It is always a good idea to ensure that your limestone floors are dust and sand free. Debris left on the surface of limestone has a grinding, abrasive effect. A build-up of these will scratch the surface and make the stone vulnerable to further damage.

A simple way to minimise the effect of debris producing a grinding effect is to introduce barrier matting at entrances so that abrasive debris from shoes will not be transferred onto the stone, and to regularly vacuum or sweep. When vacuuming always ensure the brush attachment is connected, being careful not to scratch your limestone.

Your should periodically clean your limestone floors with lukewarm water. Use a well-wrung microfibre mop and use a minimal amount of water. Excess water can penetrate into your limestone, so be sure to dry your limestone when finished. Apply only light pressure while mopping. If you require a more thorough clean, use a pH neutral cleaner or an alkaline product specifically designed for stone.

No sealer lasts forever, however provided the floor has been correctly sealed and is correctly maintained, it should stay protected for many years. Australian made penetrating sealer , specifically designed for stone surfaces has up to a 15 year lifetime.

Limestone should be sealed using a deep penetrating sealer to prevent staining and reduce soiling and once sealed should only be cleaned using pH neutral detergents. Using incorrect cleaning products can damage limestone, and potentially the seal, returning the stone to its porous natural state.

Limestone can be difficult to maintain if a proper maintenance cycle is not put in place from the point of installation. As it is usually not polished, the problem of scratching is not as big an issue as it is with marble, however if proper barrier matting is not introduced even a honed surface will lose its attractiveness.

• Clean/blot spills right away (do not allow a potential stain to sink in!
• Seal limestone floors since it’s natural stone
• Place a mat at each doorway
• Use a microfibre mop to clean floors
• Clean floors regularly

• Never use bleach, ammonia or vinegar to clean your limestone
• Never use cleaners that are acidic
• Never use an abrasive cleaner or scouring pad.

For any spills, blot the liquid immediately with a soft clean cloth

The most important step to take in order to protect your limestone is to have it sealed using a quality long lasting deep penetrating sealer such as Australian , specifically designed for stone surfaces and has up to a 15 year lifetime. This will help reduce stains and other wear and tear effects.

You should sweep and vacuum your limestone floor regularly to remove dust, grit and debris. If left on the floor, the abrasive action when walked upon results in scratches on your limestone, causes the stone to loose its shine. Install mats at entryways so that dust and dirt are captured will limit the transfer of dirt into the room.

Limestone reacts easily to acids. Never use acidic and citrus cleaners when cleaning your limestone. Acidic cleaners etch your limestone floor. Only use pH neutral cleaners. As some neutral cleaners contain additives that can also damage your limestone, obtain a neutral stone cleaner that is especially designed for limestone. Many household detergents also tend to leave a build-up and can result in your floor having a grimy appearance.

Use a wet mop at least weekly to clean your limestone floor. Use a neutral cleaner together with lukewarm water to create a mild yet effective cleaning solution for your limestone. Limestone needs to be cleaned with minimal amount of water as is porous and too much water tends to infiltrate the limestone potentially creating discolourations and stains. Also ensure you change the water frequently so that you don't leave dirt on the floor.

Wipe all spills as soon as they occur. If left unattended substances can seep into the floor and create potential stains. Even if you have sealed your limestone spills will need to be removed quickly. A sealer gives you time to remove the staining product, but if left for long enough, can work its way through the pore structure becoming extremely difficult to remove.

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.