How To Clean Outdoor Limestone
How To Clean Outdoor Limestone
There are so many reasons to use limestone in your home, from its neutral tone, natural durability, and charming aesthetic. Its versatility also makes it a great choice for outdoor home features. Some people choose to enhance their curb appeal with decorative fountains and columns. Others love the practicality of limestone retaining walls or pavers. Either way, an outdoor limestone feature will be exposed to the elements and see its share of dirt, grime, and mold. Before you reach for the bleach, take some time to understand the proper way to clean your outdoor limestone. Doing so will increase its lifespan and retain its beauty. Follow these steps to keep your limestone looking its best.
Rinse With Water
You’ll be surprised what a little water can do to refresh your limestone. Simply attach a nozzle to your hose and spray away! For a more effective rinse, use a pressure washer on the lowest setting. This will wash away surface debris and loosen up dirt and grime. If you do this regularly, you won’t need to worry as much about build-up or surface scratches.
Find a Neutral Stone Cleaner
Water may not be enough to clear away sun-baked grime and mold. In this case, you’ll need to use a special cleaning solution. Do not use homemade or commercial household cleaners. The acids and chemicals in these cleaners are too abrasive for most natural stones. Instead, purchase a neutral cleaner formulated specifically for limestone or other natural stones. You can find these at most hardware stores.
Wash and Rinse As You Go
Once you find the correct cleaner, dilute it in a bucket of water. Apply the diluted solution to the outdoor limestone using a cloth or sponge. Lightly scrub in small sections, rinsing as you go. Do not allow the solution to dry on the surface. Doing so will leave behind residue streaks and unsightly smudges.
Remove Stubborn Stains
If you encounter stubborn stains, there are a couple of options. If the limestone has a rough finish, you can use a soft bristle brush or toothbrush to scrub the stain away. The bristles can reach into the pores of the limestone to lift away dirt and mold. For even tougher stains, try an oscillating tool with 220 grit sandpaper. Do not use either of these techniques on polished limestone as it can scratch the finish.
Dry the Surface
Rough limestone can dry naturally with no issues. However, polished limestone features will need to be hand-dried to avoid watermarks. Use a lint-free cloth to dry and buff out the surface. Your outdoor limestone will shine once again!
Reapply Sealant
If you notice the sealant wearing off, now is the perfect time to reapply. Since limestone is porous, you’ll need a proper sealant to fill in those holes. This coating will protect the natural stone from dirt, dust, mold, and water. It can also help prevent surface scratching from rocks and debris.
Keep Your Impression Limestone Clean and Fresh
At Impression, we aim to craft exquisite outdoor limestone features that you’ll love for a lifetime. And with so many limestone options to choose some, it’s easy to find the right fit for your home style. To keep your limestone beautiful, you’ll need to apply these simple maintenance techniques. Regularly cleaning your limestone pavers, walls, and decorative features will keep them looking like new for many years to come.
