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Limestone is a wonderful material that’s used in homes in lots of ways, from flooring to kitchen worktops and fireplaces. This natural stone is beautiful, and can look amazing when used well. But a lot of people who have limestone pavers or limestone patio slabs find themselves wondering: how do I clean this?
Your first thought might be a pressure washer, but how safe is that for a natural stone like limestone? Is it going to damage your limestone patio slabs? With advice taken from the team at NW Wash in Manchester, here’s what you need to know.
How pressure washing works
Pressure washing uses a strong, high pressure stream of water and minimal detergent to remove tough stains and discolouration from surfaces. It is used on paving, concrete, and walls. Due to its nature as a high pressure washing tool, though, it can be dangerous to use on more delicate materials. Limestone slabs are an example of that.
Can you use a pressure washer on limestone pavers at all?
You can pressure wash limestone patios and paving slabs, as long as you’re very careful. Most people would not advise it, as there is still a risk that you’re going to damage the natural stone. Using a pressure washer could remove the natural patina of the limestone, and can also remove the coating or sealant used on the stones. In addition to this, pressure washing can also penetrate the limestone and cause efflorescence. This is when the stone develops a dusty white substance on its surface. This can lead to pitting and flaking.
How to pressure wash in a way that won’t damage natural stone limestone patio slabs
If you insist on cleaning a limestone patio with a pressure washer there are things that you should do and take into consideration. These include:
- Keep the pressure washer at least 12 inches from the natural stone at any given time.
- Use a fan tip nozzle on your pressure washer, not a zero fan tip.
- Don’t ever use an acid based cleaner, bleach, or a high alkaline cleaning solution when cleaning limestone.
- Avoid the high pressure setting, instead keep your pressure washer below 1000 psi when limestone cleaning.
- Check the grouting between the limestone patio before you start cleaning limestone.
- Inspect the limestone before you get the power washer out to ensure it is not too soft. If it’s too soft, you should not use a pressure washer to clean limestone.
According to the Uniwash Team, treated limestone patios are more likely to be able to hold up against a pressure washer, but it’s still something you should be very careful with. The same applies for a black limestone patio, as this is still made of natural stone and should be cleaned carefully.
How else can you clean limestone?
There are other, more safe, ways to clean limestone. The easiest method of cleaning limestone, whether it’s black limestone or normal, is to do it by hand. Even if your limestone patio has stubborn stains and needs a thorough rinse, this method should do the job.
What you’ll need:
- broom or stiff brush
- hose
- limestone cleaner
- sponge
- clean towels
- baking soda
- plastic wrap
- tape
Step one: clear the limestone
Using your broom or stiff brush, remove any dirt and debris from the limestone patio. You could also do this with a leaf blower if that’s easier.
Step two: rinse the limestone
The next step is to use your garden hose to rinse off any caked-on dirt.
Step three: inspect the limestone patio
You might find that your black limestone or normal limestone is now clean. Sometimes, warm water on the surface is all the pavers need.
Step four: mix the stone cleaner
Using the manufacturer’s instructions, dilute the limestone cleaner to make it suitable for the stone surface.
Step five: apply the cleaner
Carefully, using a sponge or soft bristled brush, apply the cleaning solution. Work in sections, applying the cleaner and then quickly rinsing it away with clean water. Once each section is done, you should dry it with a clean towel.
Step six: handle any stains
Stains can appear on limestone, and that’s what leads to people assuming they need a power washer or power tools. For tough stains, you can simply treat them with a baking soda and water mixture. Apply this to the stains on the stone surface.
Step seven: leave to sit
Leave the mixture to sit on the stains for 48 hours. In the meantime, cover it with plastic wrap and tape to keep it protected.
Step eight: brush away the baking soda
Once the 48 hours are up, you need to remove the mixture. Brush it away and rinse the surface of the stone with warm water.
Step nine: let the limestone dry
Once the mixture is gone, let the limestone dry completely.
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