Grease on limestone patio

[userxx]

Any idea on how to remove grease from a limestone patio? It's a big patch and looks awful :(

Do you know what type of grease it is? I would try a spot test with bicarb\white vinegar or lemonjuice mixed with hot water into a paste and put on with a medium soft brush, not too harsh because the stone might scratch.

How long has it been there? It's best to 'blot' up as much as you can first with old rags. Working from the outside in. If you can get hold of some borax , that's good BUT remember it's poisonous.

Leave a pile of cat litter on it if the weather is dry, put a weight on top as well. Sweep up and renew ad infinitum.

Don't use anything acidic on limestone, it will damage it.

But rain is a bit acidic. A mix of bicarb and water is very gentle. Not left on for long time. I have a limestone terrace and it has black mould on it from standing rain which comes off with the bicarb mix.

I was only told of it yesterday, its been there a week or so. Its chicken grease!! I'm willing to try anything, its only a few years old.

I've found a borax substitute online - what do I do with it?

I've an old book called Natural Stain Remover, it gives warnings for the use of borax (wear gloves) don't n't breathe it in or use near children etc. but it sounds ideal because when mixed with hotwater it forms an alkaline antiseptic solution that will loosen grease and dirt. I think I'll get some for my old fitted carpets.

And try it on our terrace against the mould.

I agree that bicarb and water would be fine - because bicarb is alkaline it won't eat into the limestone.

Ok, do i make a paste out if it and leave for a while?

Yes I'd do it on the on the edge of the stain in a small area, leave for an hour and then wash it off to see if it needs to be left longer and if it's working. I always find that bicarb works well when it's used with HOT water.

How is the stain, better? What did you use eventually?

I've not done it yet as it hasnt stopped raining since I posted, the patio is underwater, it actually looks a bit better so maybe the rain has done it some good. As soon as it dries I will be out there.

Oh dear, is your house affected?

No, its not. Just excessive rain has turned the garden into a swamp, its running off the grass as its so sodden. Never seen it as wet at this before! My heart goes out to all those affected :(

Yes it's terrible at the moment in England\Wales etc. Good luck.