Q&A for How to Remove Limestone Stains

You can use a commercial poultice or baking soda to get stains off of countertops. Make sure the area is clean and free of debris, then apply the poultice to the area, let it set for 48 hours, and rinse and wipe clean and dry.

Yes, limestone can be stained. As with all surfaces, it is best to treat the stain as soon as possible. Limestone is porous, and the staining agent can be absorbed into the stone quickly.

To remove stains on limestone, you can use a commercial poultice or baking soda for soap scum stains in showers and bathrooms. First, vacuum the area, then dry mop with a dust mop or broom. Follow this by wetting the stain with a damp rag, then apply the poultice or baking soda. Let it sit for 48 hours, then rinse and dry the area.

Like stains on other limestone surfaces, a fireplace stain can be treated with a poultice. It is best to apply this to a clean surface, and due to the potential for ash and other debris, you should thoroughly clean in and around the stain before applying the poultice. Sweep, use a dust rag, or vacuum the area to get it ready for the poultice application.

You can start by cleaning the stain with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, wipe away or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the stain. If this doesn’t work, you can try a commercial poultice on the stain, and follow the directions above.

You can clean the limestone fountain the same way you would any limestone. Start by cleaning the limestone with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, wipe away or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the limestone. If this doesn’t fully clean your fountain, you can try a commercial poultice on any stained areas, and follow the directions above.

Try to vacuum in and around the cracks. Be gentle, and use a soft attachment if possible, as to not scratch the limestone surface.

You can start by cleaning the stain with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, wipe away or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the stain. If this doesn’t work, you can try a commercial poultice on the stain, and follow the directions in the article.

There are many commercial poultices available for purchase. It is best to read the directions before purchasing, and just make sure it is intended for your desired use.

You can start by cleaning the stain with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, wipe away or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the stain. If this doesn’t work, you can try a commercial poultice on the stain, and follow the directions above.

You can start by cleaning the stain with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, wipe away or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the stain. If this doesn’t work, you can try a commercial poultice on the stain, and follow the directions in the article.

Start by using a mixture of 1 teaspoon bleach free liquid dish soap and 2 cups of warm water, and apply it to the paint. Gently work the paint away with a toothbrush, making sure to not scrub too hard so you don't damage the limestone. If there is still paint, try to scrape it away with a plastic scraper, being careful not to scratch the limestone. For any remaining paint, apply a small amount of paint thinner with a clean rag to the left over paint, and finish by rinsing the area with water and drying with a clean rag.

You can use a diluted bleach and water mixture by mixing ½ cup of bleach with 1 cup of water. Use a brush or rag to apply the solution to the stain, followed by rinsing the stain with water and drying with a clean rag.

You can start by cleaning the stain with a warm water and mild liquid dish soap mixture. Before scrubbing, sweep or vacuum up any dirt or dust so it does not scratch the limestone. Follow this by using a damp rag (from the soapy mixture you made) and gently scrubbing the stain. If this doesn’t work, you can try a commercial poultice on the stain, and follow the directions above.

Limestone is a tricky surface, and is easily damaged. Restoring the color may require hiring a professional floor cleaning company for polishing.

No, you shouldn't use any cleaning solution for limestone. Limestone is a sensitive surface that needs specific limestone cleaning solution. You can clean without using any commercial solutions.

Use one of those limestone floor cleaners like Oxi-Clean.

Heat and absorbent paper towels. A heat gun or hair dryer may be sufficient.

Buff the stone with a series of fine sanding pads (600 to 3000 grit, depending on how much reflection your want). Once you have the stains off, seal the stone with an appropriate sealer.