Can you pressure wash limestone?

03.09.2024 - 13:25 / growingfamily.co.uk / Catherine

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Limestone is a wonderful material that’s used in homes in lots of ways, from flooring to kitchen worktops and fireplaces. This natural stone is beautiful, and can look amazing when used well. But a lot of people who have limestone pavers or limestone patio slabs find themselves wondering: how do I clean this?

Your first thought might be a pressure washer, but how safe is that for a natural stone like limestone? Is it going to damage your limestone patio slabs? With advice taken from the team at NW Wash in Manchester, here’s what you need to know.

Pressure washing uses a strong, high pressure stream of water and minimal detergent to remove tough stains and discolouration from surfaces. It is used on paving, concrete, and walls. Due to its nature as a high pressure washing tool, though, it can be dangerous to use on more delicate materials. Limestone slabs are an example of that.

You can pressure wash limestone patios and paving slabs, as long as you’re very careful. Most people would not advise it, as there is still a risk that you’re going to damage the natural stone. Using a pressure washer could remove the natural patina of the limestone, and can also remove the coating or sealant used on the stones. In addition to this, pressure washing can also penetrate the limestone and cause efflorescence. This is when the stone develops a dusty white substance on its surface. This can lead to pitting and flaking.

If you insist on cleaning a limestone patio with a pressure washer there are things that you should do and take into consideration. These include:

According to the Uniwash Team, treated limestone patios are more likely to be able to hold up against a pressure washer, but it’s still something you should be