You’ll find any number of online tips and articles about cleaning natural stone such as limestone. But what about the grout that goes between the tiles? And while properly cleaned grout can make all the difference to how your limestone looks, many of the more common grout cleaners are quite abrasive. And so you need to take care – they could ruin the surface of your stone.
Prepare the area
First of all, sweep, vacuum or brush up the tiled area to shift loose debris and dirt.
Apply stone-safe grout cleaner
Have a good grout cleaner that’s labelled as safe for limestone and spray along the grout lines. Also, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product, especially for the length of time you need to leave it for.
Scrub the grout
Using a brush with soft bristles, such as an old toothbrush, scrub the grout, although not too vigorously. Then rinse with clear water to remove every last trace of the cleaner, as well as any residual dirt.
Seal the grout
Let your stone dry out thoroughly before you apply sealant, although adding this is an optional step. But if you do it, it will protect the grout from staining in the future.
Final considerations
If you use a cleaner which is too acid or alkaline, it can etch the surface of your limestone. So before you clean a whole area, such as a floor, test out the grout cleaning product on a small, discreet area. That gives you peace of mind about any possible damage or discolouration.
For ongoing, regular cleaning of limestone, try a pH-neutral cleaning product such as a mild detergent. And if you mop regularly, this also prevents the build-up of dirt and grime. Finally, keep things as dry as you can, wiping surfaces after use and leaving kitchen and bathroom doors open or running an extractor fan to prevent moisture that could lead to mould or mildew.
Get in touch
At Royal Stone Care, we’re limestone specialists and our expert teams understand every aspect of limestone care, including limestone cleaning and restoration in London. Get in touch for an initial consultation and quote, whether you’re a business or private residence.
