Limestone
Soft, warm, and wonderfully tactile.
Limestone is a sedimentary stone, often containing fossil fragments. It is softer than marble and even more reactive to acids, which gives floors and walls an aged, quarried look over time.
Telltale traits
- uniform matte tone
- fossil inclusions
- soft warm color
Best for
- • Wall cladding
- • Low-traffic floors
- • Garden paving
- • Honed bath floors
Avoid for
- • Kitchen counters
- • Wet bars with citrus
Cleaning routine
Daily
Dust mop or soft cloth with water only.
Weekly
pH-neutral stone cleaner; never acidic.
Deep clean
Professional honing to remove etches and scratches.
Sealing
Yes — Every 6–12 months
Apply a high-quality penetrating sealer.
What to avoid
All acidsVinegarCitrusBleachStiff brushes
When to call a pro
Etches, deep scratches, and large stains usually need professional restoration.
Safe products & ingredients
Stone family: Calcium-based (acid-sensitive)
Use these products
- • pH-neutral stone cleaner (e.g. MB Stone Care MB-5, Granite Gold Daily Cleaner, Method Daily Granite)
- • Microfiber cloth + warm distilled water for daily wipe-downs
- • Impregnating penetrating sealer (e.g. Miracle 511, Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold) every 6–12 months
- • Marble polishing powder for light etches
Look for these ingredients
- • Neutral pH 7–8 surfactants
- • Distilled or filtered water
- • Food-grade mineral oil (only on honed soap residue test patches)
- • Calcium carbonate / cerium oxide polishing compounds
Never use on this stone
Avoid these products
- • Vinegar, lemon juice, or any citrus cleaner
- • Bleach, ammonia, or all-purpose sprays (Windex, Lysol, 409, Mr. Clean)
- • Tub & tile or grout cleaners (CLR, Lime-A-Way, Soft Scrub)
- • Bar Keepers Friend, Magic Eraser, or any abrasive pad
- • DIY baking-soda + vinegar pastes
Scan labels for these ingredients
- Acetic acid (vinegar)
- Citric acid
- Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
- Phosphoric acid
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach)
- Ammonium hydroxide (ammonia)
- Oxalic acid
Do's and don'ts at a glance
Do
- Blot — never wipe — spills immediately, especially wine, coffee, oil, and citrus
- Use coasters, trivets, and cutting boards on counters
- Dust mop floors before damp mopping with a neutral cleaner
- Reseal on a 6–12 month cadence; test with a water bead
Don't
- Don't let acidic foods sit — even a lemon slice etches in minutes
- Don't scrub with green pads, steel wool, or scouring powder
- Don't use 'natural' or 'green' cleaners without checking the pH
- Don't apply waxes or topical sealers that build a film
Frequently asked questions
Does limestone scratch easily?
Yes — it is softer than marble. Use felt pads under furniture and avoid abrasive scrubbing.
Can limestone go outdoors?
Yes, but seal it well and avoid harsh freeze-thaw climates without proper installation.
Popular Limestone varieties
Step-by-step guides
How to clean Limestone
The safe way to clean limestone surfaces. What to use, what to skip, and a step-by-step routine that won't damage the finish.
How to seal Limestone
Step-by-step guide to sealing limestone. The water test, the right sealer, dwell time, and how often to reseal.
How to polish Limestone
Bring back the gloss on limestone. The DIY polishing powder method, when to call a pro, and what not to use.
How to remove oil stains from Limestone
Step-by-step poultice method to lift oil stains out of limestone without damaging the finish.
How to remove wine stains from Limestone
Step-by-step poultice method to lift wine stains out of limestone without damaging the finish.
How to remove rust stains from Limestone
Step-by-step poultice method to lift rust stains out of limestone without damaging the finish.
How to remove water rings stains from Limestone
Step-by-step poultice method to lift water rings stains out of limestone without damaging the finish.
How to repair etch marks on Limestone
Fix etch marks on limestone with the marble polishing powder method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.
How to repair scratches on Limestone
Fix scratches on limestone with the fine polishing compound method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.
How to repair chips on Limestone
Fix chips on limestone with the color-matched stone epoxy method. When to DIY and when to call a pro.