Sandstone is a go-to material for architects and landscapers in Australia, especially with flooring and paving materials. The natural stone brings home beach-like vibes with its sandy appearance and grainy textured surface. Sandstone pavers are easy to care for but need a few things to avoid and keep in mind. Here are the tricks to maintain Sandstone pavers and floor tile and pavers with ease:
Sealing
Sealing is the first step to maintaining any natural stone. This is more relevant in the case of Sandstone because it is highly porous. A shielding coat of sealant helps protect the surface of Sandstone pavers and floor tiles from oil, greasy spills, and other potential stains. We highly recommend using a water-based sealer for porous Sandstone as it cuts down the formation of salt deposits which reduces efflorescence. Water-based sealer improves the quality and life span of Sandstone pavers while maintaining their natural look and keeping contaminants away.
Basic Care
A simple wash is an effective way to keep dirt, moss, or algae away from Sandstone floor tiles and pavers. Just sweep or brush through the Sandstone flooring or paving to get rid of dust or debris. Occasionally, you can also simply clean with regular water. This basic care routine will avoid the accumulation of detritus and prevent heavy maintenance in the future.
Cleaning Algae
Mould or algae pose a big problem if you reside in an area with high humidity or a wet climate. To get rid of them, use chlorine or bleach wash. First of all, remove loose dirt and pull out weed if any. Mix equal quantities of bleach and warm water and pour on the Sandstone floor tiles. Use a heavy-duty broom to clean the paving stones. If it’s a stubborn patch of algae or stain that you want to remove, brush or scrub the area. Make sure you don’t ignore the corners and cracks. Leave the solution on the surface for about fifteen minutes, soaking the area and deep cleaning it. Rinse the surface with regular water and let it dry.
Power Washing
Power washing is an effective technique to clean pavers, pool copings, and delicate-looking Sandstone floor tiles. Sandstone flooring looks fresh and new with pressure washing. Maintaining large areas get easy with power washing only if the process is correct. You can use hot water for cleaning Sandstone pavers as it removes the contaminants or dirt stuck in the pores, deep cleaning the surface. Avoid spraying directly on the Sandstone slab to prevent damage. Move the pressure washer diagonally across the pavers instead of parallel to the joints. Remember, the pressure in the power washer should not be set too high as it may erode the surface and cause a loss of shine, texture, or colour.
Important things to be noted:
Sandstone is a highly porous and soft natural stone, susceptible to damage. Exercise caution in maintaining the stone and keep the following things in mind-
Use of Vinegar– Vinegar is a super economical and wonderful cleaning solution for several applications. However, Sandstone is not one of them. The acidic nature of vinegar can cause harsh effects on the stone, etching or staining the surface beyond control. It breaks down the sealant barrier and causes noticeable damage to Sandstone floor tiles or pavers.
Abrasives– In case of harsh stains or visibly large blotches, it is tempting to use a hard bristled brush, abrasive pads, or elbow grease. Please be informed that doing this will scratch and etch the surface of the Sandstone pavers. Remember, be it Sandstone pool copings or pavers, the stone is softer than other stones and gets damaged easily if not handled with care.
Immediate Cleaning– Clean up spills immediately to reduce the chances of staining to a minimum. Acidic beverages or oil spills should be cleaned up immediately. Do not wait to clean the mess later lest you should be struggling to remove a permanent stain.
Summing up
Sandstone floors and pavers are durable and easy to care. Yet the porosity of the stone makes it vulnerable to damage and easy staining. While sealing forms a protective layer on the stone surface, other measures are necessary for the best maintenance of this natural stone. We hope that the above-mentioned do’s and don’ts help you maintain your Sandstone pool coping and paving without spending much time or resources.
