How to Clean Your Limestone Fireplace

Other than keeping your home warm in the winter, a fireplace can also be a decorative focal point in your living room. And if you are a proud owner of a beautiful limestone fireplace, you need to know how to take care of it properly.

If you need to quickly learn how to clean, for example, your Portuguese limestone fireplace, you can find the information right below.

If you want a more detailed version of all the mentioned steps, continue reading. In this article, we will show you all the best cleaning tips, what products to avoid, and what extra steps you can take to protect your fireplace.

How to clean a limestone fireplace

Use a mild soap and а soft, microfiber cloth because limestone has a highly porous structure and is prone to etching. Start with removing all of the debris and loose dirt, either with a microfibre cloth or with a vacuum cleaner. Then mix a solution of equal parts lukewarm water and dishwashing soap. Wipe the fireplace with a soft cloth dipped in that mixture.

For stubborn stains, mix hydrogen peroxide and flour. Create a thick paste and apply it to the stains, leave it for around 15 minutes. Finally, take a soft-edged scraper and carefully remove the paste from the limestone fireplace.

Keep in mind that no matter if you are using a DIY solution or a store-bought detergent, always make a test on a small inconspicuous area to avoid damage.

Now, if you really want to go into detail, here is how to dust, wash and remove stains from your fireplace:

How to dust a limestone fireplace

1. You can start by placing an old cloth or a sheet at the base of your fireplace to catch any fallen dirt. After the cleaning is done, it will be a lot easier to just remove the sheet, than to clean the floor and the fireplace surroundings.
2. By using a non-spinning brush vacuum attachment, get rid of all the debris and loose dirt. Be careful not to scratch the surface while cleaning.
3. If you don’t own such an attachment, or it’s not possible to vacuum without scratching the fireplace, don’t worry. You can dust it with a dry, soft cloth, starting from the top and working your way down to the base. Repeat the process if needed.

How to wash a limestone fireplace

For this, you can either use a store bought limestone cleaner or make your own cleaning solution. In case you prefer the latter, take a medium-sized bucket, fill it with lukewarm water and add around three tablespoons of a mild liquid soap or dishwashing detergent. Make sure to stir the liquid well.

For this, you can either use a store bought limestone cleaner or make your own cleaning solution. In case prefer the latter, take a medium-sized bucket, fill it with lukewarm water and add around three tablespoons of mild liquid soap or dishwashing detergent. Make sure to stir the liquid well.

1. Take a microfibre cloth or a soft towel and soak it in a cleaning solution of your choice. Squeeze the excess water and start wiping the fireplace, again from the mantel all the way to the fireplace hearth. Dip the cloth every couple of wipes to make sure that you’ve applied enough detergent. Leave it like this for a couple of minutes without rinsing.
2. Take another clean, dry cloth, and wipe the surface by applying a bit more pressure so that all of the loose dirt is removed. If you encounter any stubborn spots and stains, use a toothbrush or a soft bristle one to clean it up.
3. Repeat the whole process again.
4. Lastly, you will have to rinse the fireplace with cold water. Get rid of the soapy solution, clean the bucket, and fill it up.
5. Take your time in removing all the leftover cleaning solution from the surface. Clean the cloth you are using every couple of wipes, so that you don’t apply detergent again by accident.
6. When you are done, just leave the limestone fireplace to dry out on its own, so you don’t scratch it.

What products you should avoid

Limestone is a delicate material that could easily be damaged not only by accidental scratches. If you use the wrong product or cleaning solution, you can also harm your fireplace to the point where nothing can fix it.

So if you want to keep your fireplace in a good condition, remember that limestone is a porous, calcium-based material. This means that it will absorb all liquids quickly and that it does not react well with acidic substances. So whenever you are cleaning limestone surfaces, you cannot use anything that contains the following:

• Vinegar of any kind;
• Citrusy liquids, for example, lemon juice;
• Ammonia sprays;
• Acid-based cleaners;
• Bleach;
• Detergents that are not pH neutral.

Protect your fireplace by sealing it

If you want to take the extra step in keeping your fireplace dirt free, consider sealing it off with a special limestone sealer. Keep in mind that this method only works to a certain level and it requires re-application from time to time. This process will add an extra layer that will prevent liquids from being absorbed by the surface and it will keep the dirt away, as well.

Check with your manufacturer for the best sealer for your fireplace and don’t use any materials that you are not sure about. If you don’t have the time, you can hire a professional handyman to seal the surface for you. To learn more about our handyman and odd jobs service, visit this page.

Too busy for all of this? Let us do it for you!

Takeaways

• Remember that dusting your fireplace is the first thing you need to do, so you don’t accidentally scratch its surface afterwards.
• Choose your cleaning detergent wisely, as there are many solutions that might cause harm, such as bleach, vinegar and lemon juice.
• If you want to save time in the future and avoid the deep cleaning sessions, seal the fireplace with a product recommended by your manufacturer.

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What is your experience with cleaning limestone? Leave a comment in the section below and if you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to share it with your family and friends!

Image source: depositphotos / zhugin

• Last update: May 13, 2020

Posted in Cleaning Guides

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