Outside of your home, sandstone can be used for floor tiles, wall surfaces, monuments, and fireplaces.If it's not cleaned properly, it can get stained quickly and soak up liquids.You just need some common cleaning products and the right technique to clean your sandstone.These things and a little bit of elbow grease can make your sandstone look better.
Step 1: Dirt and debris can be removed from the surface.
If you have sandstone tiles on your floor, you should sweep them off before doing a deep clean.It will make cleaning easier by getting rid of loose debris on the surface.If your interior sandstone surfaces are not on the floor, you can use a dry towel or brush to clean them.You can use a vacuum to clean the surface.
Step 2: Put a damp cloth on the surface.
To clean your sandstone, use a soft rag.Get the rag wet, ring it out in the sink, and then wipe the entire surface of the stone.If you don't want to get on your hands and knees when cleaning a sandstone floor, you can use a microfiber mop head.If the rag gets very dirty, rinse it out and then clean the entire surface.
Step 3: Don't use household cleaning products on your sandstone.
Unless a general cleaning product is labeled for cleaning natural stones, you shouldn't put it on sandstone.Acid-based cleaning products can damage the surface.Acidic cleaners can change the texture and color of the stone permanently.
Step 4: If plain water isn't enough to clean the surface, use dish soap.
Cleaning sandstone with plain water works well.If you feel like you need a cleanser, use a small amount of plain dish soap.Put a small squirt of soap on your damp cloth and rub it over the surface.To clean the soap off of the surface, use a clean area of your cloth afterwords.
Step 5: The surface should be dry with a towel.
Standing water on the surface of sandstone will gradually absorb it.Remove the surface until it is dry.Use a soft, clean, and dry rag to wipe down the surface so that it doesn't get scratched.
Step 6: It spills right away.
You can pick up spills with a clean towel.Do not wipe the area instead of blotting it.A larger stain can be created by moving food or liquid around the area.Wine, fruit juices, and coffee are some of the worst liquids that can stain your sandstone.
Step 7: Use cleaners that don't contain harsh chemicals.
Sandstone can be discolored and damaged by a wide variety of cleaning products.The surface can be discolored permanently by acidic cleaners.
Step 8: If plain water can't get a spot off, make a paste of baking soda.
Baking soda and water can be combined to make a great alkaline sandstone cleaner.Put a small amount of baking soda in a bowl with some water.Continue to add water until the mixture is a thick paste.You can buy natural stone-cleaning products at home improvement and hardware stores.Baking soda paste is likely to work as well.
Step 9: Put the paste on the stain and scrub it with a soft bristled brush.
Use a spoon to mix the paste onto the stone stain.It should sit on the surface for 15 minutes.Use a soft brush to scrub the surface.You can use a variety of brushes, including a home cleaning brush, a nail brush or an old toothbrush.
Step 10: The paste should be wiped off with a damp cloth.
You should wipe the mixture off of the stone after you think you've gotten the stain out.If the stain is gone, let the area dry.To remove baking soda from the cloth, use a clean area.If the stain remains, apply the paste again and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes before scrubbing it a second time.
Step 11: Get rid of the surface.
You are cleaning the outdoor surface.Use a large broom to sweep the patio.If you are cleaning a small retaining wall or monument, use a broom to sweep the detailed areas.If you remove the top layer of dirt and debris this way, you can assess what areas need to be deep cleaned and which just need a light scrubbing.
Step 12: Allow the water to sit for about 30 minutes.
It is a good idea to spray the surface with your hose.There is a layer of water on the surface.The cleaning process will be much easier if you wait for the stone to soak for 30 minutes.
Step 13: The surface should be washed with water and a plastic bristle brush.
Use a circular motion to remove organic material from the stone.This can include moss, lichen, and mold.Continue scrubbing until you are happy with the color of the stone.For this, most outdoor scrub brushes will work.You can use a brush on a pole.When pushing the brush across the surface, make sure that the bristles are medium-firm.Never use a wire brush on sandstone.It will scratch the surface.
Step 14: If necessary, use a squirt of dish- washing soap.
If you aren't making much progress with plain water, you can use a mild soap to clean the surface.You can wash your scrub brush with a small squirt of soap.
Step 15: Only if the sandstone is new can you use a power washer.
If you have a new patio or wall that needs to be cleaned, set your power washer to a low pressure setting and move the nozzle side-to-side as you spray the surface.Holding the sprayer at a 45 degree angle will remove dirt from the surface well.There are delicate designs on old tombstones and power washers can be too strong for sandstone.The pressure of the power washer can force water into the stone, so only use it on new sandstone and use a low setting.
Step 16: If the spots are discolored, apply a bleach solution to them.
It is possible to use a solution of 1 part bleach to 3 parts water on sandstone surfaces.They use a rag to remove the solution from the sandstone in areas that are discolored.Allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes and then scrub the area with a soft brush and rinse it with water.Cleaning your sandstone can remove the protective layer that builds up on the surface.Over time, this will lead to faster decay.
Step 17: After scrubbing the sandstone, rinse it with water.
You can use your hose to remove dirt and debris.If you used soap or bleach, this will remove it.It should look better once it is sprayed down.If you need to continue scrubbing, you will have to do several rinses.You can go back over the areas with your scrub brush.