How To Clean & Polish Limestone Floor Tiles

Limestone Tiles: Steps To Clean & Polish Them Properly To Their Original Luster

Limestone is an ideal flooring material, both for its durability and beauty. However, this tendency to absorb dirt and stains can cause limestone floors to lose their natural color, dulling the appearance of your home. 

Many homes in Arizona have limestone floor tiles, but most owners don’t know how to care for and manage them. Fortunately, our trustedApache Junction natural stone cleaners can help.

If you notice that your limestone floors are getting dingy or dark looking, follow these steps to clean and polish them to their original luster.

Before Getting Started, You Need The Right Equipment

Limestone is composed of calcium carbonate, so it is acid sensitive. You must consider this because it can help you keep your limestone tiled surfaces shinier for more time. Keep away acidity, and harsh cleaners. Use only approved care products to take care of them.

Before cleaning your limestone floor tiles, you need the right tools and equipment. Here are some options:

• You can clean your limestone floor tiles with a grinding machine. Use a Nylon Brush For CP400 for deep cleaning.
• You also need a wet vacuum, and a floor mop, especially if you want to clean manually.
• An Approved Grout Brush may be also necessary for old stains.

How To Clean Your Limestone Tiles

Once you have the right items to start, follow these steps:

• Mix 1 part of pH-balanced cleaner with 3 parts of water.
• Apply this mixture with a low-pressure spray over the tiles.
• Let it stand for 5 or 10 minutes.
• Scrub the surface while the solution is still wet. This is crucial for any tile and grout cleaning in Chandler. 
• Once satisfied with the results, use a wet vacuum to extract the solution carefully. 
• Mop the floors with clear water. You can do it twice if necessary.
• Let the floor dry.

Remember to choose the scrubbing method that serves you best. Doing this process manually is more time-consuming. With floor machines, you can cover larger areas and take less time. 

You will need to re-polish or re-hone your floor tiles if you do not get good results. In other words, your floor has been altered from its natural condition, and the usual wear and tear got worse. Plus, some acids may have damaged the surface. You will need professional help for that.

Can I Steam Clean My Limestone Floor?

We do not recommend this method. Super-heated steam can damage sealers and put surface protection at risk. Over time, it can cause flaking or spalling of the limestone tiles.

You should also be careful with DIY solutions. They may be popular, but they are not suitable for limestone because they are often too acidic. Do not use vinegar, lemon, or baking soda to clean your limestone flooring.

Bleach is also too abrasive because it is too alkaline, so do not use it either. 

Finding natural stone cleaners in Gilbert is not always easy, but we recommend you this option instead of trying DIY methods. 

How To Polish Limestone Floor Tiles

Limestone requires less effort to polish compared to granite or marble. Polishing limestone tiles will bring out the natural shine of the stones. However, limestone requires regular maintenance, so do not forget to clean them as necessary. 

You will need a hand polisher, a 3000-grit diamond pad, and an 11000-grit diamond pad for this process. Follow these steps:

1. Polish the surface with a hand polisher. Set the polisher at low speed and use a 3000-grit diamond pad for this part. Move the hand polisher in oval patterns counterclockwise for 15 or 30 seconds. 
2. Check the surface to see if your limestone floor tile is ready. Repeat the process if necessary. 
3. Once you achieve the results you want, remove the 3000-grit pad, and rinse the surface with warm water.
4. Install the 11000-grit diamond pad and repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Remove the 11000-grit pad, rinse with water, and allow the surface to dry.

You can polish your limestone with mineral oil too, although it doesn’t give the same results as hand polisher. 

Limestone requires less effort to polish compared to granite or marble. Polishing limestone tiles will bring out the natural shine of the stones. However, limestone requires regular maintenance, so do not forget to clean them as necessary. 

You will need a hand polisher, a 3000-grit diamond pad, and an 11000-grit diamond pad for this process. Follow these steps:

1. Polish the surface with a hand polisher. Set the polisher at low speed and use a 3000-grit diamond pad for this part. Move the hand polisher in oval patterns counterclockwise for 15 or 30 seconds. 
2. Check the surface to see if your limestone floor tile is ready. Repeat the process if necessary. 
3. Once you achieve the results you want, remove the 3000-grit pad, and rinse the surface with warm water.
4. Install the 11000-grit diamond pad and repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Remove the 11000-grit pad, rinse with water, and allow the surface to dry.

You can polish your limestone with mineral oil too, although it doesn’t give the same results as hand polisher. 

When Should I Contact A Top-Rated Phoenix Natural Stone Cleaning Service?

If you are not a big fan of DIY methods, hire a professional. Cleaning and polishing limestone floors can be daunting. A professional floor refinisher will achieve the best results with the use of professional-grade equipment. Contact Arizona Stone Care if you need professional service, we will be happy to help!