If you've got stone walls in your home, you already know how stunning they can be.

They add so much character and warmth to any room - but keeping them clean? Well, that's where things can get a bit tricky.

Maybe you've been wondering if you're cleaning them the right way, or maybe you've noticed some stains that just won't budge no matter what you try.

The good news? Cleaning stone walls is pretty simple and doesn’t require a ton of effort.

In this post, I’ll show you how to clean stone walls step by step.

#1 Dusting

Before you dive into any big cleaning session, start with the simple stuff. Dusting!

Grab a soft-bristle brush, a microfiber cloth, or even a duster, and gently sweep away any dirt or cobwebs. Don't forget to pay extra attention to corners and any decorative parts where dust likes to hide.

Be gentle, though—rough scrubbing can leave scratches.

If you've got a vacuum with a brush attachment, that works great too, especially for those hard-to-reach spots.

#2 Wash With Water And Mild Soap

Once the dust is gone, it’s time to clean the surface itself.

For most stone walls, a mix of warm water and mild dish soap is all you need. Fill a bucket with water, add a drop of dish soap, and mix it up.

Or you can even use a pH-neutral cleaner.

Get a soft cloth or sponge, dip it in the soapy water, and start cleaning the stone in circular motions. This helps lift the dirt off. Just be careful not to use too much water, especially if your stone is the porous kind, because too much moisture can cause problems inside the stone.

Work on small areas at a time so you can clean thoroughly and the soapy water doesn't dry on the surface.

Once you're done cleaning a section, rinse it off with clean water and dry it right away with a clean cloth. This stops water marks or mineral deposits from forming.

#3 Dealing With Stains Or Mildew

Stone walls can sometimes develop stains or mildew.

If you’re dealing with mold or mildew, you can get rid of it with some hydrogen peroxide.

A simple solution of hydrogen peroxide and water works wonders!

Just mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide (the 3% kind you get at the store) with 3 parts water, and apply it to the affected areas. Let it sit for a few minutes, then gently scrub with a soft sponge.

If you’re dealing with mineral stains like rust, a paste made from baking soda and water can do the trick. Apply it to the stain, let it sit, and then scrub it away gently.

You might have to repeat this step a couple of times for tough stains, but it usually does the job.

For stubborn mildew, you can try using diluted white vinegar and apply it with a soft sponge.

Always remember to rinse the area really well after you've treated a stain, so the cleaning stuff doesn't hang around and damage the stone.

#4 Cleaning Grease Or Oil Stains

If you notice any greasy spots on your walls, let's clean them too.

Grease and oil stains need special attention because they really sink into the stone.

Sprinkle some cornstarch or talcum powder over the stain - make sure you cover the whole spot. Leave it there for several hours, or even better, overnight, so it can soak up all the oil.

You'll notice the powder getting darker as it pulls out the grease.

When it's done, brush the powder away gently - you don't want to push it back into the stone.

Then wipe the area with a slightly damp cloth to get rid of any powder that's left.

If the stain is really tough, you might need to do this more than once.

#5 Polishing (Optional)

If you want your stone wall to really shine, you might want to polish it after cleaning.

This step isn’t necessary, but it does add a nice touch, especially if you want to enhance the stone’s natural beauty.

Get a polish made specifically for your type of stone - this is important because different stones need different kinds of polish.

Put a little bit of polish on a soft cloth and follow the instructions on the product carefully - you don't want to use too much. Work on small sections at a time, moving in circles to get even coverage.

If you need to put on more than one coat, make sure you let each one dry properly.

Polishing doesn't just make your stone look better - it also helps protect it.

Also Read: How To Clean Pellet Stove Glass

#6 Sealing The Stone (Optional)

Sealing is another optional step, but it’s a great idea if you want to add an extra layer of protection to your stone walls.

This is especially important for porous stones like limestone that can easily stain or absorb water.

Sealing creates a barrier that helps keep out stains, moisture, and grime.

Before you start, make sure the wall is completely dry - usually, you should wait 24-48 hours after cleaning.

After that apply the sealer carefully, following the instructions on the bottle. Usually, it's better to apply several thin coats instead of one thick one.

You'll need to reapply the sealer every 1-3 years, depending on what kind of stone you have and how much wear and tear it gets.

Tips For Cleaning Stone Walls

Here are some things to look out for when you’re cleaning stone walls:

Always test any cleaner on a small, hidden area first.
Don't use acidic cleaners like pure lemon juice, vinegar, or bathroom cleaners
Stick to soft sponges or cloths. Anything rough might scratch the surface of your stone.
Only use products made for stone or pH-neutral cleaners.

Bottom Line

Cleaning your stone walls isn't rocket science, but it does take a bit of effort and know-how.

If you stick to these steps and don't go crazy with harsh cleaning products, your stone walls will keep looking fantastic for ages.

Just keep in mind that different types of stone might need a little different care, so if you're not sure, it's always a good idea to talk with someone who really knows their stuff about stone care.

How To Clean Stone Walls (Quick Guide)