How to: Clean a limestone fireplace.

Flamecraft • Dec 14, 2018

Tips and tricks for keeping your limestone clean.

Limestone surrounds and hearths are a stunning way to frame your fire. These elegant surrounds are very popular, however, due to the pale and porous nature of the stone, need more TLC than most surround and hearth options.

Sweeping up dust and debris can aid to prevent marks and stains.

A quick clean up every time you use your fire is vital when it comes to limestone. Due to its pale colour, marks can occur easily. A quick clean up of any dust, dirt and debris aids in preventing stains from forming.

You will need:

  • A soft brush.
  • A dustpan.
  • A hoover with brush adapter.
  • A non-abrasive cloth.

Quick cleaning methods:

  • Dust limestone with a non-abrasive cloth:
    This can be done dry or wet.
    If using a wet cloth, dampen with water, and gently wipe. Pat limestone dry with a non-abrasive cloth/towel.
  • Sweep with a soft brush.
  • Hoover using brush adapter.

Don't hesitate to be more thorough.

Limestone is more prone to marks than other stones and materials due to it being naturally pale and a more thorough weekly clean will help to remove unsightly marks and potential stains.

You will need;

  • A soft brush.
  • A dustpan.
  • A bucket.
  • A mild washing up liquid.
  • A non-abrasive cloth.
  • A dry towel/cloth.

Our recommended weekly cleaning routine is as follows;

  • Sweep limestone with a soft brush to remove any debris and dust.
  • Put a few drops of a mild washing up liquid into a bucket of hot water. Wipe down hearth with a solution using a non-abrasive cloth or sponge. You can scrub hard so long as you aren’t using anything abrasive. (It is important that this is only a very mild dilute solution, so it won’t cause any staining or damage)
  • Then wipe down again with clean warm water (without any soap). Ensure no soapy residue is left behind.
  • Gently wipe/pat hearth down with a dry cloth, getting the limestone as dry as possible.
  • Allow limestone to dry before using any additional cleaners or polishing. Limestone will appear darker when wet and can take a few days to completely dry out.

Like in all our cleaning advice, while we say weekly, it is dependant on how often you use your fire. During the winter period if you use your fire:

  • Once or twice a week – We advise cleaning with soapy water every two weeks to a month.
  • Three to seven days a week – We advise cleaning with soap and water once a week.

We do advise cleaning with soapy water once every month during the summer period even while the fire is out of use, to avoid any stubborn marks and stains forming.

Due to limestone being particularly porous and prone to marks this may have to be done more regularly than what we have stated above. If you feel it needs cleaning more often, then do not hesitate to do so.

Tips and tricks for common stains and marks (and how to avoid them).

Liquid Spillages
This is the most common cause of markings on limestone/ If you spill water, a drink etc. clean it up as soon as possible. Limestone is porous so any liquid spillages can soak in and cause staining. To clean liquid spillages, follow the same cleaning instructions as you would for a weekly clean using a very dilute solution of warm, soapy water.

Food Spillages
If food gets spilt on your limestone, clean it off as soon as possible. Due to granite being porous any oils in your food can soak into the stone. When food is spilt, follow the same instructions and the weekly clean.

Watermarks
Watermarks are also a common occurrence, vases, glasses and mugs often leave this mark behind. To clean watermarks away, follow the weekly cleaning instructions, using very dilute, warm, soapy water solution.

If markings persist after repeated use of a very dilute solution of warm soapy water, then you can use sandpaper to remove a layer, which usually removes the stain if it hasn’t soaked to far in. If this does not work, then a deep clean is recommended.

The best ways to avoid these marks is to;

·Avoid placing anything containing a liquid on limestone, however, we understand that this is not always avoidable or preferable. Therefore, you can also place non-combustible coasters (ceramic, stone etc.) or protective coverings under anything that contains a liquid (e.g. Vases, mugs, glasses etc.).

·Avoid eating near limestone.

·We strongly advise not placing ashtrays or cigarettes near limestone as it can cause brown scarring to the stone that is incredibly hard to remove.

·Avoid standing logs and coal directly onto limestone, if you are using a coal hod/scuttle, we advise placing a non-combustible covering beneath it.

·Avoid standing candles directly on limestone.

Deep Cleaning.

You may feel it necessary to do a deep clean, we always advise repeating the weekly cleaning steps on marks and stains before starting a deep clean. Hot soapy water will remove most marks and stains. If you decide a deep clean is needed, we offer the following advise;

  • Only use cleaners designed specifically for limestone fireplaces. Many cleaners, such as kitchen and bathroom cleaners can react to the limestone and cause irreparable damage.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as they can vary between products.
  • Always lay protective coverings around the area and wear protective clothing.

Sealing.

As with all types of natural stone hearths and surrounds, sealing limestone can help protect it from marks and stains forming. However, all sealants can affect the natural appearance of the limestone, making it darker. If you decide you would like to seal your limestone our advice is as follows;

  • Ensure the limestone is as clean as possible before applying. Marks and stains can be sealed in.
  • Ensure the limestone is dry before applying. Unless manufacturer instructions advise differently.
  • Only use a sealer designed specifically for limestone fireplaces.
  • Always follow the manufacturer's instructions, as they can vary.
  • Cover the area around the fireplace.
  • Wear protective clothing.

Warnings:

  • Do not use sharp objects or abrasive materials whilst cleaning limestone, this can cause irreparable damage and scratches.
  • Do not spray cleaners onto the limestone as this can also the colour.
  • Sealing and deep cleaning can change the natural effect of limestone, such as colour or pattern.
  • If stains & markings persist after wet cleaning, please contact the showroom and we will advise how to proceed. Do not apply a sealant as this can seal the stain into the stone.
  • Due to limestone being porous liquid spillages can soak in and stain, all liquid should be cleaned off as soon as possible to avoid this.

by Flamecraft 03 Dec, 2020
We all made it through second lockdown and are pleased to be open to the general public once more. We welcome customers to come visit us, but kindly ask they adhere to the government guidelines regarding social distancing. While we understand lockdown was frustrating, we are in a tier 3 area and therefore we also ask that our customers shop responsibly and only come into the showroom for essential purposes when possible. We are still able to take orders for stove spares over phone and email and in many cases out manufacturers will deliver these directly to our customers to help us to reduce the need for people to put themselves at risk of Covid-19. We know we sound like we are lecturing, however we want to ensure all our customers have a very happy and healthy Christmas. With all this in mind, we have reduced the hours the showroom will be open. We will review these regularly and open for longer if needed, we are also able to arrange appointments to visit the showroom at Baytree outside these hours, Our December opening hours are as follows: Monday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Tuesday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Wednesday: CLOSED (Pre-booked appointments available) Thursday: 10am - 2pm (Pre-booked appointments available till 5pm) Friday: 10am - 2pm (Pre-booked appointments available till 5pm) Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm We kindly ask when pre-booking appointments Monday - Wednesday that customers give 24 hours notice and Pre-booked appointments are available between 10am - 5pm. On Thursdays and Fridays appointments can be pre-booked on the day before 1:30pm via calling 01406 373600. We are available via emailing flamecraftuk@aol.com outside our opening hours and will try to reply to customers as quickly as possible.
by Flamecraft 03 Nov, 2020
With second lockdown looming many of our customers are concerned about being able to purchase fuel and spare parts during second lockdown. We completely understand this and whilst our showroom wont be open to the general public we are running a 'Call & Collect' service.
by Flamecraft 01 Nov, 2020
In October we teased that we were going to expand our range of wood burning and multi fuels stoves to give our customers a bigger range of Ecodesign Approved stoves that would suit a range of budgets, and we are excited to finally be able to introduce our two new brands to you.
by Flamecraft 30 Oct, 2020
The clearskies scheme has been recently introduced, and many of the wood burners and multi fuel stoves we sell have a clear skies mark. However many of our customers see this logo and are left wondering what it actually means. Therefore we have put together the basics explaining what clear skies is, and how this potentially will effect choosing a wood burner or multi fuel stove.
by Flamecraft 23 Oct, 2020
EcoDesign 2022 is changes to regulations for the Stove Industry.
by Flamecraft 16 Oct, 2020
It is the season for hot chocolate, fluffy blankets, hot water bottles and curling up in front of a roaring fire. With the days getting sorter and the nights getting longer it means we are busy installing wood burning and multi fuel stoves in homes. Like for many this year has been challenging, and we have worked tirelessly to ensure our customers will still receive the best service possible from us. We also understand that with the challenges of the past year many of us we are looking for more affordable heating options for this winter. Over the summer we have had many discussions about the issues we are all facing, and we knew we wanted to do everything we could to ensure our customers can still enjoy owning a wood burner or multi fuel stove. On top of the challenges this year has brought us all we are also very aware that since the announcement of the incoming Ecodesign regulations more and more of our customers are coming to us looking for Ecodesign 2022 Approved wood burners and multi fuel stoves. While we had Ecodesign stoves available, we wanted to give our customers more options to choose from. So, we knew we had two targets: 1. Have wood burning and multi fuels stove options available for a range of different budgets. 2. Expand our range of Ecodesign Approved stoves. We went through many different ideas until we finally realised the solution was in front of us (literally in a pile of brochures we had from a trade show we visited last year). A manufacturer that had a huge range of Ecodesign 2022 approved wood burning and multi fuel stoves that meet our own guidelines for quality and design (as well as being manufactured in the UK), and to top that off offering a range of price points that would allow us to offer more affordable stoves. So of course we gave them a call.
by Flamecraft 09 Oct, 2020
With the cold weather rolling in we are extending our opening hours to the following: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday: CLOSED Wednesday: 10am - 5pm Thursday: 10am - 5pm Friday: 10am - 5pm Saturday: 10am - 5pm Sunday: 10 - 4pm We look forward to seeing you.
by Flamecraft 09 Oct, 2020
Everyone has their own style and taste, and they develop and change over time. In recent years our customers are coming to us wanting more sleek and contemporary designs that allow for a full view of the flames within a wood burner or multi fuel stove. We have put together a selection of stoves that have been designed for modern living with a contemporary aesthetic. Every wood burner and multi fuel stove on this list are Ecodesign 2022 approved.
by Flamecraft 11 Sept, 2020
Inheriting a wood burner or multi fuel stove can be confusing, but we have put together a checklist of the things you should know when buying a house with a wood burner or multi fuel stove already installed.
by Flamecraft 25 Jul, 2020
We are open again and ready to welcome customers back into our showroom. However following government guidelines and to keep our team and customers safe we kindly ask customers to adhere to the following: When visiting please follow Baytree Garden Centre's one way system. Due to the width of our showroom and the positioning of our doors we are only able to accommodate one household at a time whilst adhering to social distancing. We are unable to ensure that there is a 2 meter distance between households due to our built in displays which allow for less than a 2 meter gap between them. Therefore we may politely ask customers to wait outside with a 2 meter distance from the door if we are already serving a household in the showroom, or return later. Please sanitise you hands upon entering the showroom. We are doing our best to sanitise the door handles, card machine and any handles on the stoves between customers. We kindly ask customers are patient with us as during busy periods they may be asked to refrain from touching the handles on the stoves until they are sanitised. We politely ask that you speak to a member of the team before touching any accessories or care products in the showroom, as this will allow our team to sanitise the products to ensure they are safe for the next customer to handle. Update: We kindly ask you wear an appropriate face mask/covering when visiting our showroom. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your patience at this challenging time.
Show More
Share by: