Essential Spring Care for Your Stonework
With spring well and truly here, it’s the perfect time to consider general maintenance for your stonework to refresh it after the harsh winter months. Whether your stone is inside or outside, it will require upkeep to ensure it looks its best from year to year.
Without proper care, you risk causing damage, and with time, your stone won’t look as striking as it once did. Here are some top tips to add to your spring cleaning checklist.
Assess and Take Action
First, before starting any cleaning, it’s vital to assess your stonework for any damages, especially outdoor stonework that has been left in intense winter weather conditions. Take time to inspect for any cracks, chips or loosened grout.
With time, grout may wear down from the natural elements or incorrect cleaning. If the grout has deteriorated, regrouting is essential to prevent water from seeping into the stone, which can eventually lead to structural issues and cause further damage. Once regrouted, the stone will improve its integrity and protect against moisture damages, which are costly if left unrepaired.
If your natural stone has chips or cracks, contact our friendly team of stonemasons. We can assess and determine a course of action to restore your stone to its initial state, strengthening it to maintain its longevity.
Remove Stains Quickly
If you notice a stain, clean it promptly before it sets into the stone. Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed to clean stone surfaces to avoid any damage from harsh chemicals.
However, if the stains have gone unnoticed, these gentle cleaners may not be sufficient to lift the stain. For stubborn or deep stains, a poultice may be applied to draw out the stain from a porous stone.
If the stone’s finish is textured, try using a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain very gently. Above all, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools that can scratch or erode the stone.
Wash with a Stone Cleaner
A staple of a spring cleaning checklist is mopping and cleaning with household cleaners. However, for natural stones, common household cleaners may be too strong and abrasive and cause more harm than good.
If you love a natural cleaner like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon, don’t use it on natural stone. In this case, natural doesn’t mean good. While these may work around the home if used to clean natural stone, acidic cleaners like these may discolour, erode and etch the stone.
Washing your natural stone with a specialised cleaner is the best way to maintain its appearance and durability. These cleaners are formulated to remove dirt, grime, and stains without causing discolouration or erosion, and regular cleaning will ensure your natural stone surfaces remain fresh all year round.
Reseal Your Stone
Protect your natural stone features from moisture and general wear and tear. Over time, sealants break down, leaving stone vulnerable to deterioration. If you want to ensure your stone looks as brilliant as the day it was installed, keeping up to date with sealing can help maintain its beauty and durability. On average, we recommend resealing your stone every 3-4 years to extend its life span and add a layer of protection.
Spring cleaning requirements for stones can vary depending on their hardness and porosity. Softer stones may require gentler cleaning methods and more frequent sealing, etc. That’s why tailoring your routine cleaning to your specific natural stone is essential to ensure yours retains its beauty without wear caused by harsh chemicals.
Wilmoore Allstone has years of experience restoring natural stone to its original state. If you need help with your spring maintenance repairs, contact our team for a complimentary consultation and have your natural stone looking its best in no time.
