What is the best thing to clean sandstone pavers?

Advice from Mark at Marble Everlast: 

For everyday cleaning, Mark from Marble Everlast recommends blowing leaves and debris off sandstone pavers as they appear, then giving the stone a light rinse with a garden hose when needed. If algae or stains remain, he says the cleaning product needs to suit the sandstone and the type of stain. Stronger chemicals and pressure washing need care, as incorrect use can damage the stone, joints or sealer.

If you need assistance in South East QLD with cleaning and sealing your stone surfaces contact us today for a free quote.

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When cleaning sandstone pavers, it’s essential to use mild and non-acidic chemicals to avoid damaging the natural stone. We’ve outlined some of our sandstone safe steps below.

General cleaning:

For day-to-day maintenance, Mark from Marble Everlast recommends keeping leaves and garden debris off sandstone pavers. Blow them away as they appear rather than leaving them on the stone for a week or two. Give the pavers a light rinse with a garden hose when needed, roughly once a month, and hose off bird or bat droppings promptly.

Avoid using a pressure washer for routine cleaning. Too much pressure can weaken the sealer or damage the joints between pavers. If algae or stubborn stains remain, the cleaning product needs to suit the sandstone and the type of staining.

Thorough cleaning

If algae or stains won’t come off with a light hose down, you’ll need a cleaning product suited to the sandstone and the type of stain. These products are often available from Bunnings or specialist stores, but it’s important to know what you’re using and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Mark uses products made specifically for algae and spot stains. He says chlorine or bleach can also be used, but the dilution has to be right. Used incorrectly, they can damage the sandstone or nearby furniture and finishes.

For a professional clean, Mark applies the suitable product and gives it time to work before machine cleaning and pressure washing the pavers. He adjusts the pressure to the condition of the stone, as too much pressure can damage brittle pavers or blow out the joints. He then rinses and neutralises the area before applying sealer.

Some stains that have been left for years may have penetrated too deeply to remove completely. In those cases, replacing the affected paver may be an option if a suitable match is available.

Steps Mark often uses to clean and seal sandstone pavers

The steps below are steps Mark often uses to clean sandstone pavers however these steps vary depending on the condition of the stone and the works discussed with each client.

1. Clear the area. “We’d vac up any leaves, or blow them away with a blower.”
2. Apply a suitable cleaner. Mark chooses an appropriate cleaning chemical for the sandstone and its condition, applies it and leaves it for a while to work.
3. Machine clean the pavers. “We would machine clean it with the floor scrubber.”
4. Pressure wash carefully. Mark adjusts the pressure to the condition of the sandstone. If the stone is brittle or damaged, too much pressure can blow out the joints or cause more breakages.
5. Rinse and neutralise. After pressure washing, Mark rinses the area with a neutralising solution.
6. Seal the sandstone. Once the area has been cleaned and rinsed, he applies “two to three coats of a premium grade sealer.”

View Some Of Our Professional Before & After Sandstone Restoration Photos Below

If you think your sandstone surface is in need of a professional clean & restoration call the team at Marble Everlast today on  0451 090 900 we service the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas.

How does Sandstone Form?

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock primarily composed of sand-sized minerals that have accumulated over centuries in environments like lakes, rivers, and ocean floors. The formation process involves two main stages: first, layers of sand gather through sedimentation, where particles settle and rest against a barrier. This sediment is then cemented under pressure, binding the grains together. The sand originates from older, fragmented rocks and ranges in size from 1/16th of a millimetre to 2 millimetres. While sand is the predominant component, other materials like cement and matrix may also be present. Sandstone can form in various locations including rivers, lakes, ocean floors, desert dunes, and beaches. It exhibits natural variations in colour, tone, shade, and grain, with some stones having oxidizing properties and others displaying unchanging banding. Sandstone deposits are widespread globally, with significant reservoirs in the United States, South Africa, and notably Germany, which holds the highest number of locations. Australia also boasts substantial sandstone deposits, with Gosford Quarries known for extracting top-quality natural sandstone, offering a wide array of colours and textures driven by a passion for this remarkable rock.

Avoid using acidic cleaners (e.g., vinegar, lemon juice, or any product with a pH below 7) on sandstone, as they can etch and damage the stone surface. Also, never use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads that can scratch the sandstone.

If you’re unsure about which cleaning product to use or if you have particularly stubborn stains, it’s a good idea to consult with a professional stone restoration expert who can provide guidance and perform a proper cleaning if needed.