How do you remove a WD-40 stain from unsealed limestone?
Estimated Reading Time: 2 MinutesQ. How would I remove a WD40 stain from an unsealed limestone hearth?
A. Limestone is a very porous natural stone that tends to absorb oils and liquids quickly. Removing stains like WD40 from limestone requires both patience and the right method to draw out the oil. Simply wiping the surface is not likely to be enough. You'll need to use the poultice method for deeper stain removal. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time.
Your poultice ingredients will be degreaser (available at home improvement stores) and an absorbent material like household flour or diatomaceous earth. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App. The poultice may take several hours or overnight to dry. Once dry, carefully scrape away the poultice with a plastic scraper. If the stain lightens at all, that means the poultice is working. Reapply as many times as needed until the stain is fully drawn out of the limestone.
Once the stain is gone, clean the area with a stone-safe pH-neutral cleaner to ensure no poultice residue remains.
If the stain persists after multiple attempts, you may want to seek professional help. Stone restoration specialists have access to stronger poultice materials and advanced techniques that can address stubborn oil-based stains. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
A PRO can also seal your limestone hearth to inhibit staining in the future. Applying a high-quality penetrating sealer designed for limestone will greatly reduce the stone’s porosity, giving you time to wipe up spills before they turn into stains and making regular cleaning much easier.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Fred Hueston is the Chief Technical Director at SurfaceCarePROS.com and Director at StoneForensics.com. He is also the author of Stone and Tile Restoration: The Manual, a comprehensive online manual for stone and tile restoration contractors. [Learn more about Fred.]