As one of the most recognisable stones on Earth, very few building materials are as appealing to the eye as the classic look of sandstone. Whether being used in the garden or as tiles in your interior area, sandstone is bound to add an instant touch of class to any area in or around your property, and is actually relatively easy to take care of. However, without proper cleaning, sandstone pavers can grow to look grey, detracting from the traditional eye catching nature of the material.
Don’t let your sandstone investment turn into an eye sore – read on to learn the best ways to care for your sandstone tiles and pavers in your home.
Treat your tiles to regular care
One of the easiest ways to avoid your beautiful sandstone pavers or tiles from turning into eyesores is simply just by treating them to a simple clean on a regular basis. If you have sandstone tiles inside your house, it’s a good idea to vacuum the sandstone regularly to make sure dust particles and dirt lift away from them, then mop or gently or use a damp quality cloth to give them a good scrub. As a rule of thumb, it’s always best not to use harsh chemicals when cleaning sandstone – there’s always a chance they may react adversely to the stone and cause funny blotching to your valuable flooring. However, the use of diluted liquid chlorine is often used to help kill bacteria in the stone and remove stains.
If you wish to mop your tiles or pavers, we recommend using a string mop – they’ll easily get into the little crevices and nooks of textured sandstone surfaces to make sure they’re effectively cleaned. Also, make sure you don’t leave your sandstone to dry naturally: it’s a good idea to use a soft towel to dry sandstone after you clean any marks, stains or spills.
What if my sandstone is soiled?
If your sandstone surfaces have become damaged or soiled due to exposure to large amounts of water from a storm or flood, you may need to get your sandstone professionally cleaned. To avoid this, ensure that you purchase sealer for your sandstone – unsealed sandstone absorbs water far easier than sandstone which has been sealed, and will stain as a result.
You may need to consider using a dedicated sandstone cleaner or liquid chlorine solution if your tiles or pavers become excessively soiled or stained. We recommend vacuuming the surface first, then spraying a light later of chlorine or cleaner onto the surface of the material, letting it soak for half an hour and rinsing the stone with a light hose (do not use a high pressure hose as this will damage the stone!) and broom or soft brush to gently push the sandstone cleaner into the pores of the stone. Once you’re done, make sure you rinse the surface and allow to dry.
This is general information and Gosford Quarries does not take responsibility for any damages that arise from sealing or cleaning materials.