Limestone Cleaning & Sealing Services
Oct 10 2023
When it comes to limestone tile and grout cleaning, stripping, sealing, and restoration, Adelaide Cleaneasy is your trusted partner. Our team of experts specialises in these areas and is equipped to offer you guidance and professional service to rejuvenate your aging limestone floors and tile grout, restoring them to their original glory. Whether you’re seeking advice on DIY cleaning and resealing or prefer our team to handle it for you, we’re here to assist. Our commitment is to revive the beauty of your limestone surfaces.
Understanding Limestone
Limestone, a type of rock, forms from sediment accumulation at the ocean’s bottom. It primarily consists of calcium carbonate and exhibits various colors due to the presence of other materials. Limestone’s calcium carbonate originates from marine organisms’ shells and bones, undergoing transformation into solid rock over time due to heat and pressure. Essentially, limestone is a product of fossilised marine life.
Cleaning Limestone Floors
Limestone floors are porous and susceptible to scratches, stains, and fractures. They require a breathable surface, unsuitable for synthetic sealers or urethane coatings. Adelaide Cleaneasy offers the perfect solution to safeguard your limestone by utilising impregnating sealers that deeply penetrate the surface, forming a protective shield against chemical harm, deterioration, and contaminants.
Over time, foot traffic leads to the accumulation of dust, sand, and grit, causing fine scratches that gradually dull the surface’s reflective properties. To restore the smooth, reflective finish of your limestone, our team employs high-speed polishers.
Limestone Varieties
Many older buildings feature limestone flooring, notably the chalky, porous variety with a granular surface, common in French and Spanish limestone. This type of limestone is more prone to staining than marble and varies in hardness. It’s also susceptible to etching from acidic substances like soft drinks and can absorb oils and liquids. Popular limestone colors include black, grey, white, yellow, and brown. To prevent staining and minimise soiling, limestone should be sealed with a penetrating sealer and cleaned using neutral pH detergents. Limestone is a soft stone, so cleaning pressure should not exceed 800 PSI and only when the grout is in good condition.
Maintaining a honed or polished limestone appearance necessitates regular professional upkeep. While some prefer a high-shine finish, certain low-calcite limestone types may require vitrification, but overuse can give the stone an unnatural plastic appearance.
Pros and Cons of Limestone
Advantages:
– Durable and suitable for high-traffic areas
– Easy to clean and maintain
– Generally more affordable than other natural stones
– Moisture-resistant, ideal for bathrooms and kitchens
Disadvantages:
– Can feel cold and hard underfoot
– Requires regular sealing
– Sensitive to acidic substances, leading to etching and surface damage over time
Limestone Tile Sealing Options
There are two primary types of sealers for limestone tiles:
- Impregnating sealer: Penetrates deeply and forms a protective barrier by chemically reacting with the limestone surface’s pores. It can achieve a transparent or color-enhancing finish.
- Topical sealer: Applied on the surface to create gloss, satin, or matte finishes. This sealer offers surface protection but does not penetrate like an impregnating sealer.
Impregnating sealers utilize nano-technology to chemically react with limestone and grout pores, creating a barrier against water and oil-based stains. They also simplify cleaning and maintenance by preventing stain absorption.
Pre-Sealing Preparation
To ensure optimal results, surfaces to be sealed should be clean and in the desired condition. Once sealed, removing stains may require stripping the sealer, which can be challenging. Avoid using acidic cleaners on limestone, as they can cause damage.
Protection from Acid Etching
Limestone, like marble and travertine, is susceptible to acid etching, which occurs when exposed to acidic substances like lemon juice, cola, wine, or champagne. A honed (matte) finish is preferred for limestone as it’s less prone to showing etch marks compared to a polished finish. Promptly clean acidic spills to minimize damage.
Limestone Floor Care & Maintenance
Proper maintenance is crucial for preserving limestone from installation onward. While limestone is less prone to scratches than marble, it can still lose its appearance if not protected with appropriate barrier matting. The key is to prevent staining.
Do’s:
– Clean spills promptly
– Seal limestone, as it’s a natural stone
– Use entrance mats
– Clean with a microfiber mop regularly
Don’ts:
– Avoid bleach, ammonia, or vinegar
– Steer clear of acidic cleaners
– Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads
For all your limestone maintenance and restoration needs, Adelaide Cleaneasy is your go-to source. We can efficiently clean, protect, and restore your limestone tiles, ensuring they look their best and resist future damage.