The best way to clean a sandstone patio

Robbie

the first thing to do prior to even thining about sealing is to look at the weather forecast. You will need 2 or 3 dry days to give enough time to clean and seal the patio

the best product to use to clean the patio with is lithofin outdoor cleaner. Its approx £15 per litre and a litre should do at least 20 metres. After you have used the outdoor cleaner you should then use a jet wash to get the stone completely clean.

the stone then needs to completely dry out before you apply any sealants. You will need to apply 2 coats of sealant. Make sure after very coat that you wipe off any excess to prevent pooling or streaking. Best thing to wipe off with is an old bed sheet or pillow case cut into cloth sized pieces. Make sure you use a quality impregnating sealant as these penetrate deeper into the stone and generally dont change the colour of the stone too much. Also the best thing to appply the sealant with is a sprayer and not a brush or a roller. If you have any specific questions feeel free to ask

Steve

Replies

Steve London Stone June 12, 2013 at 6:08pm

Robbie

the first thing to do prior to even thining about sealing is to look at the weather forecast. You will need 2 or 3 dry days to give enough time to clean and seal the patio

the best product to use to clean the patio with is lithofin outdoor cleaner. Its approx £15 per litre and a litre should do at least 20 metres. After you have used the outdoor cleaner you should then use a jet wash to get the stone completely clean.

the stone then needs to completely dry out before you apply any sealants. You will need to apply 2 coats of sealant. Make sure after very coat that you wipe off any excess to prevent pooling or streaking. Best thing to wipe off with is an old bed sheet or pillow case cut into cloth sized pieces. Make sure you use a quality impregnating sealant as these penetrate deeper into the stone and generally dont change the colour of the stone too much. Also the best thing to appply the sealant with is a sprayer and not a brush or a roller. If you have any specific questions feeel free to ask

Steve
PRO

Robbie June 12, 2013 at 11:08pm

Hi Steve

Thanks for the comprehensive reply.

Can i use Sodium hypochlorite instead of the outdoor cleaner, will it damage the sandstone?
Steve London Stone June 13, 2013 at 8:39am

I have heard of people using bleach to clean sandstone with before. You just need to be careful that you dont use too much as the stone can get "bleached". I would personallly stick with the the lithofin products or somethibg similar, they are not particularly expensive and you dont run the risk of damaging the stone
ian wright June 15, 2013 at 10:58am

I found sodium hypochlorite (from diary suppliers) very effective with no damage to the paving. Just leave over night
PRO

Chris Lloyd-Davies June 15, 2013 at 11:20am

Sodium hyper chloride can damage the minerals in softer sand stone it can also be difficult to rinse completely and affect the sealant later causing discolouration and blistering so whatever you use rinse well.
PRO

Robbie June 17, 2013 at 1:07pm

Can you clean the sandstone then leave it for a few days / or a week before you seal it again?
Steve London Stone June 17, 2013 at 5:38pm

As long as it stays clean in that time yes you can.