Staining On My Limestone Patio

[caddick]

I've installed a limestone patio on a compacted sub base with 40-50mm full mortar base. Happy with how the laying turned out but think I have messed up by not cleaning the slabs fully when laying. I have all these stain marks on the slabs. I have tried floorseal patio cleaner. 

Is there any recommendations for removing these stains?

Edited Sunday at 07:05 by caddick

[JohnMo]

Try just water and a cloth. The longer you leave the harder it will be to remove. The big splat, scrape of the worst first. You may have to gently scrape of what doesn't come off with water.

[caddick]

I have tried to scrub it off already and used a plastic scraper, is there anything else I can do?

[MikeSharp01]

Are they grout stains? In which case might be worth getting a small bottle of concrete acid - but TRY IT ON A BIT OF SCRAP LIMESTONE BEFORE GOING FOR IT. LIMESTONE is remarkably reactive. Screwfix do something called eradicrete which might do it. 

[caddick]

I haven't pointed the patio yet, but I think they are mortar stains from laying the slabs. Thank you, I will get some of that and try it.

[ToughButterCup]

3 hours ago, caddick said:

...Happy with how the laying turned out but think I have messed up by not cleaning the slabs fully when laying. ...

 

After you've salved your conscience by trying to get the marks off ( and failed) , there's one infallible technique. Absolutely infallible. But - for a self builder - really hard. It works best after about 5 years.

 

Forget about it.

[nod]

Carefully dab a small area  with brick acid on a sponge  Then wash away as soon as it starts to soften 

Or as Ian suggests Live with it