Flooring Tile - Help! Cleaning ladies ruined the limestone floor in bathroom - what to do??

I really like the women who have cleaned for us on occasion but they had someone new who evidently used an acidic cleaner in the shower and then stepped out onto the limestone floor. Now we have sneaker footprints all over the limestone - there are many of them so it's hard to overlook.

I went to a local stone place and all their suggestions didn't work - using full strength cleaner, trying sealant, even hydrogen peroxide. It's a dull footprint on a polished surface. It's not very high shine but it's now extremely dull in those areas and looks terrible. I don't know what to tell these women and I'd hate the thought of getting the floor redone professionally. It's a small bathroom but still...I thought I read something about marble polish. Any suggestions?

Seriously, refinishing a polished stone is not a diy type of project and one of the reasons why the cleaning company carries insurance. Contact a stone refinishing outfit in your area and your cleaner's insurance carrier. Contact the Marble Institute of America at www.marble-institute.com and perhaps they can offer some suggestions in your area for refinishers.

I suggest calling the cleaning company - seems to me this should be their responsibility.

and they're definitely willing to compensate. I guess I'm just a softie who wants to find a way to take care of this without major expense. I know these ladies don't have insurance but will pay out of pocket. I know they messed up but I didn't want it to come to that. I know this isnt' a DIY type of job unless it's an easy fix. Thanks for your replies.

What area are you located in and do you have the measurements (square footage) of the damaged area? What you're describing is called etching and it has to be polished out. Cleaners, sealers and other chemicals won't help any.

The area is approx. over a 5x8' space. It's randomly spaced around that area mostly.

Yes, I did read about etching and that it has to be polished out but that's why I was wondering about polishing paste. I read that if it's not high gloss (it isn't), it might help to buff up the shine. I don't care too much if it's not perfect. I just don't want to have the actual look of a footprint.

If it is a job that I have to hire out, does anyone have an idea of cost? TIA!

If you hire it out, expect to pay up to $350.00, depending upon your contractor's minimum charge. This wouldn't be a difficult or time consuming job, so they shouldn't charge you too much. Again, I think it would fall within their minimum range, but I don't know what that is in your area.

You could try polishing powder or paste if you wish. It'll either work for you or it won't, but shouldn't cause any further damage if you follow instructions. If the spots you try it on come out with a higher gloss, simply do the entire floor to blend it. It's only 40 sq.ft.

Where would I find plishing powder/paste? Thanks for the info.

If you have a 'honed' (not polished) finish, Aldon has a product that may be helpful to restore the finish. http://www.aldonchem.com/pr-fine-stone-restoration.htm

Cleaning ladies should be spreading out cleaning rags or towel to stand upon when cleaning shower in order to prevent grit from shoes damaging tub/shower. Avoid the use of acidic cleaners on and around limestone.