Why you should avoid acid-washing your bluestone pavers
Bluestone pavers are a great addition to any style of home. It’s a natural material that boasts colour and texture variations namely with hues of blue and grey. They are hard-wearing, very durable and provide excellent functional performance. Bluestone is recognised for its attractive appearance, and for centuries, it has been a preferred paver choice for contractors and homeowners alike.
What are bluestone pavers made from?
Bluestone, also known as Basalt, is a type of natural stone made from volcanic stone that has been formulated over millions of years.
Why choose bluestone pavers over other types of pavers?
Bluestone’s low maintenance requirements make it an excellent choice for virtually any application. All they need is a quick brush with a broom to keep them clean. While they are exceptionally durable, abrasive cleaners should not be used on them to prevent premature wear and damage. pH-neutral cleansers are recommended to clean more stubborn stains on bluestone tiles. You must not use any acidic or bleach cleaners because they can cause irreversible damage. Bluestone pavers are a popular choice due to their longevity and contemporary appearance. They can withstand the unrelenting conditions that outdoor projects are exposed to such as the sun, rain and temperature changes with no ill effects on the integrity of the stone whatsoever. They are an investment that is worth every cent in terms of lifespan.
Why you should never acid wash your bluestone pavers
Cleaning bluestone pavers with HCL (Hydrochloric Acid) is never recommended. This is because HCL may cause the iron and ferrous materials that are naturally found in bluestone to react and rust as a result of doing so.
How you should clean your bluestone pavers
A pressure cleaner normally does a good job of cleaning bluestone pavers. They easily shift stuck-on and loose debris from driveways and patios. This way, you don’t have to lug big buckets of water around or manually scrub the pavers. Having to spend a lot of time cleaning the area can be avoided when cleaning is done regularly. If your bluestone pavers become stained from leaf litter or dirt, you can clean the surface thoroughly by using a high-quality PH cleaner to remove any stains.
Bluestone is a tough and dense material. It can withstand scrubbing and deep cleaning pressure. See if there’s paving products Perth near you.
Cleaning very dirty bluestone pavers
If your bluestone pavers are exposed to constant moisture, leaf litter, dirt etc, you may need to clean them every couple of days. If they haven’t been cleaned in some time, they may need a deep clean.
Deep cleaning must be done with bluestone tile-specific detergents and cleaning solutions. It is critical to select a cleaner that works on all types of natural stones while providing deep cleaning. The right cleaner can be determined by establishing the type of stains you are trying to remove. A stone-specific cleaning formula can effectively remove rust, oil, tyre, wood, and grout stains.
When using the stone cleaning solution, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. The solution will need to be diluted, and it shouldn’t be left on the surface without washing it off. As previously stated, acid can damage your bluestone pavers. Excessive acid formulas should not be used on any type of natural stone.
Harsh cleaners may cause discolouration as well as premature deterioration to the surface of the bluestone. Hydrochloric acid can remove stubborn stains but should be avoided at all costs when cleaning bluestone pavers. HCI leaves your natural stone susceptible to rust. The iron and ferrous in the bluestone pavers are very likely to react with harsh cleaners.
What about cleaning sealed bluestone pavers?
You must take the time to seal your bluestone pavers. This will help to shift any stains or gunk that is sitting on the surface.
You should seal your bluestone pavers as soon as they’re installed and then every 3-5 years after this. To keep your paved area looking clean and fresh, wet your bluestone tiles down with a hose and clean them with your stone-specific cleaning agent. Sealing prevents your bluestone from weathering in the sun, and it stops stains from permeating into the stone.
The sealer adds a protective barrier to the paver and prevents damage from outdoor exposure. Sealing is a quick job that offers tonnes of benefits. It can either be sprayed onto the surface or rolled using a sealer appropriate roller. Make sure you are using the right sealer and one that is good quality. Cheap sealers can peel. If you do not want to complete the task yourself, you can hire a professional to take care of it for you.
Some common questions about bluestone pavers
How often should I clean my bluestone pavers?
If you spill anything on your bluestone pavers, you should clean them up immediately before they have a chance to seep into the deeper layers of the stone. As a general rule, you should sweep them once a week with a stiff broom and give them a pressure clean once a month or more if they are exceptionally dirty. Ensure you are sealing your bluestone pavers every 3 years to keep them protected from external contaminants and the elements. Sealer comes in a variety of finishes, including matte and gloss.
Where can bluestone pavers be used?
Bluestone pavers are a suitable paver choice for virtually any application you choose. Some popular uses include around swimming pools, driveways, patios, paths and walkways, and so many more.
What colours do bluestone pavers come in?
Bluestone pavers have a signature blue/grey look. They typically have a smooth yet grippy surface, and the stone itself is extremely dense and hard, meaning that they do not break or crack easily.
A little effort goes a long way
Bluestone pavers are an extremely resilient paver choice, and they require very little attention over their lifespan. A little effort goes a long way. Regular cleaning and sealing are all they need to keep them in tip-top shape for many decades to come. If you are after some further advice on bluestone pavers or you are looking for some natural stone pavers, look no further than us at Bonita Stone. We create, supply and install premium pavers throughout Perth and the surrounding areas. Contact us today.
