriate points to reduce the volume of dirt or sand people may tread in, which can cause scratching. Additionally, have felt pads on furniture legs to avoid the same issue when you move pieces across the floor.
DON’T: Neglect regular maintenance
You’ll need to dust your floor and mop it with a damp mop regularlly to stop grime from building up – because this can cause the stone to scratch or look dull. Equally, frequent sealing protects from wear and tear and staining. Look into this every year, and reapply as needed.
DO: Get professional assistance
If you hire a professional firm to assess and deep-clean your limestone flooring every year, this complements your regular maintenance regime. And at the same time, your floor will stay looking its glorious best for longer.
Where a floor is extensively damaged or marked, then you may need a specialist limestone restoration service – and this is likely to prove more effective than anything you attempt yourself.
;DO: Talk to us at Royal Stone Care
Royal Stone Care works with homes and private businesses. So talk to us about professional limestone cleaning, repair and restoration today.
