Stone Floor Cleaning & Restoration FAQs

We specialise in cleaning, polishing and restoring limestone, marble, travertine and terrazzo floors. The treatment is selected for the stone, its condition and how the room is used.

In most cases we can make a substantial improvement. Deep cleaning, diamond honing and polishing can remove built-up dirt, dull areas, light scratches and etch marks. The final result depends on the stone, previous treatments and the depth of any damage, which we assess before recommending the work.

Depending on the floor, restoration may include deep cleaning the tiles and grout, filling suitable holes or cracks, diamond honing, polishing and applying an appropriate protective sealer. We explain which stages are needed before work begins.

Diamond polishing uses professional machinery and progressively finer diamond abrasives to refine the stone itself. It can reduce surface wear, light scratches and etching without covering the floor with an artificial coating.

Light scratches, dull spots and etch marks can usually be removed or greatly reduced through diamond honing and polishing. Deeper damage may need additional treatment, and we explain the likely result after inspection.

Etch marks are dull, pale or cloudy areas caused when acidic substances react with marble, limestone or travertine. Common causes include vinegar, lemon juice, wine, fizzy drinks, acidic cleaners and limescale removers. Unlike absorbed stains, etching damages the surface finish and normally requires honing or polishing.

Suitable small cracks, chips and holes can often be filled with a carefully selected, colour-matched resin before the floor is refinished. How visible the repair remains depends on its size, location and the stone’s natural pattern.

Yes. Travertine naturally contains cavities that can reappear as old filling material wears away. These areas can normally be cleaned and refilled before refinishing.

Yes. Deep cleaning includes the grout lines. Heavily stained, damaged or previously coated grout may require additional treatment, which we will discuss following inspection.

Most natural stone floors benefit from a suitable impregnating sealer because the material can be porous. A sealer reduces absorbency and supports easier routine cleaning without creating an artificial surface coating.

The available finish depends on the type and condition of the stone. Many marble, limestone, travertine and terrazzo floors can have a natural matt, honed, satin or polished appearance. We will help you select a practical finish for the room and level of use.

A properly maintained polished floor is not necessarily slippery when dry, but any hard floor can become slippery when wet, greasy or contaminated. We can advise on the most appropriate finish for the location; spillages should always be cleaned promptly.

Diamond honing is normally carried out as a wet process. Water is used with the abrasives to help control airborne dust and keep disruption to a minimum.

The working area should be cleared as much as practical. We discuss furniture and access before the appointment; please tell us in advance about large or heavy items that cannot easily be moved.

The timescale depends on the floor area, condition, stone and treatments required. A smaller area may take one day, while a larger or more heavily damaged floor may take longer. An estimated timescale is provided with the quotation.

This depends on the treatment and sealer used. Before leaving, we explain the relevant drying and curing times and when furniture, rugs and other items can safely be replaced.

Use a pH-neutral cleaner formulated for natural stone and follow its dilution instructions. Avoid bleach, vinegar, acidic products, limescale removers, abrasive cleaners and standard detergents, which can damage the finish or leave dulling residue.

The interval depends on foot traffic, the stone and finish, and routine cleaning. Busy kitchens, hallways and commercial premises generally need maintenance more often than lightly used rooms. Regular care can preserve the finish and reduce the need for extensive restoration.

Yes. We also clean and restore natural stone stairs, kitchen worktops and bathroom vanity tops. Send photographs and the stone type, if known, so we can advise on the most suitable treatment.

Yes. We provide cleaning, polishing, restoration and maintenance for domestic and commercial customers and can plan work to help minimise disruption.

We work throughout Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and Hampshire, including Woking, Guildford, Esher, Weybridge, Brighton, Eastbourne, Worthing, Crawley, Horsham, Southampton and Portsmouth. Contact us with your postcode if you are unsure.

We do not add an extra charge simply because the journey is longer. Send your location and details of the work so we can prepare an accurate quotation.

We usually begin at 8am and often finish at approximately 3pm, although finishing time depends on the work required. We stay longer when necessary to complete the planned work properly.

Yes. Floor Polishing Services Ltd is fully insured and has more than 15 years of experience in professional hard-floor cleaning and restoration.

Contact us for a free, no-obligation quotation. To help us assess the work, please send:

• Wide photographs and close-ups of damaged areas
• The approximate floor area
• Your postcode
• The stone type, if known
• A short description of the problems

We may recommend a site survey before confirming the treatment and price.