Bluestone is an incredibly versatile material and is very popular in the landscaping industry. Its natural earth tones and durability make it the perfect choice for use in patios, driveways, pool sides, and other outdoor spaces. Bluestone pavers look elegant and complement almost every landscape. With the right care and maintenance, bluestone pavers can last through years regardless of where and how you have used them on your property. Here are some super simple care tips for your bluestone pavers:
Do not let debris sit for too long
If you let debris sit on your bluestone pavers for too long, moisture will accumulate under it, which can cause major issues. It often turns into grime, which can be very hard to remove, and sometimes, debris such as wet leaves or grass can leave tough stains. So, it is important to remove the debris regularly to avoid these issues.
Make sure your bluestone is sealed
Bluestone is a relatively porous material, which means, it can get stained with liquids or even fallen wet leaves. Oil spills can leave dark stains that are often hard to get rid of. Acidic spills such as soda or common household cleaners can cause etching. This kind of damage is often permanent in nature. The best way to avoid this is to seal your stone. Depending on the kind of traffic the area receives, you may have to reseal the stone every 6-12 months.
Wash up the spills immediately
If you spill something on your bluestone, rinse it off quickly with a hose and remove any moss or mildew. In case the spills are tough, use lukewarm, soapy water. Remember, you should not attempt to power wash your bluestone on your own. Using high-pressure water can do more harm than good unless done by a professional.
Do not use harsh cleaning agents
The worst thing you can do to your bluestone pavers is to use regular household cleaners to clean them. Most floor cleaning products are either too acidic or too alkaline, which can damage the stone’s seal or cause it to become dull. Acidic cleaners can etch the stone and ruin the texture and appearance. It is best to use specially formulated pH-neutral cleaners for your bluestone pavers. Also, make sure not to use tough scrubs as they can damage the surface. You can simple nylon brush and a soft scrub pad to deep-clean your bluestone pavers. Even when using a mop, use a microfibre one.
Removing mineral deposits
If the bluestone pavers are old, you may start noticing mineral deposits in the form of whitish layers or spots. These spots are often the result of the reaction of minerals such as magnesium and calcium with water or other liquids. A mild solution of baking soda and water can remove this efflorescence. For better results, you can use stone-specific cleaners.
Common bluestone cleaning mistakes to avoid
• The most common and damaging mistake is the use of wrong cleaning products. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals
• Using too much water or flooding the area
• Not rinsing or removing the cleaning agents properly
•Not dry mopping after scrubbing and cleaning the surface. Leaving residual moisture can cause damage.
Bluestone paving can bring immense natural elegance to any setting. It not only looks great, but is also weather resistant, affordable, easy to maintain, and will last years. A little care and maintenance can ensure that it retains its natural elegance for years.
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