The durable stone cleaning, which is often a material of reverence, has played a key role in the architecture and decoration for centuries. It has silently witnessed time passing and human evolution. The constant whispers from the elements and age can make stone look a little worn out.
Cleaning stone surfaces can be compared to discovering an old map in the attic. Every crease, fold and ridge holds secrets about the history of that surface. Stone, whether it is in your kitchen as a countertop made of marble or as a granite statue that stands proudly in your garden, requires an understanding approach to keep its beauty.
Be sure to consider the nature of the stone before you begin the cleaning process. Because they are porous and friendly, limestone and sandstone will absorb the environment and require a milder detergent to avoid damage. Granite and slate are more resilient than limestone, which allows for more aggressive cleaning.
Start the cleaning process by clearing the area of any clutter. Simple debris such as leaves or crumbs left on stone surfaces can hide areas that need to be cleaned or harbour moisture that attracts unwanted biological visitors like algae and mildew.
The next step is often where folks get a tad overzealous–choosing the cleaning solution. This is where local wisdom ‘less’ is more’ comes in handy. You should use a pH-neutral, gentle cleaner to avoid anything acidic or too alkaline which can betray your intentions by dulling or etching the surface. Imagine choosing the proper armor for a soldier before battle – it should not be too heavy and yet still provide adequate protection.
Apply your chosen potion with a soft-bristled sponge or brush. Massage the skin in circular, soft motions. Imagine you are massaging an elephant with its storied old skin. This helps to remove grime and dirt without scratching.
Sometimes the stone will have stubborn stains which laugh at your gentle scrubbing. Poultices are a soft, malleable mix of water and baking powder that works like a magic spell to draw out the stain as they dry. You’re coaxing the shy creature out of her burrow. It’s important to be patient.
Outdoor stone features are particularly vulnerable to the elements. The elements, including wind-driven snow, rain, and pollution, can be a challenge for those with outdoor stone features. It may be tempting to use a pressure cleaner, but you should be careful. This can be very harsh, particularly on softer stone. You could use a low pressure setting instead. Perhaps as a gentle whisper and not a loud shout to avoid eroding stone’s stories from the past.
After the scrubbing, rinse the stone in water that is as pure as your intentions. This rinse will wash away soapy stories as well as any dirt gossip that may have lingered. Dry the stone thoroughly as moisture can hide in the cracks and crevices.