Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 2: Cleaning limestone surfaces
• Method 2 of 2: Maintaining limestone surfaces
• Tips
• Warnings

Limestone stains are a tricky problem as limestone itself is porous and absorbent. Limestone looks amazing on the outside, but you will need to work hard to keep it clean. To avoid damaging limestone when removing stains, it is wise to take precautionary measures to clean it.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Cleaning limestone surfaces

1. 1 Vacuum the limestone.It is quite possible to use a vacuum cleaner to care for limestone, especially if the turbo brush is turned off (if available). Even if you can't turn off the turbo brush, you can still quickly vacuum dust and debris from limestone surfaces. The vacuum cleaner helps to extract and collect dust from cracks and pores in limestone.
   • If a table or other non-floor surface is made of limestone, use a hand-held vacuum cleaner whenever possible. Classic models of vacuum cleaners are usually equipped with hoses. They are also suitable for cleaning raised surfaces such as kitchen countertops.
2. 2 Use a dry mop or broom. After partially removing dirt from limestone floors, additionally sweep the surface with a dry mop. Do not wet the mop, use it dry to remove unwanted dust and other contaminants. You can also use a broom for the same purpose.
   • There are even several dry cleaning mops on the market that are effective for cleaning limestone.
3. 3 Dampen the surface with a damp cloth. It is important to remove any debris from the surface before applying liquids, as debris can scratch it. Fill a bucket with warm water and add a couple tablespoons of liquid soap (about 15 ml). You can use liquid hand soap or dishwashing detergent, but use less. To moisten a rag, first immerse it in the soapy water and then wring it out as best you can. Wipe the surface of the limestone gently with a rag.
   • Take your time and don't be afraid to spend more time wiping the stained area with a rag.Rinse and wring out the cloth as many times as necessary.
4. 4 Use a limestone stain remover. Limestone stain removers contain a mixture of ground chalk and hydrogen peroxide. Some products use chemicals other than peroxide. Be sure to follow the instructions that came with the product you are using. Generalized guidelines for the use of such funds are presented below.
   • Add water to the powder.
   • Apply the product to the stain or stained area.
   • Leave the lotion on for 48 hours. During this time, it will dry out. During the drying process, the lotion will be absorbed into the limestone.
   • Erase the lotion. The stain should disappear.
5. 5 In showers, use baking soda to remove soapy deposits from limestone. Soap deposits can be gently wiped off with a sponge with baking soda on it, working in a circular motion. After that, it remains only to rinse the surface with water. If necessary, you can use acid-free products to remove soap deposits.
   • Wipe the shower dry each time after use to avoid soapy deposits.

Method 2 of 2: Maintaining limestone surfaces

1. 1 Wash off fresh stains immediately. Wipe off fresh stains immediately with a damp cloth or brush (if dealing with soot, dirt, etc.) and some liquid soap. Some stains can be removed with a simple brush, especially when they are still fresh. The faster you react, the better. Otherwise, it will be necessary to resort to methods of deeper purification of limestone. SPECIALIST'S ADVICE

   

   Michelle Driscoll MPH

   
   
   Mulberry Maids founder Michelle Driscoll is the owner of the Mulberry Maids cleaning service in northern Colorado. She received her Masters in Public Health from Colorado School of Public Health in 2016.

   Michelle Driscoll MPH
   Founder of Mulberry Maids

   Our specialist agrees: “It's best to get started removing the stain as soon as possible. The limestone is porous and the source of the stain can quickly be absorbed into the stone. ”

2. 2 Clean limestone regularly. Limestone floors should be wiped with a dry mop every two weeks. If you have limestone countertops, they should be wiped with a special dust cloth every week. There are many materials on the market for effective dry cleaning of surfaces.
   • On tables and countertops, a dust brush can be used (provided it is clean).
3. 3 Use rugs and rugs. Use rugs, rugs, and rugs for busy areas of your home where people often walk. Pay special attention to doorways and corridors leading to doors. Many stains on limestone floors are caused by litter and dirt on your feet.
   • You can also use outdoor doormats to dry your feet before entering your home.
4. 4 Use coasters. Use mug coasters for limestone tables and tops! Limestone tends to form circles from mugs and water stains. Prevent possible surface damage by stocking up on enough mug coasters for both you and your guests.
   • Place hot utensils on protective coasters. By analogy with condensation on cold mugs, the heat from hot plates can also stain and damage limestone.

Tips

• A steamer can help you. Read carefully the instructions for the device.
• You may need to take several attempts at removing the stain to get rid of it.
• For outdoor limestone surfaces, consider using a pressure washer.

Warnings

• Limestone contains calcium carbonate. It reacts poorly to acidic solutions and substances that can cause its erosion over time. Therefore, do not use acidic limestone cleaners.If you use them, you can cause destruction of the surface, because of which it becomes pockmarked.