Cleaning Natural Stone

How do I Clean a Limestone Fireplace?

First remove any dust or dirt by using a soft brush.

Then add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a bucket full of warm water and wipe over the fireplace using a clean cloth or non-abrasive sponge.

Next, wipe down the fireplace using clean warm water, making sure no soapy residue remains on the stone.

Use a clean dry cloth or paper towels to get the limestone as dry as possible to avoid any water marks. The stone will look darker for a day or 2 until it fully dries out.

Never use household cleaners, anything acidic or abrasive to clean limestone.

How do I Remove Stubborn Marks or Stains From Limestone?

Try rubbing the mark or stain with neat clear bleach and then wash off the area with clean warm water. Then use a clean dry cloth or paper towels to get the limestone as dry as possible.

If that doesn’t work you could try using a specialist limestone cleaning product, making sure you follow the manufacturers instructions.

Heavily stained or marked limestone may need professional cleaning.

How do I Clean a Marble Fireplace?

First remove any dust or dirt by using a soft brush.

Then wipe the fireplace over using a soft clean cloth dipped in distilled water.

Next, use a clean dry cloth or paper towels to get the marble as dry as possible to avoid any water marks.

Once dry you can restore the sheen on the marble by applying wax using a soft clean cloth. Leave the wax to dry and then buff it using a soft clean cloth.

Never use household cleaners, anything acidic or abrasive to clean marble.

How do I Remove Stubborn Marks or Stains From Marble?

First try to remove the stain or mark by using the method above 2 or 3 times.

If this doesn’t work you could try using a specialist marble cleaning product, making sure you follow the manufacturers instructions.

Heavily stained or marked marble may need professional cleaning.

How do I Clean a Slate Hearth?

First remove any dust or dirt by using a soft brush or cloth.

Then add a few drops of washing-up liquid to a full bucket of warm water and wipe over the hearth using a clean cloth or non-abrasive sponge.

Next, wipe down the hearth using clean warm water, making sure no soapy residue remains on the stone.

Use a clean dry cloth or paper towels to get the slate as dry as possible and leave the hearth to dry out fully overnight.

Once dry, you can restore the sheen on the hearth by applying slate oil or spraying it with WD40, and then wiping it over with a clean cloth.

Never use household cleaners, anything acidic or abrasive to clean slate.

How do I Remove Scratches From a Slate Hearth?

Fine scratches can be removed by gently rubbing them away using a fine wire wool (0000 grade). Deeper scratches can be removed by carefully rubbing them with a fine sandpaper (220 grade or finer).

Then clean and oil the hearth using the instructions above.

How do I Clean a Granite Hearth?

Use the same method used for slate for cleaning granite, but don’t oil the hearth. Once dry, gently polish the hearth to remove any smears or marks.

How do I Remove Scratches From a Granite Hearth?

Fine scratches can be removed by gently rubbing them away using a fine wire wool (0000 grade) when the surface is damp. Once dry polish the surface with a good quality granite cleaner / polish. Deeper scratches may need to be repaired by a professional.

The advice above is given in good faith and Classic Mantels cannot accept any liability for any damage caused by following this advice.

If you have any doubts about cleaning any natural stone you should seek help from a professional cleaning company.