Indian sandstone slabs are durable, captivating, and aesthetically pleasing whether installed in a patio or a garden. It is one of the premier choices when homeowners look to create pathways, renovate their homes, or upgrade their property’s curb appeal. 

Key to a gorgeous patio and garden, however, is ensuring the sandstone slabs are properly maintained and regularly cleaned. This minimises weed growth and green discolouration, helps your home look well-kept and inviting, and reduces the need for repairs and renovations. But, how to go about cleaning Indian sandstone paving slabs, exactly? This article will be an A-to-Z step-by-step guide to cleaning and maintaining your sandstone slabs! 

Preparing to Clean Indian Sandstone Slabs

Understand What the Cleaning Process Will Entail 

Though cleaning Indian sandstone is broadly the same, each home and property has unique needs and different requirements. Does your patio suffer from stubborn stains? Is there a lot of surface debris? Do you need to prevent weed growth? The answer to these questions will be different from one household to another, necessitating different cleaning approaches. 

So, before you start, carefully inspect the condition of your sandstone paving slabs and take note of what state they are in – only then will you have an accurate grasp of how to proceed. 

Tools You Need 

After inspection, it is time to prepare all the necessary tools and equipment during the cleaning process. Thankfully, most of the tools you’ll need are common household items. They include a brush, preferably with hard bristles, a bucket to prepare the cleaning solution, and a pressure washer or a hose to clean the slabs. 

Preparing the Space Before Cleaning

Before you start cleaning Indian sandstone slabs, you need to prepare the space so you can carry out your tasks without any inconvenience or impediment. 

Whether you are cleaning your patio or garden, make sure to declutter the space with no objects lying about like outdoor furniture, platforms, and toys. These will slow down the cleaning process and leave blindspots behind. 

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Indian Sandstone

  • Prepare the cleaning mixture: Start by preparing the cleaning mixture. Whether it is a bleach solution or soapy water, it must be ready and easily accessible before the cleaning process begins. Make sure you have an adequate amount of the solution so the cleaning process doesn’t slow down midway through! 
  • Spread the mixture over the slabs: Spread the mixture over the slabs. Make sure they are all properly covered. If you’ve followed the previous steps, the space should be clear, and applying the cleaning mixture is straightforward from there. 
  • Scrub the slabs: Put elbow grease in and start carefully scrubbing the slabs with a stiff brush. Make sure you pay particular attention to the corners and the edges of each slab. Don’t stop until the gleam of the natural stone shines through! 
  • Rinse the slabs with warm water: After you’ve put the stiff brush to work, it is time to rinse the slabs with clean water. Make sure there’s no sign of the cleaning solution. Improper rinsing will not only mislead you about the state of your slabs, but it can even lead to discolouration and permanent damage if you are not careful. 
  • Inspect the state of the slabs: After the slabs have been properly rinsed, it is time for one final checkup. Are there any spots you missed? Any stains you didn’t properly take care of? Whether it is through a stiff broom or warm water, complete the finishing touches!
  • Apply any additional solutions or treatments: Is your patio suffering from green discoloration? Weed is killing your garden? These issues need to be addressed individually. Cleaning with soapy water isn’t enough. At Timberstore, for example, aside from providing excellent Indian sandstone paving slabs, we also provide granite and membranes that prevent and minimise weed growth!

Cleaning Indian Sandstone FAQ

What’s the Best Way to Clean Indian Sandstone Paving Slabs? 

The best way to clean Indian sandstone slabs largely depends on the conditions of your home. If your patio is in relatively good condition, and the only concerns are debris and impurities, then simply washing and wiping the slabs with soapy water is enough to restore their looks. If, on the other hand, there’s weed overgrowth, tough stains, and other significant problems, power washing, scrubbing with a household bleach mixture, and applying anti-weed treatment might all be steps you need to take to properly clean sandstone paving slabs! Check out this article if you want a detailed, step-by-step guide to the process. 

Is It Okay to Powerwash Indian Sandstone? 

Indian sandstone is completely natural and has undergone little processing, making it slightly more susceptible to damage from a high-pressure washer. This doesn’t mean you can’t use a power washer, however! As long as you make sure to keep the pressure under 2,000 PSI, you should be able to safely and efficiently clean your sandstone slabs with a power washer!

How to Make Indian Sandstone Slabs Look Good? 

Indian sandstone offers natural beauty and is an excellent complement to gardens and patios. To keep the slabs in excellent condition always looking good, regular maintenance is key. This includes regular washing and cleaning, checkups to identify and fix any signs of damage/cracks, and more. 

Is a Bleach Cleaning Solution Suitable for Indian Sandstone? 

Bleach is a powerful chemical that can clear out stubborn smudges and impurities including moss and algae, wine stains, and more. If properly and carefully used, they are a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to breathe new life into your Indian sandstone paving slabs and restore their conditions. Bleach also has anti-bacterial properties and can help with weed control. In summary, if properly used, bleach is a suitable and powerful cleaning agent that can help you clean your Indian sandstone patio and garden!