Take Care of Your Limestone Fireplace
- Instead of using wax or spray polishes on your limestone fireplace, use a soft cloth and water to clean it. This will keep the surface in its original color without damaging any areas that may have become discolored from years worth of unnoticed accidents!
- If you want to keep your countertops looking new, don’t use kitchen or bathroom cleaners! ...
How to maintain your limestone fireplace surround?
One of the most important pieces of maintenance is cleaning your fireplace’s limestone surround. Here are some concerns for the attention- Instead of using wax or spray polishes on your limestone fireplace, use a soft cloth and water to clean it.
What is the best way to clean and stain limestone?
As Limestone is a very porous material after fitting we would normally clean surround down then leave it to dry for a few days until it is completely dry then clean of any dust with clean cloth and then apply a good quality stain stop such as Lithofin Stain Stop Sealer this is ideal for limestone, marble and travertine.
How to clean a fireplace mantle?
Place towels at the foot of the fireplace. The towels will protect your floors by catching any dirt, dust, soap, and grime during the cleaning process. Additionally, make sure to remove any objects from your fireplace mantle.
Do I need to seal the surrounds of my limestone mantel?
We do recommend after fitting your limestone mantel to seal it with a stain stop so it forms a permanent barrier against dirt. Some of the surrounds already come pre-sealed but we always suggest resealing after fitting.
Should you seal a limestone fireplace?
As with all types of natural stone hearths and surrounds, sealing limestone can help protect it from marks and stains forming.
How do you seal a limestone fireplace hearth?
Paint the sealer on with a foam paintbrush. Overlap each stroke slightly, and fully saturate the surface of the stone. Look at the hearth from an angle to check for dry areas and ensure that you don't miss any spots. Let the sealer penetrate the stone for 10 minutes, then buff away the excess with a soft cloth.
Does limestone hearth need to be sealed?
A natural stone hearth, either in slab or tile form, can be permanently stained if not sealed on a regular basis. Because natural stone is made up of numerous, microscopic pores, ash, soot and other stains can go below the surface of the stone where they cannot be wiped away.
How do I clean and seal a limestone fireplace?
How to Clean a Limestone HearthWash the Surface with a Damp Cloth - Limestone hearth cleaning requires carefulness. ... Wipe Clean - Take a clean dry cloth and wipe the surface of the hearth to remove residual dust. ... Rinse with Clean Water - You may need to repeat the first two processes to ensure thorough cleaning.
What do you seal a limestone fireplace with?
As Limestone is a very porous material after fitting we would normally clean surround down then leave it to dry for a few days until it is completely dry then clean of any dust with clean cloth and then apply a good quality stain stop such as Lithofin Stain Stop Sealer this is ideal for limestone, marble and travertine ...
What do you seal limestone fireplace with?
Stone sealer, A perfect sealant for limestone or marble fireplaces preventing them from getting stained from soot or ash. The sealer does not effect the finish of fireplace leaving it looking the same as before but with maximum protection.
What happens if limestone is not sealed?
Limestone needs to be sealed in order to last as long as possible. It maintains the natural appearance of your stone, and can prevent it from getting stained. Even dirt and water can cause a form of “crystallization” within the pores of your limestone, creating detrimental and unsightly stains.
How can we protect limestone?
Seal the Limestone CounterDry the clean counter surface with a microfiber cloth. Make sure that the surface is completely dry before you apply the sealer. ... Apply a thin coat of sealer with a cotton cloth, and let the sealer soak into the limestone for 15 to 30 minutes. ... Use one or two more coats of sealer if necessary.
Are limestone fireplaces any good?
Limestone is a very strong and durable material yet, surprisingly, it is easier to work with than other stones like granite and marble. This means that the stonemason creating your limestone fireplace will be able to create beautifully clean lines and accurate cuts to make sure your fireplace fits its intended space.
What's the best thing to clean limestone with?
Simple Green is a preferred limestone cleaning product because its ingredients brighten stone surfaces without damaging the finish. Every component is the cleaner is biodegradable and non-toxic, so the cleaning solution is completely safe for kitchen countertops.
How do you get burn marks off a limestone fireplace?
To clean this mess, first use a vacuum regularly to pick up the excess soot. Then take a soft cloth or rag (nothing with a scratchy or abrasive surface) and get it damp with water to wipe the soot away. You can also use your limestone cleaner or mild soap to scrub away extra tough spots and rinse with water.
Can you steam clean a limestone fireplace?
Steam can penetrate the small cracks and fissures on the surface of the limestone. This does clean the limestone, but will also embed water into the surface. Repeated cleaning using a steam cleaner can activate salts and weaken the stone over time. This can also lead to spalling or fragmentation of the surface.
How do you stain a limestone hearth?
The only way to stain such a fireplace is with paintbrushes. A smaller, finer-tipped brush is best for around the edges of stones to keep the stain out of the grout; use a larger, flat brush for the center of stones. Stain is applied just like paint.
How can we protect limestone?
Seal the Limestone CounterDry the clean counter surface with a microfiber cloth. Make sure that the surface is completely dry before you apply the sealer. ... Apply a thin coat of sealer with a cotton cloth, and let the sealer soak into the limestone for 15 to 30 minutes. ... Use one or two more coats of sealer if necessary.
How do you clean an unsealed stone hearth?
Dip a soft sponge or cloth into some slightly soapy water: warm water mixed with a tiny amount of washing-up liquid. Squeeze the excess water out, then gently rub the hearth clean with circular motions. Rinse the hearth with a clean sponge dipped in water.
Should you seal a slate hearth?
To protect your Slate products from staining and to keep them looking like new, we recommend applying a sealer. There are many traditional ways of treating Slate, while some times the old ways are the best, its not the case with sealing Slate and Natural Stone.
How to Clean a Limestone Fireplace?
Cleaning your limestone fireplace is a necessary chore, but it’s not difficult if you know the right steps. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the 3 processes of cleaning your limestone fireplace or removing soot from the limestone fireplace so that it looks new again.
Taking Care of Your Limestone Fireplace
A limestone fireplace is a beautiful addition to any home. It can be a focal point in a room, and it adds charm and character. If you’re a fireplace owner, then you know that regular care and maintenance are essential for keeping your fireplace functioning properly and looking great.
Conclusion
The fireplace is one of the most traditional and beloved features in a home. It’s where we gather to celebrate, talk about our day, or just enjoy some downtime with family & friends. But like any other asset you own, it takes care and maintenance to keep it running smoothly for years to come.
How to remove poultice from limestone?
Wet a microfiber cloth with warm water. Squeeze out any excess water. W ipe the limestone to remove any remaining pieces of poultice. Let the limestone air dry, or wipe it down with a dry microfiber cloth. Alternatively, you can use the vacuum to remove any remaining pieces of poultice from your limestone.
How to remove limestone paste from limestone?
You will need to use a scraper to do this. Use a soft-edged scraper or a soft plastic scraper. Gently scrape the paste off of your limestone slowly and discard.
How to get rid of dirt in a bucket?
You may use a very soft bristle brush or toothbrush to remove stubborn dirt, as well as dirt from small crevices. Rinse with water. Pour the soap solution out and refill the bucket with clean water. Dip a clean microfiber cloth into the water, and squeeze out any excess water.
Can you use soap to clean a limestone fireplace?
Alternatively, you can purchase a specially formulated limestone cleaner from your local hardware store to clean your limestone fireplace. Do not use soap that contains ammonia, vinegar, bleach, acids and other harsh chemicals commonly found in household cleaners to clean your limestone.
Do towels protect fireplace mantle?
The towels will protect your floors by catching any dirt, dust, soap, and grime during the cleaning process. Additionally, make sure to remove any objects from your fireplace mantle. ...
Can a fireplace scratch if not cleaned?
Loose dirt and debris can scratch your fireplace if it is not removed prior to the cleaning process.
How to protect limestone from spills?
Apply an impregnating sealer only after the limestone is clean and free of any other coatings. Protect surrounding areas with plastic sheeting and masking tape to guard walls and flooring from the sealer spills or drips.
How to clean white limestone?
Rinse out the cloth until no soap residue remains. Wring it out in a bowl or bucket of clean distilled water and wipe down the white limestone to remove any remaining soap residue .
How long does it take to seal limestone?
Apply the sealer with a paintbrush, a roller or paint sprayer, allowing it to sit -- based on the product's instructions -- on the limestone for up to 30 minutes. Wipe off excess sealer before it dries. Apply a second coat about an hour after removing the excess of the first coat.
Can you clean a white limestone fireplace?
Examine the labels of any cleaning products you have for cleaning your white limestone fireplace and hearth to verify they are safe to use. Using an acid-based cleaner can eat away at the limestone -- a porous, sedimentary rock that consists of calcite or dolomite -- and damage it.
Can soap be used on limestone?
Do not use common household soaps, as these can leave behind a soap-scum residue on limestone. Verify you either use an alkaline-based detergent or a neutral product specifically designed for cleaning limestone. Test any cleaning agents on an inconspicuous part of the limestone fireplace first to ensure it does not damage the limestone.
