Care and Maintenance Guidelines
Limestone is one of the versatile natural stones used in construction and landscaping installations. Like any other natural stone, proper maintenance is required for longer life and to preserve the stone’s natural look and feel.
- Sealing: Limestone is porous and can easily absorb liquids, leading to staining and material damage. Applying an appropriate sealer can help protect the surface from moisture, stains, and other contaminants.
- Avoid Excessive Heat Contact: Limestones can be sensitive to heat, avoid placing hot pots or pans directly on the surface. Use trivets or heat-resistant mats to protect your stone from heat damage.
- Prevent Stains: Immediately wipe up spills on the surface to prevent them from seeping into the stone and progressing into staining. Be more cautious while dealing with acidic substances such as wine, citrus juices, tomato sauce, etc.
- No Harsh Cleaners: Limestone is sensitive to acidic substances. Avoid using harsh or acidic cleaners like bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. Instead, use a pH-neutral cleaner or a mild soap diluted in water.
- Practice Regular Cleaning: Keep the limestone surface neat and clean by frequently sweeping away debris and dirt. Use a soft-bristled brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attached to avoid scratching the surfaces.
- Wash Gentle with Care: While cleaning your limestone surfaces, use a soft cloth to dry out. Do not use abrasive scrubbing pads or hard brushes that can easily scratch your surfaces.
- Outdoor Maintenance: Keep the surface free of debris and vegetation, as outdoor plant materials can hold moisture that may lead to staining or further deterioration.
- Professional Cleaning and Restoration: Consider hiring a professional stone restoration specialist. They have the expertise and equipment to safely clean, repair, and restore your limestone surfaces.
How to Protect Limestone Countertops
- Use mild cleaning solutions: Be mindful of harsh or abrasive cleaners. Choose pH-neutral cleansers to remove dirt and grime without causing any damage.
- Be Cautious of stains and scratches: Place coasters under glasses, use cutting boards when chopping, and avoid placing hot pans directly on your kitchen countertops.
- Clean up spills immediately: Wipe out the spills as soon as possible, so you can prevent them from seeping into the pores of the stone.
- Dry with caution: Use a soft cloth or a paper towel to soak up your limestone countertops. Avoid using sponges or scrubbers which may easily scratch your surfaces.
- Avoid direct heat contact: Always use heat-resistant pads while placing hot vessels or pans on the surface. This may reduce the risk of material damage or discoloration from direct exposure to extreme temperatures.
- Clean every day: You can ensure the best care for your limestone countertops by cleaning the surfaces regularly, especially in high-traffic areas.
Cleaning Unusual / Stubborn Stains
- Organic Stains (e.g., moss, algae)
- Prepare a solution by mixing water and a mild detergent, or a stone-safe cleaner.
- Gently Scrub the stained portion using a soft-bristled brush.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water after cleaning with the solution
- Oil-based stains (e.g., grease, cooking oil)
- Apply a poultice made of an absorbent such as talcum powder, baking soda, or cornstarch mixed with a solvent like acetone or mineral spirits.
- Spread the poultice over the stained area and cover it with plastic wrap to prevent drying.
- Leave the poultice in place for 24-48 hours to draw out the oil.
- Remove the poultice and clean the area with a mild detergent or stone-safe cleaner.
- Ink Stains
- Moisten a soft cloth with rubbing alcohol or acetone.
- Gently blot the ink stain, be careful not to spread it further.
- Repeat the process until the ink stain is invisible.
- Clean the area with a mild detergent or stone-safe cleaner and water.
- Etching
- Etching occurs when acidic substances come into contact with limestone surfaces, causing dull spots or marks.
- Buff the etched area with a fine-grit polishing compound.
- Take professional help for application and buffing.
- If the etching is severe, you’ll need to consult a professional stone restoration specialist for advanced care.
Mistakes to Avoid
Use a Soft-bristle Brush: Do not use hard brushes to sweep away dirt or stains, friction caused by stiff cleaning tools may easily scratch your limestone surfaces.
Scrubbing too Hard: Stop scrubbing your limestone surfaces vigorously, especially on textured or delicate surfaces to avoid scratching or wearing down the stone.
Use of Harsh Chemicals: Say No to harsh chemicals, solvents, or bleach-based cleaners on limestone surfaces. Instead, opt for mild, pH-neutral cleaners specifically formulated for use on natural stones.
Cleaning with Excessive Water: While limestone can tolerate moisture to a certain extent, chances are high excessive water exposure can affect the stone. Dry the surface as soon as possible.
