How to seal and clean a limestone floor

Limestone flooring is valued for its natural variation, soft texture and timeless appeal. From classic tumbled finishes to more refined honed surfaces, limestone tiles bring warmth and character to interiors both traditional and contemporary. As a natural stone, correct care is essential and that care begins during installation.

Sealing limestone during installation

All natural limestone tiles should be sealed during installation to protect the stone and ensure long-term performance.

Because limestone is a porous material, it can absorb moisture and stains if left unsealed. For this reason, an impregnating (penetrating) sealer is always recommended for limestone floors. These sealers soak into the stone’s pores and:

• Protect against water, oil, and everyday staining

• Allow the stone to breathe naturally

• Preserve the original surface finish and texture

We recommend FILA MP90 Eco Xtreme, which is typically applied:

1. Before grouting, to prevent grout haze and staining

2. Again after installation, for full protection

This product provides:

• Deep-penetrating protection that resists water and oil without altering the finish

• Excellent base protection before applying a top coat, such as a Matt or Satin finish

• Long-lasting impregnating performance beneath any surface coating

A surface sealant sits on top of the stone rather than absorbing into it. These sealants are generally optional and are typically chosen for aesthetic or practical reasons.

You might choose a surface sealant if:

• You want a specific finish, such as matt, satin, or gloss

• The floor is in a very high-traffic area

• You want added protection and easier ongoing maintenance

Fila Matt | Matt surface sealant

• Keeps a very natural, chalky limestone look
• Minimal visual change
• Useful where you want subtle added protection

Fila Satin | Satin surface sealant

• Adds a soft, elegant sheen
• Makes cleaning easier
• Popular in living spaces and kitchens

Fila LongLife | Gloss surface sealant

• Creates a strong protective film
• Gloss finish
• Best suited to areas where durability outweighs a natural look

Fila Stone Plus | Colour enhancing sealant

Stone Plus is not a surface film, it’s a colour-enhancing impregnating sealer. This is often chosen instead of a surface sealant where a richer appearance is desired.

• Deeply penetrates the stone
• Enriches natural tones
• No surface coating or sheen build-up

Everyday cleaning for limestone floors

Once sealed, limestone floors are straightforward to care for.

For regular cleaning:

• Sweep or vacuum frequently to remove grit and dust

• Mop with warm water and a pH-neutral limestone cleaner (avoid over-mopping, as excess water can attract more dirt)

• Use a soft mop or cloth rather than abrasive tools

We recommend using stone-specific cleaning products designed for natural limestone, as these clean effectively without damaging the stone or degrading the sealant.

To maintain limestone floors correctly, we advise:

• pH-neutral stone cleaners for routine cleaning

• Specialist limestone cleaners for occasional deeper cleans

• Avoiding acidic, alkaline, or general household cleaners

Products containing vinegar, bleach, ammonia, or citrus should never be used on limestone, as they can cause etching, dulling, and permanent surface damage.

We recommend using:

FILA Cleaner Pro (pH-Neutral Limestone Floor Cleaner)

Best for everyday cleaning of sealed limestone

• A concentrated, pH-neutral cleaner designed specifically for natural stone such as limestone

• Safely removes daily dirt, dust, and surface grime without harming the stone or degrading sealants

• Can be diluted for light cleaning or mixed slightly stronger for routine mop-cleaning

• Leaves no residue and is safe for indoor floors

Use for: Weekly or routine cleaning, the ideal everyday product after installation and beyond.
Tip: Dilute as instructed (e.g., one capful in a bucket of warm water) and mop; no harsh rinsing required.

FILA PS87 Pro (Deep Cleaning + Stain/Degrease)

Best for deep cleaning and stubborn dirt

• A powerful degreasing and cleaning agent that breaks down grease, stubborn soil, and heavy traffic build-up

• Can be diluted for general deep cleaning or used undiluted on tough spots

• Safe for limestone when used carefully (always spot-test first), but stronger than standard daily products

Use for: Occasional deeper cleaning, especially in kitchens, hallways, or areas with oil or grease build-up.

Caution: Because it is a potent cleaner, avoid frequent use on sealed stone. Follow with a pH-neutral cleaner, and consider resealing if used regularly.

Dealing with spills and stains

Spills should be cleaned up promptly, especially in kitchens, hallways, and dining areas.

• Blot spills rather than wiping to prevent spreading

• Clean with warm water and a pH-neutral stone cleaner

• Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth

Good sealing provides valuable protection, but quick action is always best.

We recommend:

FILA SR95 Stain Remover – A specialist remover for organic stains such as wine, coffee, tea, soft drinks, and ink. This ready-to-use spot treatment is applied directly to the stain and wiped away after about 15 minutes, ideal when a pH-neutral cleaner isn’t enough.

Resealing limestone floors

Over time, sealants naturally wear, especially in high-traffic areas.

• Most limestone floors benefit from resealing every few years
• Kitchens and busy family spaces may require more frequent resealing
• A simple water test can help indicate when resealing is needed, if water darkens the stone rather than beading, protection has reduced

Resealing restores protection and keeps limestone floors performing at their best.

Long-term care and maintenance

Limestone floors are designed to age beautifully, developing a soft patina that adds depth and character. To protect your floor:

• Use entrance mats to reduce dirt and grit
• Fit felt pads to furniture
• Avoid dragging heavy objects across the surface

These small steps help preserve the stone while allowing it to mature naturally.

Caring for Mandarin Stone limestone

With correct sealing during installation and a considered approach to cleaning, limestone floors are remarkably easy to live with and will last a lifetime. Treated well, they offer enduring beauty, warmth and character that only natural stone can provide.

For further advice on caring for your limestone tiles, our team is always here to help. Email [email protected], call +44 (0)1600 715444, or visit one of our UK showrooms.

You can also explore expert guidance in the FAQ section of our website.