Things You'll Need
- Sandstone tile
- Water
- Sponge
- Neutral pH cleaners
- Dust Mop
- Mop
Instructions
- The first step to keeping sandstone clean is prevention. A good sealer applied after the sandstone is installed is a must, along with periodic resealing as most sealers can break down over time. If you purchase a home with sandstone already installed and don't know or can't determine when it was last sealed, check with an installer in the area to determine if you have a sealer that can be reapplied without stripping the old sealer, or if you need to have the old sealer removed completely before resealing.
- Sandstone may be a stone, but it has a relatively weak, porous structure. Sandstone counters are particularly prone to stains from liquid spills and wet items set on them. It can also be easily scratched if dust and dirt are allowed to accumulate, particularly on floors. Floors should be cleaned daily with a non-treated, dry dust mop. Wipe spills immediately with a damp sponge and warm water.
- Most outdoor sandstone is stained by organic materials, such as leaves, tree sap, or grass stains, or mold and mildew. Counter tops are frequently stained by greasy or oily stains, such as food or cooking oil. A traditional way of cleaning both these kinds of stains from sandstone is called poulticing. It involves using an absorbent material, such as talc, shredded white paper, or sawdust, mixing it with a cleaning agent (depending on the type of stain; see next step) and applying the mixture to the stain, making a mound about an inch thick. Plastic can be taped over the mixture. This method may need to be repeated several times.
- Hydrogen peroxide, 30/40 volume, which can be purchased from beauty supply outlets, can be used for mildew or mold and most organic stains. It acts as a bleach and removes most organic stains. Acetone, available at hardware stores, can be used for oily stains. Talc as an absorbent material works particularly well on oily or greasy stains.
- Deeply etched sandstone can be sanded down to eliminate the scratched area, but the area may end up a different color than the rest of the stone.
- Never use chlorine bleach as it can damage the sandstone. Also never use grout cleaner, or any cleanser with abrasives as sandstone is damaged by these chemicals. Avoid acidic cleaners as they will etch the stone. Lemon juice and vinegar are acidic and if spilled on counters, should be wiped up as soon as possible.
Tips & Warnings
- Start with the gentlest cleaning method first, before moving on to more aggressive methods or cleaners.
- Use a soft bristled brush to gently agitate warm water or a gentle cleaning solution in grout lines, to help loosen ground in dirt.
Source: www.eHow.com
