Limestone is a popular natural stone used in homes and businesses across the Gold Coast and throughout Brisbane.
Perfect for interior and exterior settings, limestone is a versatile material that can be cut to suit practically any needs, adding a touch of grace and elegance that’s impossible to ignore.
But, like any natural stone, limestone can become damaged over time thanks to dirt, dust and contaminants, not to mention harsh cleaning chemicals. Limestone is EXTREMELY sensitive to acids, so you’ll want to avoid acidic cleaners, ammonia-based cleaners or citrus-based cleaners at all costs.
While many Queensland homeowners and business owners think they’re doing the right thing, limestone is easily damaged by these acidic cleaning products so it’s crucial you know how to clean your limestone surfaces like a pro.
And we’re going to teach you how…
What to use to clean exterior limestone
Outdoor limestone is often used in retaining walls or for tiling in alfresco entertainment areas. While this creates a modern space to relax and socialise, it does put your limestone in the firing line of the harsh Queensland elements.
You’ll want to be on the lookout for a build-up of sand (particularly if you live near a Gold Coast beach), mud and other natural debris.
It’s tempting to whip out the pressure washer, but this can displace parts of your limestone walls or tiles, so it’s best to start with a good rinse. A soft-pressure hose is fine, but there’s no harm in using your hands and a wet cloth if the job is smaller. You can buy a specialised limestone-cleaning solution from your local hardware store, but a bucket of warm water and a few tablespoons of soap will work too.
Wipe down your dirty limestone with a soft, lint-free cloth dipped in your cleaning solution. You can also use a soft-bristle scrubbing brush with a non-acidic, neutral cleaner to get the debris out of retaining walls or external tiles.
Next, you’ll want to remove the cleaning liquid to avoid stains, so wipe down your limestone with a microfibre cloth or towel. Just like that, you’ve got clean and clear exterior limestone.
What Should You Use To Clean Limestone Surfaces Like a Pro
What to use to clean interior limestone
Dealing with messy limestone tiles in your kitchen or bathroom?
Leave the vacuum cleaner in the cupboard because limestone is soft and the fast spinning vacuum cleaner can easily damage or scratch the surface. Instead, use a mop or broom to remove excess debris.
You’ll be able to use the same cleaning product as you would on your external limestone. This could be a few drops of neutral stone cleaner mixed into warm water, or hot water with a few tablespoons of soap.
The most important feature of your chosen limestone cleaning solution is its non-acidic properties. That means no lemon juice, vinegar or acid-based cleaners (such as bathroom cleaner or tile and grout cleaner).
Your local Queensland hardware store will have a neutral cleaning solution, but you can’t go wrong with hot, soapy water. If you’re cleaning limestone floors make sure you rinse off the cleaning residue with warm water to avoid stickiness under foot. While polished limestone benchtops need a wipe down with a dry towel (only exterior rough limestone should be left to dry naturally).
Wondering what your limestone could look like again? Explore our ‘Before and After’ gallery for ideas and inspo
Do you need help removing stubborn limestone stains?
Limestone is an earthy, appealing stone that’s soft and light. Ideal for kitchens, bathrooms and outdoor spaces you’ll want to spend as much time as possible around your limestone surfaces – which puts them at risk of scuffs, scratches and stains.
If you’re finding your limestone tiles, benches and walls a little tough to clean, leave the hard yakka to the Stone Restorer team.
We’re skilled and trained in a wide range of stone restoration techniques, so whether your limestone is inside or outside, we’;ve got the tools and the talent to make it look brand new.
Looking for more information? Contact our customer support team for bookings, FREE advice and limestone cleaning tips
