When it comes to matters of maintenance, and as any limestone fireplace users out there are already aware, it can be more demanding than other sorts of natural stone fireplaces. This is because limestone is slightly softer and somewhat more porous than other natural stones, like granite.
Therefore, if you are thinking of buying a limestone fireplace, or have one already, let’s take a look at some easy maintenance tips:
1. Being Attentive
Regular cleaning is crucial for limestone, although make sure to use the proper kind of cleaners because the stone scratches easily. So, beware and look out for:
- Standard wax or spray polishes can cause discoloration of limestone, making it hard to remove any blemishes.
- Don’t use any kind of kitchen or bathroom cleaning products, the chemicals will react with limestone and sully it.
- Even paper towels can scratch the limestone’s beautiful surface and the chances of this happening will increase if your fireplace is unpolished or unfinished limestone.
- Don’t even think about steel Wool! This is seriously not recommended. Even with gentle scrubbing, steel wool will ruin the stone’s wonderful surface. For any stubborn stains, use a very soft toothbrush or cotton wool.
2. Applying Limestone Sealer Treatment
- All natural English limestone fireplace surfaces, will be in need of a regular sealing to ensure that any soot or smoke from the fireplace will not impact upon them.
- If soot is a problem, you may wish to choose an impregnating sealer. This is ideal for limestone as it penetrates much deeper and forms a great protective layering that doesn’t allow for any debris, including soot, to get entrenched.
- For the limestone mantel, you can use of a topical sealer. This much less invasive kind of sealer is great for use on mantels because mantel surfaces are further away from any smoke or soot.
3. Removal of Dust and Debris
Make sure to dust your fireplace down before cleaning it with any kind of solution. Getting rid of any dust or debris prior to making the surface wet is important due to particles getting embedded into the limestone surface when cleaning with a liquid. Use a soft cloth to help loosen up any grime and remove any dust.
4. A Comprehensive Clean
For that more all-inclusive clean, prepare a bucket with some cleaning solution in warm water with a drop of mild dishwashing liquid. Take a wet sponge and then repeatedly wipe over the limestone surface. Rinse with clean water and then wipe again with a soft, dry cloth and let everything air dry.
5. Stain Prevention
If there’s one thing that you shouldn’t do, never ever put vases of flowers with water onto a limestone surface, because water or moisture will then react between the limestone and the base of the vase, and create hard to remove ring-like impressions.
By following the easy advice above, your limestone fireplace and surrounding will go on to serve you wonderfully for many years in the future!
