Cleaning Black Limestone Patio Slabs

September 01, 2011

Black Limestone Paving is in a league of its own as a natural stone product. There's really nothing like it. We look at how to keep it looking its best.

David Simpson Garden Design chose black limestone for a smooth colour blocked appearance in combination with red brick and white walls for this striking design.

Midnight Black limestone is one of our natural pavings that really suits contemporary style. This is partly because of its rich, consistent colour. It's also because, even though it's a naturally riven paving, the material splits very evenly, resulting in a flat surface. Again, this suits a modern garden design. However, to maintain its good looks, and avoid disappointment in the future, it's important to understand how to clean black limestone.

For her Hampton Court show garden, Charlie Bloom chose Midnight black limestone paving treated with colour enhancer sealant to make the colours of leaves and flowers pop. A sealant will reduce the need for cleaning black limestone patio slabs.

Never use acid-based cleaners

Many people are not aware that limestone, whether it's black or any other colour, is extremely sensitive to chemicals. One of the biggest problems we see is when people try to use acid-based cleaners to remove cement stains from limestone. Acid-based cleaners and limestone do NOT get on. We've seen numerous limestone patios ruined by attempts to clean them using acid-based cleaning products. The acid reacts with the stone, causing the paving to turn a milky-white. An alkaline cleaner should always be used for any stains on limestone, and this includes cement residues. Care should be taken when choosing a cleaner, as many do contain acid. Find a cleaner like Lithofin Power Cleaner that eases cement removal and other stains from limestone without acid. Whatever you choose, always read the instructions carefully.

Conquest Creative Spaces has used the mixed formats of project pack Midnight Black limestone to add interest to this raised patio.

Seal in the colour

It is worth considering that black limestone will fade over time to a...milky-white colour. To counteract this, we recommend sealing your slabs with an impregnating colour-enhancing natural stone sealant such as Dry Treat. A sealant will not just help maintain the original colour, but means the stone is easier to clean and more stain-resistant, which will reduce any need to seek out a limestone cleaner. (Find out more about sealing options.)

Enjoy black limestone

The point here is not to discourage you from using black limestone. On the contrary, this natural paving is one of a kind, and a striking addition to a garden. If used correctly, following the right advice, it is a durable, low-maintenance stone that looks extremely effective in the right setting. No, this is just to make people aware that, when cleaning black limestone patio slabs, it is important to take care. If in doubt, take professional advice, especially if the need arises to use any chemicals on the stone. Post updated: March 2023