If you own a cast stone product, whether that be a stone window cill or a decorative garden sculpture, then one of the key benefits you’ll have noticed is just how little maintenance it requires. With that said, that doesn’t mean cast stone items don’t require periodic cleaning to maintain their visual brilliance.
When cleaning cast stone, it’s important that you do so properly to avoid staining or even damaging its surface. Read on below as we take you through our quick step-by-step guide for cleaning your cast stone.
1: Dry Brush to Remove Heavy Dirt
Before cleaning your cast stone, you should remove any notable moss, lichen and dirt build-up. This can be done with a dry sponge or a dry soft-bristled brush.
Simply rub the sponge or brush over the area to scrape any build-up away, being careful not to scrub too hard so that you don’t damage the surface of the stone.
2: Scrub with a Mild Detergent
After dry brushing, you can then water wash your cast stone - most dirt is water soluble, so should be removed during this step.
This can be done by using a simple solution of a mild detergent diluted in some water. Simply mix one part mild detergent, such as sugar soap, to three parts warm water, and apply to your cast stone with a nylon brush, scrubbing gently to remove any dirt or stains.
It’s important to not use harsh detergents, such as those that are acidic or alkaline-based, as these can damage the stone’s surface.
3: Rinse with Water
Once you’ve finished cleaning your stone with your detergent solution, then it’s time to thoroughly rinse away any soapy residue with clean water. If you don’t do this, then any dirty water residue can leave a stain on your cast stone as it dries off.
Similarly, it’s important to not saturate your cast stone with water when rinsing, as this can reactivate a soluble salt that is present both in the cast stone and any mortar joints, which can weaken joints and leave salt deposits on the surface of your stone.
Top Tips!
Dry Excess Water with Absorbent Granules
If you’re worried about water saturation, then you can speed up the drying process and remove any excess water by sprinkling some absorbent granules on your cleaned cast stone whilst it’s still wet.
Use a Hose, Not a Pressure Water
When rinsing your cast stone, make sure that you do so with a low-pressure hosepipe, not a pressure washer.
A pressure washer (or even a high pressure hose) shoots water out at a high enough pressure that it can actually damage the fine surface of your cast stone, or any mortar joints. Meanwhile, a low-pressure hose still offers enough pressure to thoroughly rinse off any detergent without causing such damage.
Get in Touch
If you require further assistance or advice with your cast stone products, then we can help here at Shropshire Brick & Stone (UK) Ltd.
Whether you’d like more tips on how to properly clean and care for your cast stone, or are interested in buying one of our products, we’re the experts for you. From decorative stonework to bespoke pieces, get in touch with us today to discuss what we can do for you.
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