How to Clean Bluestone Tiles and Pavers in 4 Simple Steps

Visually appealing and incredibly strong, bluestone is an excellent material for the inside and outside of your home.

Whether you’re using it for kitchen countertops, wall cladding, or exterior flooring, bluestone is guaranteed to add character to your property.

If you want your bluestone surfaces to remain impressive for years to come, it’s essential to take care of them with some simple cleaning and maintenance.

In the article below, we’ve outlined 4 simple steps you can take to clean your bluestone tiles and pavers, as well as tips for what you should and shouldn’t do when caring for bluestone.

What Is Bluestone and Why Is Cleaning Important?

Did you know that bluestone is not actually a geological term? For this reason, bluestone can refer to a range of natural stone varieties depending on where you are in Australia or around the world.

The bluestone sold in Victoria is generally some form of basalt and is popular for both indoor and outdoor applications. Indoor products are generally referred to as bluestone tiles while pavers are used outdoors.

Bluestone has many practical and aesthetic advantages, but it is also incredibly porous. This means it can absorb the characteristics of spilled and dropped items, leading to stains. Therefore, quick cleaning, as well as general care, is important for your bluestone tiles and pavers.

Cleaning Your Bluestone Tiles and Pavers in Just 4 Steps-

1. Basic Dry Cleaning for Bluestone Tiles and Bluestone Pavers:

For indoor surfaces like benchtops or walls, simply get a dry cloth and wipe down the surface. The cloth should be soft and suitable for removing dirt, debris, and dust.

For indoor floors, use a broom to remove built-up debris. For exterior pavers, a broom or a blower should be all you need to do the job.

2. Basic Wet Cleaning for Bluestone Tiles and Bluestone Pavers:

Basic wet cleaning is the perfect solution when you need to remove a fresh stain or if something has just spilled on your bluestone surface.

A damp cloth will usually be enough to remove these immediate spills and recent stains. If you need a little something more, a few drops of mild dishwashing liquid can be added to the mix.

The cleaning products used for Bluestone surfaces must be pH neutral, as bleaches and acids could be harmful to your pavers or tiles.

When performing wet cleaning, it’s important that the cloth is damp and not wet. Bluestone is porous, so leaving excess moisture on the surface is not recommended.

Similarly, it is not recommended to leave excess cleaning product on the surface. To remove excess soap, simply dip a cloth in clean water and give the surface another wipe. Ensure all excess liquid has been removed from your bluestone at the end of the process.

3. Thorough Wet Cleaning for Bluestone Tiles and Bluestone Pavers:

To remove built-up grime or to address longer-term stains, there are a few methods you could try. For outdoor bluestone such as patios and exterior walls, you could use a high-pressure water cleaner. It is important not to use the highest pressure on your washer to avoid damaging the bluestone.

If you would like to avoid pressure washers altogether, or you’re looking to clean indoor bluestone surfaces, here is an alternative.

Get a large bucket of warm water (approx. 4 litres) with a few drops of mild dish washing liquid. Use a cloth and your bucket of water to gradually clean the surface. You can also try a mop or another floor cleaning product such as a doodlebug.

If you are trying to remove a specific stain from your bluestone surface, you can use a product designed for that stain. Just make sure the product is also suitable for your bluestone.

This means no hydrochloric acid (HCl) and no other acid-based or bleach-based cleaners. Only pH neutral cleaners should be used.

Once again, if you are using a cleaning product, wipe down your bluestone with a fresh cloth and clean water at the end of the process. Also ensure that excess water is not left on the surface.

4. Removing Organic Stains from Bluestone Pavers:

Have you noticed a stain from a build-up of leaves, dropped fruit, coffee, or other organic products? For organic stains on outdoor surfaces, you can just let nature do the job.

Simply remove the item in question from the surface and a combination of sunshine and rain will naturally bleach out the organic stain over time.

Cleaning Bluestone Surfaces: Top Tips and Biggest Mistakes-

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid:

1. Never use harsh cleaning products like ammonia, bleach, or acid-based products
2. Do not use abrasive scrubbing products such as steel wool
3. Don’t use too much water and never leave excess moisture on the surface
4. Avoid mopping with dirty water – change your water regularly when cleaning a large surface!
5. Do not leave excess cleaning product on the surface

Top Tips to Follow:

1. When it comes to spills and mess, clean quickly and clean often
2. Use mats to prevent dirt build-up on bluestone floors
3. Always follow manufacturer instructions when using cleaning products
4. If you’re using a mop, make it a microfibre one!
5. Always seal your bluestone tiles and pavers after installation

The Importance of Sealing Your Bluestone Surfaces:

As a natural stone product, bluestone will benefit from a bit of extra protection. After installing your beautiful bluestone surface, be sure to have it professionally sealed for complete peace of mind.

Sealing your bluestone tiles and pavers provides an extra barrier that protects against spills and stains caused by water-based and oil-based products. Sealing your surface also makes it much easier to clean and maintain when a spill does occur.

Most sealers will last at least 10-15 years and sealing your bluestone will not affect its appearance or colour. In fact, sealing your bluestone surfaces will only protect and enhance their natural appearance.

If you want to add a little something extra to your bluestone tiles or pavers, sealers are available that can provide matte, glossy, or satin finishes.

Enjoy Your Bluestone Tiles and Pavers for Years to Come!

By following the steps above, you can get the most out of your bluestone products. A little bit of maintenance, cleaning, and forward planning is all it takes, so get started today to start seeing fantastic results.

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