Even though bluestone pavers are extremely durable, they are sensitive to acidic cleaners and, on occasion, solvent-based cleaners. They also have quite a porous surface, which means that any liquids and substances spilt on them are absorbed. Using incorrect products on them can alter the composition of the stone’s surface, causing damage that might be impossible to rectify.
Basic Cleaning Instructions
Keeping your bluestone pavers clean is essential for their appearance and for preventing damage from occurring:
- Give the surface of the pavers a wipe down using a soft, dry cloth to remove any traces of dust, dirt and other debris. This should be done regularly (a few times a week at minimum).
- Add a few drops of mild dishwashing solution to a bucket of warm water and mix. Give the bluestone a wipe down using a cloth or mop that has been well wrung out. This should be done once or twice a month.
Sealing Instructions
Sealing your bluestone can help to protect it against staining and other damage, so should be performed soon after laying:
- Using a paint roller or sprayer, liberally apply your chosen sealer to the pavers (it should appear shiny and wet with a visible liquid layer for at least 30 seconds).
- Leave the sealer to penetrate the surface of the stone for around 10 minutes, then use a squeegee to remove any excess. Many people scrape it over to the next area to be sealed to avoid wastage.
- Once 20 to 30 minutes has passed, you can apply a second layer of sealer to the pavers if desired. Follow the same instructions as above to ensure that it has penetrated.
- Using a dry cloth, remove any remaining sealer residue that might be present on the surface. You will be able to walk on the area after 6 hours and try to keep it dry for at least 12 hours.
Maintenance Instructions
Every now and then, your bluestone pavers might require a little more maintenance than usual to remove staining:
- Organic stains (those caused by leaves and other organic litter) can simply be bleached away by the sun. For more immediate action a water, ammonia and 12% hydrogen peroxide solution can be used.
- Oil stains (which often appear greasy and tend to be a result of cooking, such as a BBQ) can generally be removed using a mild dishwashing liquid and warm water solution.
- Biological stains (those caused by mildew or algae growth) can be removed with a water, ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide solution (choose only one and never mix these chemicals).
We hope that the instructions we’ve provided above have given you a far better idea of how to go about cleaning, sealing and maintaining your bluestone pavers. If you only take one thing away from this article, we hope that it’s the knowledge that a lot more is involved with keeping your bluestone in good condition than simply giving it a sweep every now and then.
