Using the wrong cleaning agent on bluestone patios can leave your cultured stone tarnished or stripped of natural oils in the stone. Additionally, if you use the wrong materials, you can scratch or dull the surface, transforming smooth stone into something rough and pitted. Correctly cleaning your bluestone ensures you do not strip natural oils from the stone or mar its finish. Consequently, your bluestone will continue to glisten and remain smooth.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of stain if you can, because different stains require different strengths of cleaners. For instance, bio-matter stains from leaves or vegetables can penetrate the pores of bluestone and resist many types of cleaners.
2. Mix 1/2 gallon of bleach to 5 gallons of water. If you need more bleach, use a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Make sure to wear rubber gloves to protect your skin.
3. Apply some cleaning mix to the stone on a hidden edge or corner using the sponge to make sure the bleach doesn't stain the stone.
4. Scrub the stain vigorously with a nylon bristle brush, dipping it as needed in the cleaning mixture to keep the stone saturated. Allow the solutionto remain on the stone for up to five minutes.
5. Scrub the stone with clean water using the nylon bristle brush.
6. Squeegee the water, so it pools along one surface, simultaneously sponging it up with a sponge and squeezing it out into a bucket.
7. Dispose of the bleach-water mixture according to your city guidelines.
Tags: bristle brush, natural oils, nylon bristle, nylon bristle brush, your bluestone