You see, limestone isn’t granite or quartz. It’s softer, more porous, and has its own unique personality. Most limestone comes with a honed or satino finish rather than a high polish, giving it that characteristic velvety feel underfoot or to the touch.
If you’ve invested in this beautiful natural stone, you’ll want it to maintain that fresh-from-installation look for years to come.
The good news? Caring for limestone is straightforward once you’ve established a routine.
Let us channel our experience and expertise with straightforward advice on keeping your limestone surfaces looking perfect for decades.
Day-to-Day Limestone Cleaning
First, let’s cover daily cleaning. The motto here is little and often – a quick wipe with a soft cloth and pH-neutral cleaner prevents build-up that might need more aggressive cleaning later.
Get into the habit of wiping up spills straightaway, especially acidic substances like fruit juice or wine, which can etch the surface if left too long.
Always use cleaners specifically designed for natural stone (like Lithofin MN Easy Clean) rather than general household products.
Even mild washing-up liquid can gradually break down the protective sealant if used regularly. After cleaning, take a moment to dry the surface completely, especially in hard water areas where limescale can build up around taps and drains.
For limestone flooring in high-traffic areas, regular sweeping prevents tiny grit particles from scratching the surface when walked on.
What to Avoid – What Damages Limestone
Limestone doesn’t agree with a few products. Steer clear of:
- Acidic cleaners – Vinegar, lemon juice and other acidic solutions might be great for other cleaning jobs, but they’re limestone’s worst nightmare
- Harsh chemicals – Oven cleaners, bleach, and other strong household chemicals can strip away protective sealants
- Abrasive scourers – These can scratch the surface and damage the finish
- Standing water – Don’t leave puddles sitting on limestone, especially on worktops or flooring seams
Even everyday products like washing-up liquid can break down sealants if left to sit on the surface.
Sealing: Your Limestone’s Invisible Shield
If you’ve had limestone installed by us at Landford Stone, it’s already been treated with a high-quality sealer. This fills those microscopic pores that would otherwise allow liquids to penetrate and stain.
After installation, remember:
- Give the sealant at least 6 hours to fully cure before allowing any liquids near the surface
- Keep pets away during this drying period
- Consider resealing your limestone every 1-2 years for worktops and every 3-5 years for flooring
How do you know when it’s time to reseal? Try the water test: drop a small amount of water on the surface. If it beads up, your sealant is still working. If it starts to darken the stone within a few minutes, it’s time to consider resealing.
Special Care for Different Areas
A few tips for common limestone uses:
For Kitchen Worktops:
- Always use cutting boards – never chop directly on the limestone
- Place hot pots and pans on trivets – not directly on the surface
- Wipe up spills immediately – especially acidic substances like lemon juice or wine
- Be particularly careful with cooking oils, which can penetrate the stone if left standing
For Limestone Flooring:
- Sweep or vacuum regularly to remove grit that can scratch when walked on
- Use entrance mats to catch dirt before it’s tracked across your floor
- Clean with a damp (not wet) mop and pH-neutral stone cleaner
- Consider felt pads under furniture legs to prevent scratches
For Limestone Bathrooms:
- Limestone bathroom surfaces need regular wiping down after use to prevent soap scum build-up, which can be surprisingly stubborn to remove once established
- Keep the room well-ventilated to reduce moisture issues, and address limescale quickly with stone-safe cleaners
Tackling Stubborn Marks
Despite your best efforts, accidents happen. If you’re dealing with a stubborn mark, act quickly – the sooner you tackle a spill, the less likely it is to become permanent. For persistent stains, Lithofin MN Power Clean is effective without being too harsh.
Remember that limestone, especially in kitchens, will develop a subtle patina over time – it’s part of its character and charm. Many homeowners actually value this gradual evolution, seeing it as the stone telling the story of your home.
Rounding Up
And that’s that! With the right care, your limestone will continue to bring natural beauty to your home for decades, developing a subtle character that adds depth and history to your space.
Need specific advice about how to clean limestone surfaces? Contact the team at Landford Stone – we’re always happy to help!
