Sandstone is a popular choice for many homeowners thanks to its durability and low maintenance. As a sedimentary rock, it also has a natural beauty that weathers well with age.
However, if neglected completely, debris, moss and algae can build up causing staining which may be difficult to remove. To help keep your sandstone paving looking great all year round, here’s our top care tips.
1. General debris and leaves
For basic cleaning, use a soft bristle brush to remove any leaves and debris. By doing this, you’ll help prevent any build ups which can lead to moss and staining further down the line.
2. Light cleaning
To give your patio a clean and get it looking bright and fresh, a bucket of soapy water will suffice. Simply mix some household cleaning soap into a bucket of warm water and pour over the sandstone paving.
To give it a thorough clean, use a stiff bristled brush (and some elbow grease!) to remove any mild stains or moss. Rinse the area with a hosepipe and leave to dry. If the paving is still looking discoloured after 24 hours, repeat the process once more.
3. Removing harsh stains
Accidents happen, especially when getting good use out of your patio area. From wine spills to oil from BBQs, these stains can become stubborn and difficult to remove using just soap and water. Moss and algae can also cause staining over time becoming difficult to remove.
For these more stubborn patches, household bleach will often remove them. Firstly, clear away all furniture, pots and planters from your patio area and sweep away any debris and loose dirt. Smaller weeds can be left as bleach will kill them off.
Then pour water over the entire surface and brush the paving stones thoroughly, making sure to get into all cracks and any crevices. Once the surface is completely penetrated, add bleach to an equal amount of water and pour over the area. Work this into the sandstone using a bristled brush and then leave to rest for 15 minutes.
Rinse down the surface using a hosepipe and your sandstone should look brighter. All moss, stains and algae should have been removed.
4. Power washing
This is a quick and simple way to bring your paving stones back to life if they’re looking a little discoloured. The power of a jet wash will blast away dirt, debris and any light moss or algae build ups.
Before getting started, make sure the area is clear of any debris and remove all pots and furniture. This will help to ensure no areas are missed and the small stains and build-ups that can occur under objects will be removed.
We hope this guide was helpful and if you’d like any more advice on caring for your sandstone paving please get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. You can find our full range of sandstone paving here.
