What is Stone Cleaner and why should you use it?

Over time, your outdoor landscaping areas may start to look tired, and there could be a build-up of grime and dirt ruining the look of your beautiful stone space. It is important to clean and protect your stone regularly if you want to keep your garden areas looking fresh and clean. The best way to do this is through the application of stone cleaner.

At Build & Plumb, we have a wide selection of sealers and cleaners for you to apply to your landscaping areas. Check out our full guide on stone cleaners as we myth bust all your questions about cleaning stone. 

What are the benefits of using stone cleaner?

Keeping on top of your landscaping efforts will ensure that your patio or garden stays looking pristine, and it can also benefit the integrity of the space. But what are the other benefits of using a stone cleaner on your property? 

• Aesthetic benefits 
• Doesn’t take too much time to transform the look of the space
• Restore the beauty of your landscape 
• Remove algae and grime that could be damaging the quality of your stone
• Protect the integrity of your stone 
• Remove stubborn stains such as oil from cars, BBQ spillages and more

How to use stone cleaner

There is a common misconception that using a stone cleaner on your landscaped areas is labour intensive and requires a lot of manual work. This isn’t the case, and the process is fairly simple and is as follows: 

1. Assess the area where you want to apply your stone cleaner for any loose debris, dirt or leaves. 
2. You want to ensure that the area is dry before you start; if it is raining or damp, you should save the cleaning process for another day. 
3. Sweep the excess into a pile, as this will allow you to gain full coverage of the surface area.
4. Check the instructions of the particular cleaner you are using for application terms, but typically stone cleaner doesn’t need to be diluted. 
5. Patch test the stone cleaner on a corner of your landscaped area before you coat the full surface. This will ensure that your cleaner is compatible with your particular stone. 
6. If this is successful, shake the stone cleaner bottle before you start the application process. 
7. Apply a single coat of stone cleaner to the area using a roller, squeegee or brush. Make sure you keep an eye out for any pooling or ponding of the product.
8. Drying time depends on the specific product you use, but this can typically be anywhere from 2-4 hours. 
9. Depending on the product, you may need to wash off the cleaner, but in some cases, the cleaning product can be left – it is worth checking the bottle of your application to see what delivers the best results.

What is the best stone cleaner?

There are a few stone cleaners on the market for you to choose from, and here at Build & Plumb, we have a selection for you to try. You will find that the range of sealers and cleaners suits specific stone-based issues, which we will outline below. 

What is the best stone cleaner for oil spillages?

If you want to clean your stone driveway from oil and petrol spillages, we recommend trying out the Everbuild – 1L Oil Away Cleaner.

The high-performance cleaning solution is quick and easy to use and will work on a range of stone types such as concrete, stone and tarmac. You can use it to clean particular spots or to give your entire driveway, path or patio a refresh. 

What is the best stone sealant for water protection?

Once you have cleaned your stone patio or driveway, it is a good idea to seal your area for maximum protection against water damage. We recommend using Thompsons – Water Seal Clear Protection – 5L. 

This sealant from Thompsons will allow water protection for longer than standard waterproofers and can even help prevent damage caused by cold weather. 

What is the best sealant for natural stone? 

If you are looking for a solvent-free sealant suitable for Indian sandstone, Torkstone, Limestone and other natural stone forms, you should consider using Bond It – 5L Drive Alive Indian Stone Sealer. This sealant is low odour and can help prevent moss growth and fungus from growing, which will help the integrity and structure of the stone.

What is the best sealant for Sandstone?

Sandstone is long-lasting, has eco-friendly properties, and provides a stunning look for your landscaped areas, but it can be water absorbent. To ensure that your sandstone stays in the best condition, it is important to treat it effectively with sealant and enhancer. We recommend using the Azpects 5L EASYSeal Sandstone Enhancer & Sealer.

It is designed to deepen tones but doesn’t give a false shine finish and allows the original beauty of the sandstone to show through. Other benefits include the oil and water repellent qualities, making it the perfect sealer and enhancer for garden landscaped areas used frequently by families.

Will baking soda damage stone?

You should be careful when applying chemicals and even natural acidic substances to stone. The properties of stone can often be reactive with substances in a way that damages and harms its integrity and appearance. 

With this being said, try using cleaners and sealers designed for use on stone. Always check that the product you are about to use is safe for stone, and always test the patch before you spread the full application. 

Outdoor stone cleaners and sealers at Build & Plumb

If you want to give your outdoor area a clean and protect the look and structure of your stone landscaped area, check out the range of outdoor sealers and cleaners. 

The range at Build & Plumb features a whole host of brands and stone-specific products that will provide protective cover and enhance the look of the space. Discover stone cleaners and sealers from well-established brands that offer easy-to-use solutions that make a difference.