Limestone, a material celebrated for its elegant beauty, can quickly become a source of frustration if it isn’t properly cleaned. Since limestone is naturally porous, it’s particularly vulnerable to certain cleaning methods and chemicals. Many homeowners can inadvertently inflict damage with these three common but potentially damaging limestone cleaning approaches:
- Acidic/Abrasive Cleaners. Vinegar, bleach, and many commercially available “stone cleaners” often contain acids or abrasive particles. These harsh components can relentlessly attack limestone’s calcium-based composition, resulting in unsightly etching and irreversible discoloration. The very act intended to cleanse transforms into a destructive process, leaving your surfaces dull and compromised.
- Abrasive Scrubbing Tools. Steel wool, hard-bristle brushes, and other abrasive tools might seem effective for stubborn stains, but they scratch and wear down limestone’s delicate surface. These scratches not only mar the stone’s appearance but also create grooves where dirt and other contaminants can accumulate, making future cleaning even more challenging.
- Pressure Washing. While seemingly efficient, using high-pressure water or sandblasting during limestone cleaning is far too intense. The strong water pressure erodes the surface layers of the stone, strips away the stone’s protective sealants, and may even cause irreversible surface damage.
Fortunately, there is a superior limestone cleaning method available: soft washing. This method uses low water pressure and gentle cleaning solutions to safely remove dirt, organic growth, and other contaminants without harming the stone. Limestone cleaning through soft washing preserves the stone’s integrity while restoring its natural beauty, making it the ideal solution for maintaining this delicate material.
We’ve also spent over 18 years perfecting this technique here at Denver’s Window Cleaning & SoftWash. We encourage giving our services a try to see the difference it’ll make on your home’s beautiful limestone surfaces. Give us a call today to schedule an appointment – we’re confident you’ll be impressed!