How to remove discoloration on bluestone after spilling lime juice?
Estimated Reading Time: 2 MinutesQ. Some lime juice got spilled on my Bluestone table top and it left a big dull spot. Is there anything I can do to bring back the shine?
A. The great news is that in most cases, natural stone can be restored to look like new. Unlike marble, limestone, or travertine, bluestone (a type of sandstone) is not a calcium-carbonate-based stone, so it won’t etch from acid. What often happens instead is that acidic liquids like lime juice can stain, darken, or dull the surface by penetrating the pores of the stone or by reacting with the finish/sealer. Since your tabletop isn’t etched, the key is lifting the stain and/or refreshing the sealer.
Here’s what you can try. Apply a pH-neutral stone cleaner (or mild dish soap and warm water). Scrub gently with a soft brush to lift any residue from the pores. This step, alone, may resolve the problem.
If the dull spot remains, apply a poultice. A poultice draws the stain out of the stone over time. For detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to mix and apply a poultice correctly, check out our free Stain Management App.
If the surface still looks uneven after cleaning and poulticing, the sealer was likely damaged. In this case, the old sealer needs to be stripped and a fresh coat applied. We strongly recommend leaving this to a stone restoration contractor, who can properly refinish and reseal the entire surface for a consistent, like-new appearance. To find a vetted PRO in your area, visit www.surfacecarepros.com and click on Find a PRO.
Reseal bluestone regularly (every 1–2 years depending on use) so that acidic spills don’t penetrate and leave marks.
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.]