How to remove Grease Stains from Limestone

             Limestone happens to be of a porous nature, although it appears to be pretty solid. It is made of marine bone and shell fragments and because of its aesthetic beauty and durability; it is used in kitchen counter tops, floors, walls etc. Limestone has a sophisticated and elegant look which greatly pleases the onlooker. However this very limestone which is bliss to look at, becomes an eye sore if stained with grease. Interestingly grease stains can be frequently incurred by limestone especially if it is deployed to make kitchen counter tops.

          Since limestone is a porous substance, therefore grease gets soaked in in and penetrates through its particles. Consequently you end up with a stained and dis colored stone. Yet, this situation is not entirely hopeless. With the appropriate measures, you can take care of these grease stains and get rid of them. Follow the directions given below so that removal of these aggravating stains becomes possible.

Things that you will require:

·      White absorbent paper towels

·      Soft bristled brush

·      Dish detergent

·      Water

·      Clean, white rag

·      Acetone

·      Something heavy ( rocks, bricks or a pot full of water)

·      Baking soda

·      Commercial poultice

·      Natural stone sealer

Steps that you need to take:

1.  First of all, you need to place white paper towels onto the grease stained area to remove maximum grease from the stone’s surface.

2.  Then, apply a little dish washing detergent and water onto the stained area. Take a soft-bristled brush and use it to work the detergent onto the stain. Start scrubbing from outside the stain towards its center and make sure that you rub the brush in a circular motion to avoid spreading the stain further.

3.  Continue scrubbing, until the stain begins to lighten and then blot it with a clean, white rag.

4.  If the stain is stubborn and is still there, then pour acetone over it.

5.  Then place a layer of paper towels over the grease stain with acetone on it. This layer of paper towels ought to be ½ or ¼ inches thick. Place a heavy object onto this layer of paper towels so that they stay in place.

6.  Allow them to sit on the grease stain for almost 24 hours so that acetone can effectively draw out grease from the limestone.

7.  Finally, remove the paper towels carefully and wash the stained area with a detergent and then dry it with the help of a clean rag.

8.  After removing these annoying stains effectively, make sure that you use a natural stone sealer to prevent any future absorption of oil or grease by your limestone counter tops, walls or floors.

Tips and Warnings:

1.  Allow the limestone to fully dry, before determining if any stain remnants are still left and which method you need to deploy next.

2.  Do not use any acidic cleaners such as vinegar, lemon based or orange based cleaners since they can be too harsh or abrasive for limestone.

3.  Another effective method to get rid of grease stains is to apply a liberal amount of baking soda over the grease stain so that it gets covered appropriately. Allow this baking soda to sit onto the stain for almost 6 to 8 hours. Owing to its absorbing properties, baking soda will absorb grease and after several hours, you can brush off this baking soda with the help of a clean rag.

4.  You can also consider using a commercial poultice to get rid of grease stains from limestone.