Natural stone pavers bring style to your home. However, most homeowners shy away from these porous stones because they are prone to cracks and stains. The good news is you can easily achieve complete paver restoration with the right maintenance and care.
Dos and Don’ts of Natural Stone Cleaning
Being porous means you have to be cautious when cleaning natural stone pavers. Here are the main dos and don’ts in natural stone paver restoration.
- Do clean the surfaces using a natural stone cleaner or a mild detergent
- Do clean spills as soon as possible to prevent strains
- Do dust mop your natural stone pavers frequently
- Don’t use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners
- Don’t use vinegar, lemon juice or other acidic cleaners on your pavers
- Don’t combine bleach and ammonia. The solution creates a lethal and toxic gas
How to restore natural stone pavers
Even with carefully selected natural stone pavers, if they are not cared for properly, they will get damaged. Nobody wants to have discolored or stained pavers leading to their home. Such pavers ruin the overall look of your home. The good thing is you can restore the pavers easily with cleaning. However, there are certain issues that will require you to involve a professional. Here are some of the issues that require to be addressed by a professional:
- Etching
- Dullness and discoloration due to years of built-up residue
- Scratches, chips and seam repairs
- Soap scum removal
- Surface polishing
- Replacement and removal of caulk and grout
To avoid serious problems, you must always clean your natural stone pavers using neutral products. These products will not affect the sealers or other coating types. A mild presence of acid or bleach will scratch and eventually harm natural stone types.
How to keep your natural stone pavers looking fresh
The best thing you can do for your natural stone pavers is to add a sealant. Sealants are topical and repel most stains, harsh chemicals and keep your pavers looking fresh for long. Sealants will protect your pavers from within and keep the brilliant colors from fading even after months of exposure to extreme sunlight. Cleaning your pavers will also be much easier when you get them sealed.
While sealants make it easier for you to care for your natural stone pavers, it doesn’t eliminate the need for regular care. Daily cleaning will keep the surface shinning and go a long way in preventing build-ups that require harmful scrubbing or the need for professional restoration. Keep in mind that you will have to reapply the sealant every year.
