Cleaning and maintenance of your natural stone can be a difficult and tedious task so we have written up a guide on the different types of stains you may come across and what methods to use to remove them.
The strategy for removing the stain depends on what type of stain it is so we have included a method of stain removal for each kind of stain you may come across whether your stone is indoors or outdoors.
Included in this article is how to clean:
General Maintenance
When it comes to the general maintenance of stone, there are a lot of opinions on the right way to maintain them. Through our industry experience and testing, the method we suggest is to mix dishwashing liquid with water and scrub with a soft kitchen broom. This will solve a majority of stains that your stone will come across in their lifetime.
Rust
Rust is a common stain you’ll usually find on pool pavers, from fencing or from metal furniture you may have in your pool area. The cleaning technique is still the same though, whether it’s pool pavers you’re getting rust off of or its indoors like a kitchen or bathroom tile.
The first step to cleaning rust is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, try one of these 2 methods for removing rust from your natural stone. The first is using hydrochloric acid. The second is using oxalic acid. Both of which you can find from your local hardware store.
Oxalic Acid
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Mix oxalic acid at 100ml per 1L of water.
- Spray or brush on, allow 2-3 minutes, then lightly scrub the area with a soft kitchen broom.
- Rinse area thoroughly with water.
- Repeat the process if stains persist.
Efflorescence
Efflorescence is the formation of powdery deposits on the surface of brickwork, rock, or other material as a result of loss of moisture on exposure to air. If you find that your powders are beginning to get a fine white powder over their surface, that’s most likely efflorescence.
The first step to cleaning efflorescence is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, please give us a call for professional advice.
Organic Stains
Organic stains such as moss, mould, animal droppings, timber, and leaf stains area common occurrence in outdoor areas, specifically in areas without much sunlight.
The first step to cleaning organic stains is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, try one of the 2 methods below for removing organic stains from stone.
Oxalic Acid
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Mix oxalic acid at 100ml per 1L of water.
- Spray or brush on, allow 2-3 minutes, then lightly scrub the area with a soft kitchen broom.
- Rinse area thoroughly with water.
- Repeat the process if stains persist.
Chlorine
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Mix chlorine at 200ml per 1L of water in a plastic container for mild staining and neat for persistent stains.
- Leave for 5 minutes and then scrub with a soft kitchen broom.
- Rinse the area when the marks disappear.
Soap Scum
Soap scum is a white solid build-up of minerals that results from the addition of soap to high mineral content water. You’ll usually come across this type of stain in your bathroom.
The first step to cleaning soap scum is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, try using the method below.
Non-Caustic Detergent
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – A minimum requirement of Safety Glasses, Gloves & Boots. Damage to clothing may occur.
- Mix non-caustic detergent at 50 ml per 1 Litre of hot water. Flood the affected area and allow to react for 2-3 minutes. Scrub with a soft kitchen broom, then mop off.
- The area must be rinsed with water and dishwashing liquid (e.g. Morning Fresh) to remove any residue.
Cement & Grout Residue
The first step to cleaning cement & grout residue is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom.
If the stain persists, please give us a call for profesional advice.
Grease/Fat/Oil
For heavy grease and oil deposits, such as from a BBQ, the method of removal is simple.
The first step to cleaning grease, fat, or oil is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, non-caustic detergent is a good method for removing heavy grease and oil deposits
Non-Caustic Detergent
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – A minimum requirement of Safety Glasses, Gloves & Boots. Damage to clothing may occur.
- Mix non-caustic detergent at 50 ml per 1 Litre of hot water. Flood the affected area and allow to react for 2-3 minutes. Scrub with a soft kitchen broom, then mop off.
- The area must be rinsed with water and dishwashing liquid (e.g. Morning Fresh) to remove any residue.
Epoxy, Wax, Glue
The first step to cleaning epoxy, wax, or glue spills from your stone is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, non-caustic detergent is a good method for removing wax and glue.
Non-Caustic Detergent
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – A minimum requirement of Safety Glasses, Gloves & Boots. Damage to clothing may occur.
- Mix non-caustic detergent at 50 ml per 1 Litre of hot water. Flood the affected area and allow to react for 2-3 minutes. Scrub with a soft kitchen broom, then mop off.
- The area must be rinsed with water and dishwashing liquid (e.g. Morning Fresh) to remove any residue.
Dirty Grout
Dirty grout is a common occurrence in bathrooms, kitchens, and pools, and can sometimes be difficult and tedious to clean. This doesn’t have to be the case. The method below should make light work and have your grout looking good as new.
The first step to cleaning dirty grout is to try removing the stain with dishwashing liquid and water and then scrubbing with a soft kitchen broom. If the stain persists, try one of the 2 methods below for removing dirt from your grout.
Non-Caustic Detergent
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Always wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – A minimum requirement of Safety Glasses, Gloves & Boots. Damage to clothing may occur.
- Mix non-caustic detergent at 50 ml per 1 Litre of hot water. Flood the affected area and allow to react for 2-3 minutes. Scrub with a soft kitchen broom, then mop off.
- The area must be rinsed with water and dishwashing liquid (e.g. Morning Fresh) to remove any residue.
Chlorine
- Always test on one stain before applying to every stain.
- Mix chlorine at 200ml per 1L of water in a plastic container for mild staining and neat for persistent stains.
- Leave for 5 minutes and then scrub with a soft kitchen broom.
- Rinse the area when the marks disappear.
Cleaning and maintenance of your natural stone is a difficult and tedious task, and we thank you for taking the time to read our guide. Hopefully the information above has got your backyard looking brand new and given your outdoor area a new lease on life.
If, for any reason, you still need assistance with cleaning stains off of your stone, or maybe you just need a bit of clarification on one of our methods, don’t hesitate to give us a call. One of our consultants will be more than happy to help you with any questions you may have.
