Limestone stones by fireplace be cleaned??

8 years ago

Ok, my fireplace (circa 1960) has limestone around it as well as a limestone mantel. It has collected various stains- I think some from water, but I think some are oily. I’ve been meaning to find a way to get them clean. I read warm water but that didn’t do anything.

Well today’s two minute toddler disaster involed the limestone and dry erase markers. (O the trouble she’s in. O the fault I’m feeling. O the tears that have been shed on all accounts.) I managed to get most of it out with just a wet wipe but there were spots definitely not coming out. And I was mad and not totally thinking and used a stainless steel scrubber on it. It’s not scratched everywhere I used it though, so maybeee these were there already too.

Any advice on these scratches?

The other stains?

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Comments (4)

karmar00
Original Author
8 years ago
The more I look at this now the more I’m thibking I’m NOT the one who made these scratches. I just don’t think I was uahing *that* hard to leave this big of grooves and they seem wider than what I would have left. ???
toxcrusadr
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
You might consider using something that would actually etch (remove) the surface similar to the way concrete cleaner works. Limestone is basically calcium carbonate which dissolves in acid. If you remove the surface then anything on the surface is gone too. But beware this may be a sort of nuclear option. It may change the look and color. And it won't remove physical scratches any more than paint stripper will remove scratches from the underlying wood.

That last pic almost looks like something light colored was rubbed ONTO the stone, or something abrasive enough to remove the surface patina and expose clean stone underneath.

You could try an acid based concrete cleaner in a small spot out of sight and see what it does. Be very cautious.

Have you looked up 'how to clean limestone'? I think you will find that search very informative.
karmar00 thanked toxcrusadr
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karmar00
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes something definitely made that scratch. I think they were here when we moved in, but I couldn’t swear to it. BUT I don’t think my steel wool made those groves or so I hope!
toxcrusadr
8 years ago
I notice there is not much traffic here. You could probably get more responses from some stone professionals over at Home Repair for example.