Cleaning Limestone Floors in 5 Simple Steps
This page may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we’ll earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. For more details, please read our disclosure.
If you have limestone floors in your home, congratulations! They are beautiful and timeless.
But before you start cleaning them, there are a few things you need to know. Cleaning limestone floors can be tricky because the wrong products or methods can damage them. But with these five simple steps, you can clean your floors safely and effectively. So read on to learn more!
Cleaning Limestone Floors Naturally and Safely
Step 1: Seal the Limestone
The first step in caring for your limestone floor is to seal it. This will help protect the stone from damage and make it easier to clean in the future.
Limestone is a porous material, so sealing it is essential to prevent absorption and staining. The sealant can last up to two years but may need to be re-applied every year if the floor gets a lot of foot traffic. To test whether your floor is sufficiently sealed, spill a drink or other liquid. If it beads up, the sealant is still working. If it soaks in, it’s time to reseal.
To seal limestone, prepare the surface by cleaning it thoroughly and drying it with a microfiber cloth. The limestone MUST be dry before applying the sealer, and you may need to wait 24 hours or longer for it to be completely dry. Then, apply the sealant with a brush or cloth, working in small sections. Allow it to dry for about 15 to 30 minutes before wiping it off. You want the sealant to be partially but not completely dry before wiping it off.
Be sure to read the instructions from the manufacturer of the product you’re using to seal the limestone. If the instructions differ from what we’ve provided here, follow the instructions of the manufacturer.
Black Diamond Stoneworks Wet Look Natural Stone Sealer
Related: How To Clean Travertine Floors
Step 2: Sweep or Vacuum the Floor
Obviously, in the future when you’re cleaning limestone floors, you can skip straight to this step if the floor doesn’t need to be resealed yet.
Once the sealing and drying process is complete, you can vacuum it to remove any dirt or dust that has accumulated on the surface. Be sure to use a soft-bristled attachment to avoid scratching the floor. You can also sweep the floor with a soft-bristled broom.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Tineco Floor ONE S3 Cordless Hardwood Floors Cleaner
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Runner Up  | Miele Compact C1 Turbo Team Bagged Canister Vacuum
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Upright  | Shark LA502 Rotator Lift-Away ADV DuoClean PowerFins Upright Vacuum
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
The frequency that you need to vacuum or sweep will depend on the amount of traffic in the room. In general, cleaning the floor at least once a week is a good starting point. But if it’s a kitchen or another area that is used heavily, you may need to clean it every day or at least a few times per week.
Step 3: Use Only Cleaners Made for Natural Stone
When it comes to cleaners, you should never use harsh chemicals or abrasive scrubbers when cleaning limestone floors. These can damage the stone and leave it looking dull.
Instead, look for cleaners that are made specifically for natural stone. We recommend Better Life Granite and Natural Stone Cleaner. It’s made specifically for granite, limestone, marble, quartz, slate, and other natural stones. It’s environmentally friendly, cleans effectively, and won’t damage your limestone floors. It’s also great for countertops and tile showers, in addition to floors.
Better Life Natural Granite and Stone Cleaner, Pomegranate Grapefruit
We recommend natural DIY cleaners for a lot of purposes around the house, but when you’re dealing with limestone, it’s best to stick with products that are specifically made for natural stone. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice can damage limestone, so it’s best to avoid them.
To clean your floor with this product, simply spray it on and then wipe it up with a damp mop or cloth. You don’t need to rinse it off since there are no harsh chemicals in the cleaner.
Related: The Best Natural Granite Cleaner for Countertops
Step 4: Clean Tough Spots with a Microfiber Cloth
If there are spots on the floor that need attention, use the Better Life Granite and Natural Stone Cleaner and a microfiber cloth (we recommend the products from e-Cloth) to wipe it off. Rubbing the cloth in a circular motion should be enough to remove most spots.
- High-quality microfiber
- Affordable
- Clean with just water
Our favorite microfiber cloths for use around the home are the general purpose clothes from E-Cloth. Whether you're wiping down the kitchen table, countertops, or scrubbing just about any other surface in your house, these clothes are effective, durable, and affordable. Over the course of a year, you'll save a huge amount of money on paper towels and cleaning solutions, plus you can keep the chemicals out of your home.
Step 5: Use a Wet Mop
Once the spot treatment is done, you can use a wet mop and the cleaner to clean the entire floor.
Start in one corner of the room and work your way across, being careful not to miss any spots. When you’re finished, go back over the floor with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any excess moisture.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop
| 9.8 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Value  | E-Cloth Mini Deep Clean Mop
| 9.7 | Check Price on Amazon |
Best Spin Mop  | O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop & Bucket
| 9.6 | Check Price on Amazon |
Tip: Avoid Steam Cleaning Limestone Floors
While steam cleaners are highly effective on many types of floors, you should avoid using a steam cleaner on limestone floors. Since the limestone is porous, steam can enter the cracks and crevices and cause damage. As a result, it’s best to avoid this possibility by simply not using a steam cleaner.
Optional: Use a Toothbrush to Remove Stains
If there are stains, you can use a toothbrush to scrub them out. Just dip the brush in the cleaner and then scrub the stain until it’s gone. Rinse the area with water when you’re finished.
You may not need to do this every time you clean the floor, but it’s a good idea to do it periodically to prevent stains from setting in when cleaning limestone floors.
Related: The Best Marble Cleaner for the Floor and Bathroom
Tip: Clean Up Spills Right Away
To prevent stains, it’s important to clean up spills as soon as they happen. This is good advice with any type of floor, but it’s especially important for limestone and other floors made with porous materials. Use a clean cloth to blot the spill and then follow the instructions above to clean the area.
Related: How to Clean Slate Floors Naturally and Safely
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cleaner for limestone?
The best cleaner for limestone is one that is made specifically for natural stone. We recommend Better Life Granite and Natural Stone Cleaner. It’s made for granite, limestone, marble, quartz, slate, and other natural stones.
Can I use vinegar to clean limestone?
No, you should not use vinegar to clean your limestone floors. Acidic cleaners like vinegar and lemon juice can damage limestone, so it’s best to avoid them.
Is steam cleaning safe for limestone?
No, steam cleaning is not safe for limestone. Since the stone is porous, steam can enter the cracks and crevices and cause damage. As a result, it’s best to avoid this possibility by simply not using a steam cleaner.
How do I remove stains from limestone?
If there are stains, you can use a toothbrush to scrub them out. Just dip the brush in the cleaner and then scrub the stain until it’s gone. Rinse the area with water when you’re finished.
How often should I clean my limestone floors?
It’s best to clean your limestone floors at least once a week. If they’re particularly dirty, you may need to clean them more often.
Can I use bleach on limestone?
No, you should not use bleach on limestone. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can damage the stone. If you need to disinfect your floors, use a natural cleaner like vinegar or lemon juice diluted in water and rinse with water when finished disinfecting.
Is limestone flooring hard to maintain?
No, limestone flooring is actually quite easy to maintain. As long as you vacuum or sweep it regularly and clean it with a natural cleaner, it should stay in good condition for years to come.
How often do you need to seal limestone tiles?
It’s best to seal limestone tiles every year to every two years, depending on how heavily it is used and the type of sealer that is used. This will help protect the stone from stains and damage.
How can I make my limestone floor shine?
We recommend sealing the limestone and cleaning it weekly with Better Life Granite and Natural Stone Cleaner.
Does limestone stain easily?
Yes, limestone is a porous material that can stain easily. To prevent stains, it’s important to clean up spills as soon as they happen and to seal the stone periodically.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Limestone Floors
Cleaning limestone floors is easy and doesn’t require any special skills or knowledge. Just be sure to use the right products and follow the instructions carefully. By taking these simple steps, you can keep your limestone floors looking like new for years to come.
Cleaning limestone floors is simple and only requires a few household products. By following these steps listed above, you can easily and effectively maintain your limestone floors to keep them looking as good as new for many years to come.