How to Deep Clean Limestone Floor

Limestone floors are beautiful and durable. Unfortunately, they can also easily become stained and grimy. If your floor is looking the worse for wear, you might be wondering how to clean it safely and effectively. In this article, we’ll talk you through the best way to deep clean your limestone floor and get it looking bright and beautiful again. We’ll also give you some tips and tricks for tackling different types of stains, from grease spills to mildew.

1

Blot up fresh spills with a clean cloth.

Acting fast will prevent stains from setting in. If you’ve spilled something on your limestone floor, grab a soft cloth or towel right away and gently blot it up. Avoid wiping the area, since this will just smear the spill around and possibly create a bigger stain.^{[1]XResearch source}
- You can also try rinsing the area with water to wash away any dirt or discoloration before it sets in. Dry the spot thoroughly when you’re done.
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2

Sweep or vacuum up loose dirt.

Dust and dirt can stain or scratch your floor. Before doing a deep cleaning, sweep the floor with a broom or dust mop, or go over it with a vacuum cleaner.^{[2]XResearch source} If you use a vacuum, make sure it’s in good condition. Worn-down wheels or cleaner attachments could scratch up your limestone floor.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Bare floor vacuum brushes with soft bristles are a good option for cleaning limestone tiles. Don’t use a carpet cleaning brush on your limestone floor!^{[4]XResearch source}

3

Mop the whole floor with water and mild detergent.

If possible, choose a detergent designed formulated for stone. Before trying to remove any deep, set-in stains, give the whole floor a general cleaning. This may be enough to get rid of most visible stains and dirt. If you don’t have specialized stone soap or detergent, a squirt of mild dish soap diluted in a bucket of water will work.^{[5]XExpert SourceErik Bakirov
Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview. 7 January 2021.} Wet the floor with clean water, then go over it gently with a mop or soft-bristled scrub brush and a little bit of your chosen cleaning solution. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water when you’re done.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Change the rinse water often during this process so that you don’t leave dirt or soap residue on the floor.
- Blot the area dry with a soft towel when you're done, then let it air dry the rest of the way.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can buy stone soap at most hardware stores. If you use a specialized cleanser, follow the directions on the package to make sure you’re using it correctly.
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4

Use water and gentle soap for most stains.

Fill a spray bottle with warm water and dish soap. Use about 2–3 tablespoons (30–44 mL) of dish soap. Spray the mixture directly onto the stain and gently scrub it with a soft rag. Rinse the spot with clean water to remove any soap residue. Blot up the water with a clean cloth or towel and let the area air dry.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Dish soap is gentle enough to use on limestone and will effectively tackle many types of stains and dirt, such as spilled food, light grease stains, or scuff marks from dirty shoes.^{[9]XResearch source}
- In some cases, water and gentle scrubbing alone may be enough to wash away a stain or stubborn dirt.^{[10]XResearch source}
- You can also use a specialized limestone cleaner, such as Black Diamond Limestone & Travertine Stone Wash, or Miracle Sealants Limestone and Travertine Stone Soap. Follow the directions on the packaging.

5

Lift oily stains with acetone.

This is a good option for grease spills or makeup stains. Grab some acetone or acetone-based nail-polish remover, pour it on a soft cloth, and gently blot the stain with it. This will help break down the grease without damaging your limestone floor.^{[11]XResearch source} When you’re done washing with acetone, rinse the spot with a rag dipped in clean water, then blot the area dry.
- Mineral spirits, also known as white spirit or mineral turpentine, are also excellent for breaking down oily stains. Mineral spirits are safe for cleaning stone floors.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You can also use bleach or ammonia. However, NEVER mix these cleansers together! Doing so can create highly dangerous toxic fumes.
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6

Remove discoloration with hydrogen peroxide.

Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle bleach alternative. Pour about ¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of hydrogen peroxide directly on the stain.^{[13]XResearch source} Use a 12% solution.^{[14]XResearch source} This is stronger than the solutions you’ll typically find in a drugstore, so you may need to find it online or in a beauty supply store. After cleaning a stain with hydrogen peroxide, rinse the area with clean water and pat it dry with a soft towel.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Hydrogen peroxide works well for ink stains, organic stains (such as coffee, tea, fruit juice, or wine), and biological stains, like algae or mildew.
- While the Natural Stone Institute recommends using hydrogen peroxide for cleaning stains on light-colored stone, other masonry experts warn that it could damage polished limestone surfaces.^{[16]XResearch source} Be sure to test the cleaner in an inconspicuous spot before trying to remove stains with it.

7

Buff away hard water spots gently with steel wool.

Hard water can leave stubborn spots or rings on limestone. To get rid of these stubborn spots, grab a super fine #0000 grade steel wool pad. Don’t wet the steel wool or the stained area. Just gently buff the spot with the dry steel wool until the stain is gone.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Wipe away the dust with a clean, damp cloth and pat the area dry with a soft towel when you’re done.
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8

Clean algae or mildew with diluted ammonia.

Ammonia is a stone-safe mold buster. Add ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of ammonia to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water.^{[18]XResearch source} Wipe down the stained area with a sponge soaked in the ammonia solution, then wipe it again with a sponge or cloth soaked in clean water to rinse the ammonia residue away.^{[19]XResearch source}
- For especially tough stains, gently scrub the area with a soft-bristle brush.
- Never mix ammonia with bleach or other household cleansers!
- Ammonia can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves when you clean with ammonia. If you get it on your skin, wash the area thoroughly with soap and water.^{[20]XTrustworthy SourceCenters for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human ServicesGo to source}

9

Apply a poultice to deep stains.

Commercial poultice solutions are designed to lift stains from stone. You can buy a pre-mixed poultice online, from a stone supply store, or from a hardware or home supply store. Follow the instructions on the package to prepare the poultice. Wet the stain with clean (preferably distilled) water. Use a spatula to spread the poultice over the stain in a layer about ¹⁄₂ inch (1.3 cm) thick. Cover the stain with plastic wrap and tape the wrap in place. Leave the poultice in place for at least 24 hours, then scrape it away and rinse the area with clean water.^{[21]XResearch source}
- After you rinse the poultice, blot the area dry with a soft, clean towel.
- If you still see a stain, apply the poultice again. Repeat the process as many times as necessary. You may need to do this about 5 times for the best results.
- You can also make your own poultice by mixing flour with hydrogen peroxide (for discolored stains), dish soap (for grease), or bleach (for mildew). Mix in enough cleaning agent so that the poultice has a creamy, peanut butter-like texture. Apply the poultice the same way you would a pre-mixed solution.^{[22]XResearch source}
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10

Steer clear of harsh or acidic cleansers.

Limestone is easily damaged by acid. That means you’ll need to avoid common acidic natural cleansers, like vinegar and lemon juice. Avoid using standard commercial household cleaners unless they’re designed for use on stone, since many of these products also contain acid.^{[23]XExpert SourceErik Bakirov
Cleaning SpecialistExpert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- Even alkaline cleansers, like bleach, can be damaging to delicate stone floors.^{[24]XResearch source}
- If you must use bleach, dilute it with water first. For example, you can use about ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of bleach diluted in 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water to clean mold or algae stains off a limestone surface.^{[25]XResearch source}
- Be careful with abrasive tools and cleansers, as well.^{[26]XResearch source} If you scrub your floor, use a soft brush. Carefully buff out scratches or hard water stains with a very fine abrasive, such as #0000 steel wool or a specialized stone polishing powder. You may need to reapply sealants or other surface treatments when you’re done.^{[27]XResearch source}

11

Call an expert for extra tough stains.

A pro can clean your floor without damaging it. If gentle solutions aren’t working, don’t reach for the harsh cleansers. Hop online and do a search for a professional stone floor cleaning service in your area.
- Use search terms like “stone floor cleaning professionals near me.”
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12

Seal your floor to prevent future staining.

A good sealant will help keep your floor clean. Limestone is naturally absorbent, so it easily soaks up spills and stains. To lock out dirt and discoloration, apply a sealant that’s designed for your type of floor. Read the instructions carefully to make sure you’re applying it correctly.^{[28]XResearch source} Clean your floor thoroughly before you apply the sealant.
- Once your floor is sealed, keep it swept or vacuumed to prevent the sealant from getting worn down. Mop your floor once or twice a week with a gentle cleaning product designed for use on natural stone.