How to Remove Oil Stains from Limestone

            Anyone who has ever had any experience of cooking would have definitely spilled oil on their limestone counter tops at some point in their lives. Limestone although apparently very hard and rigid is still porous and these oil spills can soak into the stone causing it to discolor over time.

           Obviously you need to remove these stains and do it fast. Yet the question which hangs over our heads is that how are we supposed to do it?  Getting rid of these oil stains requires a lot of tact, since any acidic substances can most probably end up damaging your counter top.

           However, you need not panic because in order to fix this situation, we have aggregated together some pretty effective and safe tips, so follow the directions given below and you will end up with clean and stain free limestone counter tops.

          

Things that you will require:

·      Absorbent towels

·      Clean white cloths

·      Baking soda

·      Plastic wrap

·      Tape

·      Ammonia/ acetone

Steps that you need to take:

1.  The following method deploys the use of a poultice in order to get rid of any oil stains. Before you start making the poultice, it is mandatory that you blot up any excess oil with the help of a clean cloth or an absorbent towel.

2.  Afterwards take either ammonia or acetone and apply it on the stained area. After a few minutes, wipe the surface with a clean cloth followed by a rinse of clean water. Both Ammonia and Acetone act as dissolving agents. Moreover, they wouldn’t harm your limestone surface.

3.  Now you ought to prepare a poultice for removing these oil stains. In order to make this poultice, primarily take some baking soda and mix it with water. Make a paste of these two ingredients; however this paste should be of a thick consistency.

4.  Apply this paste onto the oil stained area carefully and cover it with a plastic wrap.

5.  You can secure this plastic wrap onto the baking soda poultice with the help of a tape.

6.  Allow this poultice to sit on the stained area overnight or for a day or two.

7.  Afterwards, take off this poultice carefully from the limestone surface.

8.    Finally, rinse the previously stained area with distilled water and wipe it dry.

Tips and Warnings

1.  For outdoor limestone, a high pressure washer or a steamer can also yield satisfactory results.

2.  Never use acidic substances on limestone, as they react with the calcium carbonate of limestone and consequently can erode it over time.