Two Easy Ways Of Cleaning Outdoor Limestone
Limestone is regarded as one of the durable & long-lasting stones that is generally used indoors for tile, countertops as well as floors. However, when it comes to outside purpose, it is mostly used as edging through a garden or pathway or as pavers. You can clean the limestone exactly the same way as you clean other types of pavers or stones, but, you should never use acid-based cleaners to clean them, due to the reason that limestone can be damaged if exposed to acid. If you are looking to clean outdoor limestone, then go through one of the two easy ways mentioned below carefully:
Way 1
- Sweep Limestone: First of all, sweep or clean limestone in order to get rid of dirt, leaves as well as other debris. Begin the cleaning process from the middle and progress your way outward or form piles in small sections in order to easily sweep or pick them up to dispose of later. You can also use a leaf blower when it comes to cleaning outdoor limestone.
- Wash Limestone Clean: Now, wash limestone clean with the help of your hose. Pressure washer can also be used, however, you need to make sure to begin on the lowest setting and stand several feet back before you increase the power or moving closer, particularly on limestone that is already damaged.
- Apply Kitty Litter: Next, apply kitty litter over oil stains, if relevant or appropriate. Hot soapy water can also be used, using a dish detergent identified to cut grease. Scrub delicately or firmly with the help of a nylon brush and rinse away.
- Apply Homemade Cleanser: Clean stains using a cleaner that is considered safe to use on limestone or combine or put together some cooking flour with hydrogen peroxide in order to form a paste. Lightly & delicately rub the homemade cleanser onto stains in order to clean the limestone before rinsing it.
Way 2
- Sweep The Floor Thoroughly: First of all, you need to get rid of as much dirt as you possibly can from the floor surface. It is possible that some stains as well as grime will need to be revisited later, however, you need to clear your floor from any soil, leaves, or grass.
- Prepare A Cleaning Solution Of Warm Water & Castile Soap: Combine or put together 1 gallon (3.8 L) of warm water with 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of castile soap in order to make a simple, mild detergent. As another option or possibility, you can also purchase a detergent particularly meant to clean limestone. The majority of the exterior limestone will have a honed finish, for which applying a mild soap is one of the best options for regular cleaning. But when it comes to polished limestone outdoors, you can use a pH-neutral detergent, including a mild dish soap, in place of the castile soap. It is important to remember not to apply any acidic cleaners to the limestone. Limestone can easily become damaged if you expose it to acidic solutions. Keep cleaning agents such as vinegar or lemon juice away from your floors. If you are using a store-bought detergent for limestone, read & go through the instructions on the product carefully. Different products need different amounts of water, and you should stick to the product guidelines to avoid harming your limestone.
- Wash The Limestone Floor: Now, submerge or dip a wet mop in a bucket of the cleaning solution, before wringing it out in order to remove excess water. Mop the floor in sections, making sure to wet the mop in the cleaning solution when it dries. Try not to step in the areas that you have already mopped with dirty shoes, and be sure to wash all of the floor rigorously, which may include the crevices of the limestone as well.
- Grab A Brush For Tough Stains: When it comes to getting rid of or scrubbing out tougher stains of grime & grease, you can use a wire brush, along with the warm cleaning solution. You can also use an old toothbrush in order to clean out any hard-to-reach areas.
- Rinse Your Floor With Water, & Go Over It With A Dry Mop: Finally, you need to absorb as much of the soap as you possibly can. If sufficient amount of the soap dries on the limestone, then it can cause streaks. Drying the floor will also stop watermarks from happening, so it is an important step here.