What stone and how to clean it

[Trif]

Uncovered an old hearth stone slab in the kitchen.

Anyone know what stone it is from the limited photos?

And, if yes, how should i clean it?

 

[fernicarry]

Sandstone? Is it quite soft and sandy bits crumble off if you rub it?

The sandstone detailing around the front of my house was cleaned with a commercial Doff machine and it did bring them back to a much lighter and more uniform pink colour. I don't think you could do that inside however.

Perhaps a domestic steamer like you might use for furniture of wallpaper removal and a lot of clean cloths? Its a lovely thing but could also be a pain to look after.

 

[Cubist]

I think Fernicarry is right and it is indeed sandstone - it can take on that pinkish colour when grubby like that. Sadly most methods for cleaning the surface, particularly those that rely on the use of water, will struggle because much of the grime is the product of soot which contains tars and oils from wood and fossil fuels. These products may be capable of removal using typical household detergents say but they can penetrate quite far into the stones surface and the final result is likely to be, at the very least, patchy. A more aggressive approach, using the kind of surface grinder used sometimes to polish stone and concrete, can produce good results but can be expensive, very messy and could possibly cause extensive damage or even destruction of the sandstone - particularly in the hands of an amateur.

On balance I think you would be wise to try Fernicarrys idea of using a steam cleaner and lots of cloths to remove as much of the grime as you can and accept the hearth, however it may then appear, as a feature marking a little of the houses history and its occupants. Oh, and you'll need to be careful using a steam cleaner around/near those floorboards.

 

[Trif]

Thanks very much both.

It's not in great condition in general and it'll be under a counter, so might just try to lightly sand it to get the soot off

What would steam do to the boards? Just plump them up?
They're full of woodworm holes (hopefully historical ).

 

[Cubist]

What would steam do to the boards? Just plump them up?

Unlikely to be more than a little bleaching and staining which would only be a problem if you want them on show in the future.

They're full of woodworm holes (hopefully historical ).

Well if they're not history now the certainly would be after the sauna. That said though the steam would permeate the larva burrows and unless allowed to thoroughly dry new tenants may move in.

 

[Trif]

I know this is off original topic but...
I have treated the boards with Sikaguard treatment. Topside only though.
Putting ply on top of the boards.

Should I be doing anything else to make sure I don't get squatters?

 

[housewinnie]

May not be appropriate but I used milk and a green scourer in my blue lias. Give it a try you never know.

 

[fernicarry]

Should I be doing anything else to make sure I don't get squatters

So long as the wood is kept relatively dry it won't be a problem. Boring insects need moisture to survive. Make sure you have no hidden leaks in pipework or around windows.

 

[Trif]

Thanks Fernicarry.

"Boring insects need moisture to survive"
That reminds me of a pub i used to work in...

 

[Cubist]

Hi Trif,
May be an idea to check out the 'Sandstone flag floor' thread in the 'Projects' section to crib some info on cleaning the stone.
Cheers,
Cubist