Welcome to spring time! That means now is the perfect time to do some deep cleaning in your home. For most homeowners, natural stone is their choice of material, both inside and outside their homes. STONEarch premium natural stones are an investment that can provide you with years and years of beauty and function.
Although there are plenty of different types of pavers out there such as concrete interlock, wood/composite, and outdoor porcelain tile, the beauty that natural stones offer is unparalleled. On top of that, our products are extremely durable, versatile, and can withstand the harsh weather of North America. And by following these easy spring cleaning care and maintenance tips, you’ll be able to preserve the beauty of your natural stone walkway or patio for many years to come.
Know What Type Of Natural Stone You Have
Before starting your spring cleaning session, it is advisable to know the type of natural stone you have installed. Natural stones come in several types, but the most common ones include granite, limestone, and sandstone. You will be able to apply the right cleaning methods if you have an idea of what kind of stone you need to clean.
For instance, granite, which is one of the strongest among natural stones, will require less maintenance, and can withstand a stronger pressure wash and harsher cleaning solutions. Fortunately, our team of experts here at STONEarch has worked to prepare this short guide on the best practices to use to clean your natural stone patio, pool deck or walkway.
Plan Carefully Before You Begin Cleaning
It’s easy to dive right into cleaning and start pouring out your new cleaning products, however we strongly advise against that. Always select an edge or a corner area of your landscape project that is out of sight and unnoticeable and test out the cleaning solution in a small area. Also, don’t forget to carefully read the manufacturer’s directions before using any product. In most cases, we would not be able to guide you and it’s best to speak with manufacturers of these products to ask technical questions and gather more information.
Avoid Cleaning Natural Stones With Acidic Cleaners
The rule of thumb when cleaning natural stone projects is to avoid applying the surface with acidic cleaners, such as grout and bathroom cleaners. You may also want to stay away from using lemon juice, vinegar, and other multi-purpose cleaning agents. The acidic properties of these cleaners are too strong for your beautiful natural stone floor to handle, which can end up damaging it. Instead, you want to use gentle cleaners and soaps, specifically designed for cleaning natural stone.
Clean Spills Right Away
If there’s a spill on your natural stone pool deck, clean it immediately. Don’t wait for it to dry out. Blot it instead of wiping since doing so will just spread the spill. If necessary, use a mixture of mild soap and water. However, make sure that when you’re done, rinse and dry the area. Consider calling a professional if the stain persists. Some of our stones are more porous than others and we recommend sealing the stone every few years to reduce the likelihood of staining from spills. Naturally, the lighter coloured natural stones will be more prone to staining and require more gentle care in comparison to a black granite such as STONEarch Onyx Black.
Do Not Be Afraid To Scrub Badly Stained Spots
It is not uncommon for floors to have certain areas that are more prone to acquiring grease and dirt. If you see that some parts of your stone floor look dirtier than the rest do not hesitate to get a brush and begin scrubbing those spots. But make sure to use a soft brush, especially on limestones or gentler sandstones. A light pressure wash can also go a long way when it comes to adding some elbow grease to clean stains from moss or leaves or your outdoor walkway covered with trees.
Dry Broom Frequently
Your good old broom is the most reliable cleaning tool in terms of getting rid of daily filth and grit. A dry broom is all you need for everyday spring cleaning. Although it is effective to use a wet scrub, it will require more effort and time on your part than necessary. So you may want to do this on special occasions. For more effective cleaning, it is best to use a soft bristle broom and make sure the walkway is cleared of any debris or leaves. Besides sealing some natural stones, the easiest way to maintain the look of the stone is to prevent settlement on the surface that can cause staining over time.
Seal You Natural Stone Floor
One of the most vital natural stone spring maintenance you can add to your list is to seal your floor with sealants or impregnators. These stone materials are porous, which means they can absorb all sorts of nearby bacteria, spills, and grime. It is always best to follow manufacturer directions when it comes to how often you need to seal the area and factors such as exposure to sunlight, water, and traffic (residential or commercial) will play a large role in this decision as well. Doing so will not only keep these elements at bay, but it can help ensure your flagstone, pool copings and natural stone steps look like new and maintain their integrity.
Certain stones such as our STONEarch Black Limestone and STONEarch Indus Gray are both examples of two of our very popular natural stones that we recommend you seal in order to preserve their timeless look year after year.
If you want to enhance the curb appeal of your home or bring your landscape project to a whole new level, STONEarch products are the way to go. We offer the widest range of natural stone colors and products for landscape use than anyone else. Please contact our team to find out which flagstone or pavers will work best for the project you have in mind.