Tuesday, January 14, 2020

7 Limestone Floor Tile Maintenance Tips

Limestone floor tile creates some of the most attractive residential floors. The tiles are made from limestone, a sedimentary rock composed of minerals or organic matter. Limestone tiles are bavailable in honed, semi-polished and highly polished finishes. Various colors and textures are available which enables highly attractive floor designs. Limestone is also one of the most hygienic materials for flooring due to its unique anti-bacterial properties. To help you maintain your limestone floor tiles, 7 tips are given below.

1. Sealing

It is a good idea to seal your limestone floor periodically since it is highly porous. This will help reduce stains and other wear and tear effects. Use a stone sealer that is especially suitable for limestone. Apply a sealant every 1 to 2 years to keep your limestone tiles in good condition.
2. Vacuum

You need to vacuum your limestone floor regularly to clear the dust and grit. If left on the floor, the abrasive action when walked upon results in scratches on your tiles. This causes the floor to loose its shine. You may want to place mats at the main entryways so that dust and dirt are captured by the mat. This will limit the transfer of dirt into the room. You can also sweep the floor with a soft broom.
3. Cleaners

Limestone is a calcium carbonate rock and reacts easily to acids. It is best to avoid acidic and citrus cleaners when you clean your limestone tiles. These can etch your limestone floor. Stick to neutral cleaners. However, some neutral cleaners contain additives that can damage your limestone. To be on the safe side, obtain a neutral stone cleaner that is especially suited for limestone. Avoid household detergents as these tend to leave build-ups and will your floor with a scummy appearance.
4. Wet Mop

Use a wet mop at least every 2 days to clean your limestone floor. Mix a neutral cleaner with warm water to create a mild yet effective cleaning solution for your floor. Limestone needs to be cleaned with minimal water since it is a porous material. Too much water tends to infiltrate the limestone and creates discoloration and stains. Wring the mop firmly before you mop the floor. Rinse sparingly with plain water. Be sure to change the water frequently so that you don’t leave dirt on the floor.
5. Spills

Wipe all spills as soon as they occur. If left unattended, they seep into the floor and create stains. These can be difficult to clear especially when they set deeply into the floor.
6. Stains

Obtain stone and grout cleaners that are suitable for limestone to remove stubborn stains. Poultice products can also be used to remove stains on limestone. These may require up to 48 hours for complete stain removal.
7. Steam

Occasionally, you may want to steam your limestone floor. You can rent a steamer from a home improvement store. Even when sealed, it is possible for tiny pockets of dirt and water to form on the floor. These gradually blacken and discolor the floor. A steamer helps to loosen and dissolve such dirt. Dry the tiles thoroughly after you steam.