Using a pressure washer risks removing the natural patina of masonry and stone surfaces. It can also take away any coating or sealants previously applied to the building. This will open up the pores in the surface and allow water to seep deep into the stone and masonry.
Clean stone surfaces with a neutral cleaner, stone soap, or a mild liquid dishwashing detergent and warm water. Similar to any item cleaned in your home, an excessive concentration of cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Follow manufacturer recommendations.
You may have considered pressure washing, which is a fast and easy way to clean such surfaces, but be warned, when it comes to stone and masonry, pressure washing can cause damage.
Q: Is a NATURE STONE® floor easy to keep clean? Both indoor and outdoor installations of NATURE STONE® Brand Flooring are easy to keep clean. You can use a vacuum for everyday cleaning of loose dust and debris. Most common household cleaners will work well, too.
Our polyaspartic polymer will not deteriorate due to salt exposure, and it withstands moisture, which naturestone cannot do. Thus, you can expect your floor to keep its superior look and quality for about 15 years with normal wear.
Clean stone surfaces with warm water and a mild soap such as a clear Dawn Liquid Soap. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone.
Reach for the 1500 PSI Pressure Washer and use the 40-degree nozzle to clean painted soft-wood surfaces, aluminum siding, and windows. Brick, stone, and vinyl can handle the higher pressure of the 1600 PSI model. For stucco, stick to the gentler cleaning power of the WORX Hydroshot described below.
*Do not use Dawn® Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray on marble surfaces of any kind. Ensure sufficient ventilation of the area and do not mix with any other detergents during the cleaning process.
1000 to 1500 psi pressure is easy to mange and will not cause damage to pavers and paving stone. A low pressure washer is also safe for mortared flagstone and slate patios and walls.
Acidic commercial cleaners and those containing harsh chemicals, like bleach, can damage and dull natural stone surfaces.
It's essential to only use cleaners which are appropriate for natural stone surfaces. This means avoiding using vinegar. Stones like limestone, marble, or travertine will react to vinegar because it's an acidic cleaner with harsh effects. It can even lead to burning or etching to occur on the surface of the stone.
However, even when sealed, natural stone can be slippery when wet. Therefore, it is important to invest in pool deck anti-slip coatings specifically designed for certain conditions if you want to keep your patio and pool area safe for use by your loved ones.
General Steps for any kind of Natural Stone Surface:
Sweep to remove any dirt particles. Fill a recepient of warm water and use only water, or mix it with a small amount of neutral liquid “All-Purpose-Cleaner”, detergent or cleaning solutions specific for stone. Change the solution when it starts to get dirty.
In most instances, using a basic mixture of soap and water will be enough to clean any dirt and debris off your natural stone. To do so you, mix a bucket of warm water with an acid-free washing-up liquid to avoid any staining or discoloration.
A pressure washer is a pretty powerful tool so you should start on a lighter setting to build up the pressure gradually. Although natural stone is a hardy material, you should be careful not to follow any joints with the washer as this could cause the stones to move. Instead, focus on the slabs themselves.
The simplest answer is no, it is best to avoid bleach when cleaning any type of natural stone. Many home cleaning products, particularly bleach and vinegar, are too harsh or acidic to be on natural stone. These cleaners strip down the stone and leave it in a weak, damaged state.
High pressure washers can damage simple flags and natural stones alike and force sand out of joints. Stick with the default nozzle and keep the pressure low. Pressure washers are a great method of preventing moss and algae on your patio stones.
The safest liquid to try first is water with a little dish soap. Soak your finds in soapy water for a day to loosen any packed-in dirt, and wipe or brush them clean. An abrasive toothpaste can also dislodge grime from smaller surfaces. Many collectors choose to remove calcite from rock and mineral specimens.
Medium Duty 2000-2800 PSI
This classification ranges from as low as 2,000 PSI to as high as 2,800 PSI. You can use a medium-duty pressure washer for almost any surface. They're great for cleaning concrete, brick, and wood.
Apply a paste of baking soda and water over the stain and leave it for 24 hours. Gently scrub the area and rinse it with plain water. Stains on Sandstone pavers, Travertine floor tiles, and Marble floors can easily be cleaned with a baking soda solution.
Quartz is an incredible material and easy to clean.
The beauty of natural stone with the durability of a manufactured one. For heavier stains, glass or surface cleaners will do the trick since quartz is non-porous and you don't have to be as finicky with the pH as you would with granite.