Your STONEarch natural stone pavers are more than pathways; they're valuable additions that elevate your property's worth and beauty. Built for durability, these stone walkways require minimal maintenance. Resistant stones like granite, travertine, and slate are tough, yet occasional cleaning is still necessary to keep them looking their best. However, even the most resilient stones need occasional cleaning to preserve their allure. Algae, mildew, and dirt can mar the appearance of some stones, but with the proper techniques, your pathway will remain a symbol of timeless elegance.

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Below are the three outdoor stone cleaning techniques for your walkways or pavers:

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1. Basic Cleanup: Sweeping and Washing

Assess your stone walkway's surface to identify stains, ensuring outdoor-installed stones are well-swept and washed.

For routine maintenance, effortlessly refresh your STONEarch natural stone walkway using dish soap:

• Mix a few drops of dish detergent with lukewarm water in a sizable bucket.
• Apply the soapy solution using a push broom with thick bristles.
• Saturate the stone surface with suds by sweeping evenly.
• After treating the entire walkway, rinse it thoroughly with water.

Before proceeding, test this method on a small corner to avoid any unintended damage caused by dish soap or scrubbing brushes.

Avoid wire-bristle brooms to prevent scratches, and use cleaners recommended for your limestones or any stone in your walkways.

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2. Eliminating Stubborn Dirt

Using a stone-specific stain remover for particularly stubborn stains would be best.

• Create a mixture of water and stone cleaner in a spray bottle.
• Adjust the solution's potency for deep stains by using less water.
• Spritz the cleaning mixture over the dirt and stains, allowing it to sit for around 30 minutes.
• Scrub the affected areas using a nylon brush.
• Mop the surface thoroughly to remove excess solution.

Use natural bristle brushes to remove trapped dirt and debris from the crevices between the stones. Be gentle to avoid damaging the stone. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions when using stone cleaners on your walkway or pool deck.

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3. Battling Tough Grime

When faced with stubborn grime, your pressure washer is a powerful tool. Keep the nozzle at a fan-like spray angle and maintain a safe distance to safeguard your stones. Employ pressure washing judiciously, restricting it to once per season to protect your stone's integrity. Start by testing in a small area before applying to the entire walkway, especially for stones like sandstone that may experience minor flaking due to heavy pressure.

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Additional Tips to Clean and Protect Stone Pathways:

Sweep the entire surface of your natural stone pavers horizontally and vertically to remove debris lodged within grout joints.

• Cleanse the stone surface with clean water to eliminate residual dirt and dust after sweeping.
• Blot stains to prevent their spread instead of wiping.
• Address spills promptly to prevent them from becoming embedded in the sun's heat.
• Before using any cleaner, test it on a spare paver from your installation to ensure it won't harm your stone.

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4. Optional: Applying Sealant

Depending on the type of natural stone, it might require sealing to protect it from future stains and weathering. If needed, apply a suitable stone sealant following the manufacturer's guidelines.

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Questions about your STONEarch natural stone walkway or installation? Contact our support team for expert advice. We are here to provide comprehensive answers based on our expertise as promptly as possible.