25 Jun 2024

How to Maintain Your Sandstone Pavers

Sandstone, a stunning natural stone with a glorious appearance has been used worldwide for centuries. It’s a perfect stone when you want to accentuate the natural beauty of your indoor or outdoor spaces. Featuring a sand-like naturally grainy texture and exquisite colours, Sandstone pavers bring effortless elegance and character. With their stunning colour scheme ranging from beige and grey to red and brown, you can create a warm and welcoming vibe for your project space. This durable stone can withstand heavy use and high footfall. And, its versatility makes it well suited for outdoor patios, fireplaces, pool surrounds and backyards or to create an interesting feature wall for your living room.

Natural stones such as Sandstone, Travertine, Bluestone and Limestone have an unmatched beauty that other man-made materials cannot live up to. But to preserve it, and to keep the surface of the stone in the best condition, there are some essential maintenance and care tips one must follow. In this blog, we will talk about how to clean Sandstone Pavers to enhance their beauty and longevity.

Steps to Clean Sandstone Paving

1. Clean them regularly
   

   When you google about, “How to clean Sandstone tiles and pavers? the most common answer that you’ll get it by regular cleaning. The primary step for maintaining the surface and structure of your Sandstone pavers is routine cleaning. You can use a broom to sweep dust from the surface of the pavers. For accumulated grime and debris, you can use soap water and a washcloth. A pressure washer will be helpful to clean off any tough stains or dirt marks. But dry the surface with an absorbent cloth, don’t leave it to dry naturally. Abstain from using any harsh cleaners or acidic solutions as they can damage the patina of your beautiful pavers.



2. Reseal your pavers periodically
   

   Depending on the usage and foot traffic the area receives, Sandstone pavers should be resealed every 1-2 years. If you use the front porch every day, you must reseal the pavers annually. However, the large backyard that is used for hosting an occasional gathering of friends and family can suffice to reseal every two years. Resealing is vital as it shields the stone’s surface from moisture, stains and natural weathering. Use a high-quality sealer for your pavers but make sure that the surface is clean and dry before you start the process. And don’t forget to follow the manufacturer’s instructions while carrying out the task.



3. Get rid of the stains
   

   If you’re resealing the surface periodically, it reduces the chances of stains. But in case you spot one, it is necessary to do away with it as soon as possible. In case of a stain from a liquid spill, first, dab the area with an absorbent cloth to soak away the excess liquid. Then use a pH-neutral cleaner especially for natural stones to clean the surface. Or you can make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it on the surface for some time. Then gently wipe it off with a wet cloth. If the stain looks bad, it’s best to call for professional help without much experimentation.



4. Block the growth of weeds
   

   If you leave uneven space or too much space between the pavers during installation, it can lead to weeds growing in between the joints. This can cause damage to the surface of the pavers and can also destabilise them over time. To avoid this, it is necessary to fill the space between pavers properly with joint sand or polymeric sand while installing them. You can also check with your installer about a weed barrier fabric that is placed between the pavers and the soil at the time of installation.



5. Maintain your pavers regularly
   

   Prevention is always better than cure and this holds, especially in the case when you want to maintain or clean your natural stone paving. Regular maintenance includes checking the pavers for cracks, chips, breaks or other damages and getting them fixed at the earliest. Inspect if the grout lines are coming off from the pavers as it can be the first sign of possible weed growth. if you detect any signs of damage don’t wait it out until it gets worse. The best way is to address the issue as soon as possible.

Dos and Don'ts of Sandstone Pavers Maintenance

Maintenance goes a long way in keeping Sandstone paver’s lustre and beauty intact so that you can keep your outdoor areas looking beautiful for a long time. But before starting, it is essential to know some common mistakes people make and how to avoid them. Here are some dos and don’ts while caring for your Sandstone pavers.

Dos:

1. Set a routine for cleaning your pavers. We’re all living such busy lives with so many to-dos to complete and so many commitments to follow through. It’s common to miss out on the cleaning schedule. But remember, it is not just about cleaning your natural stone paver, it is an investment that you’re making today and will pay off in the long run. A well-maintained pathway or an excellent-looking patio can increase the worth of your property if you decide to sell it in the future.
2. Seal your Sandstone pavers periodically. Sandstone is a porous stone, and it is important to seal your pavers timely to prevent moisture from seeping into the pores and damaging the surface. Seal every 1-2 years additionally after every deep cleaning process. Don’t compromise on the quality of the sealant. Use one that is specially designed for sealing Sandstone pavers.
3. Dry Sweep your pavers often. Don’t wait for them to get dirty. When you sweep Sandstone pavers regularly, they are not going to get so muddy that you need a deep cleaning and thus it will save your resealing cost and frequency.

Don'ts:

1. Don’t use an abrasive or harsh cleaner for cleaning your Sandstone pavers. More than cleaning, they can leave marks and scratches on your stone’s surface.
2. Don’t get lazy. If you notice any spills or stains on your pavers, make sure you remove them instantly. To put it simply, the longer a stain sits on a surface, the harder it will be to remove it later.
3. Let the vinegar and lemon juice stay in the kitchen. It is not recommended to clean sandstone pavers with vinegar since natural stones are porous in nature. We know DIY is a thing, but it is very important to use the right products. Avoid any sort of acidic cleaners as they can cause discolouration and damage the appearance of your pavers.
4. Don’t scrub with a wire brush. It will not clean better. Sandstone pavers need gentle care and maintenance. When cleaning the pavers use a soft-bristled brush or a broom.
5. Don’t use very hot water for cleaning. Warm water is good enough. Water with a higher temperature when seeps into the surface can weaken the structure over time. This may cause your pavers to reshape, causing cracks and damage. So, stick to cool or lukewarm water.

What Is the General Cost of Cleaning Sandstone Pavers and Tiles in Australia?

The average cost of cleaning Sandstone pavers and tiles in Australia varies based on the size of the area, the amount of staining or grime and the cleaning methods employed. On average, homeowners should expect to spend a reasonable charge per square metre for professional cleaning services like high-pressure washing and, if necessary, sealing. It's best to gather quotations from several service providers to get a more accurate cost for your unique requirements. Overall, the above-mentioned tips to clean Sandstone pavers and tiles is reasonably priced, assuring its life and aesthetic appeal.

Bottom Line!
We hope you got all your queries resolved in the case of hoe to clean Sandstone blocks; be it tiles or pavers. They make for a beautiful and durable flooring solution for indoor and outdoor spaces. Featuring a stunning colour palette and a sand-like rustic texture, they have the potential to remarkably transform your design spaces. However, to clean Sandstone paving and keep your spaces looking new, regular maintenance is essential. We hope this blog has helped give you the information you need to successfully maintain your Sandstone pavers. If you still have some questions or need any clarifications, we’re just a call away. Don’t hesitate to contact our stone experts and get all your worries resolved.

*Disclaimer: All information and advice given above in the blog are to the best of our knowledge. Please reconfirm at your end before execution.