Liquid limestone is a widely popular flooring solution found in many Australian homes due to its elegant appeal and low-maintenance properties. Part of the joy of using liquid limestone is that it’s resilient to splitting and cracking, especially when compared to traditional options like concrete and stone tiles. As beautiful as liquid limestone can be, it does need a little bit of TLC from time to time to ensure that it stays elegant-looking for a long time.
When it comes to cleaning liquid limestone, there are several things you should keep in mind. The last thing you want is to damage your outdoor flooring and cause more problems down the line. Use this step-by-step guide to clean your liquid limestone flooring and make it look more appealing than ever.
Cleaning liquid limestone in 5 steps
Before we get started, it’s important to note that liquid limestone is a very porous material. Because of this, removing stains can prove quite challenging if you don’t have the experience like professionals such as Fluid Concrete. You cannot employ the same methods in cleaning liquid limestone than you would with a concrete patio or liquid concrete. Instead, here are the 5 steps that you should use for a gleaming, stain-free flooring.
You’ll need a few items and equipment when cleaning liquid limestone. Here’s a checklist for you to follow:
- a broom
- a residential pressure washer
- a dustpan
- rubber gloves
- goggles
- a stiff-bristled brush (not a wire brush)
- bleach
- a bucket
- a spin mop
Step 1: Start sweeping
The first step in cleaning liquid limestone is to sweep the surface. This clears off any loose debris that may interfere with the cleaning procedure. Make sure each area of the limestone flooring is swept properly and work in sections to prevent dust, dirt, and other particles from scattering. Use a broom and dustpan for this procedure.
Step 2: Pressure wash the limestone flooring
The next step is to pressure wash the limestone flooring. This procedure removes deep-seated dirt, mold, and other microorganisms that may have burrowed into the flooring’s foundations. Simply set up the pressure washer according to manufacturer instructions and wear goggles prior to operating the equipment. A psi range of around 2,000 – 3,000 is more than enough to remove the majority of stains found on liquid limestone. Do not go any higher than those figures or you’ll risk damaging the flooring.
If there are stubborn stains left after pressure washing, you’ll have to clean up the stains by hand with the next step.
Step 3: Brush off stubborn stains
Stubborn stains require a bit of elbow grease to remove. This can be done by using bleach and a hard-bristled brush to effectively dislodge stains and disinfect the limestone surface. Bleach kills bacteria, mold, and mildew spores that may be residing on the surface and the hard-bristled brush gets deep into the pores to remove dirt, dust, and debris.
Start by placing 4 cups of bleach into a bucket half full of water. Soak the limestone surface and let it sit for around 3 minutes. Scrub the stains with the hard-bristled brush while applying enough pressure to dislodge the stains. Repeat this procedure until all the stains have been removed.
Step 4: Rinse the limestone flooring
Turn the pressure washer back on. This time, lower the psi to around 1,500 and rinse the limestone flooring. This helps remove any standing chemicals while removing the last traces of stains. If there’s a spot that needs a bit of cleaning, repeat step 3 and proceed to pressure washing afterward.
Step 5: Use a spin mop to dry the limestone flooring
The final step in cleaning liquid limestone is to dry the entire surface with a spin mop. Mop the surface from top to bottom, making sure to dry the mophead on the spin bucket once it absorbs most of the water. Repeat this process until the limestone flooring is completely dry. You can let the surface air-dry, but we recommend mopping instead to minimize the risk of mold and mildew from re-entering.
Important tips to keep in mind
Cleaning your liquid limestone flooring is relatively simple and straightforward. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind to prevent damage from occurring. When cleaning liquid limestone, avoid using household cleaners that contain acids such as lemon juice and white vinegar. Limestone is calcium-based and using acid-based cleaners can do more harm than good, causing a chemical reaction similar to mixing baking soda and vinegar.
Also, if you use liquid limestone indoors, make sure to wipe off any spills immediately. Like we’ve said before, liquid limestone is a porous substance, meaning it acts like a sponge and soaks up any spills on the surface. To prevent stubborn stains, do not let coffee or soda spills sit for long and wipe them as soon as possible.
The last tip to keep in mind is that your liquid limestone flooring needs to be resealed after a few years. Upon installation, the contractors will apply a sealant that acts as a barrier to shield the surface from dust, dirt, and debris. Some sealants last for only a year while others will last for 3-5 years. Contact your contractor and ask them how often should you reseal your liquid limestone flooring to keep it protected from dirt and stains.
This step-by-step guide will help restore the gleam and shine of your liquid limestone flooring. Make sure to follow each step carefully to keep your limestone floors stain-free.
