Limestone fireplace - mark appeared

Pammy

Hi,

This fireplace has been covered up for a couple of months and yet to be lit.

Yesterday I took the cover off to find an annoying circular mark.

It can't be a stain as it hasnt been touched but Im aware its pouros.

Could it be moisture? Any ideas how to get rid of it.

Thanks

SailorSam

How big is the circle ?
Is it possible that despite being covered someone has put a cup of coffee on it.

Pammy

Thanks for the reply. It's only small and its 100% not coffee or anything like that. The house is currently just me.

Here is a picture, its only small but its on the front , there is a round discolouration

http://www.flickr.com/photos/56459751@N04/5217179605/sizes/m/in/photostream/

muskoka

Sorry I dont know the answer, but am very interested as I'm looking into buying a limestone fireplace

azana_2

I'd go and consult a stonemason maybe? They normally sell specialist products, or could advise you, though when we had a limestone floor we didn't have great success in getting rid of it I'm afraid - try anywhere that stocks granite etc maybe?

muskoka

Oh - Look what I found on msn - how to care for your fireplace (limestone) https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/9630433#Comment_9630433

Now we both know ...:j

DVardysShadow

Sweaty forehead?

PasturesNew

Reading that link, it sounds like something that should be in a glass case, in a museum.... not in a house where people live! Very high maintenance stuff that is.... and no matter how careful you are, there's always one "it won't hurt" 4rse to be found the minute you stop guarding it with your life.

stone7

Mix 1 part bleach to 3 parts water with a clay poultice (Sepiolite). Cover the complete unit, not just the stain. Cover with cling film and leave for 6 hours.

If the mark is part of the stone, it could become more prominent. If it is a stain on the stone, the poultice should fade it to some degree.

If the mark appears to have faded, re-apply using 1 part bleach to 2 parts water for another six hours... repeat until gone.

Very messy but very effective.

Pammy

Thanks for all the feedback and advice, really appreciate it. If I had known this I would never have spent so much money on it. Lessons learnt to do research beforehand.

Im wondering if it discoluouration due to the cold, the house has been empty but now the heating is about to go on. I read they change colour over time. I might wait until we have the house blazeing with heat (end of week) and see if that makes a difference.

chateauneufdupape

Where can you buy Sepiolite?