Natural stones are bringing natural beauty to your places. Natural stone always is dazzling your eyes with lustrous appearance unless time-worn effects are diminishing all. Some areas are affecting rapidly due to ongoing wear& tear or weathering while some less, thanks to proper cleaning and maintenance practices.

So, today I am going to describe ten (10) best cleaning & maintenance tips for natural paving stones in 2019.

Know Your Stones

All natural stones are not alike in their intrinsic properties. Applying the same cleaning and maintenance treatments can result in more harm than good. However, stone professionals are classifying stones into two major categories specifically for cleaning purposes.

1. Siliceous Stones: Some stones contain Silica, which is the main component of sands, so those are referring as Siliceous Stones.
2. Calcareous Stone: Some stones have Calcites or Calcium Carbonate as chief mineral, so known as Calcareous Stones.

Tip 1 – Know Siliceous Stones

Granite Granite has tough and durable surfaces. It is less porous, so it is stain and waterproof/resistant. Granite is weak heat conductor so it can withstand against normal wears and tears taking place in decks of swimming pools on countertops designed in patios. Granite also is an excellent choice for exterior locations. Its maintenance is easy.
	Slate Slate is a sturdy natural stone with substantial heat and water-resistant properties. So, it proves an ideal option for roofing material. It is equally applicable for exterior paving with proper treatment. When it is broken, it turns into thin sheets. It requires simple cleaning and maintenance treatments.
Sandstone Sandstone has a range of colors and natural patterns those make it beautiful. Thus, it is the best choice for patios and terrace applications in outer places. Due to these all, it has a lot of demands in the market. Being a siliceous stone type, it demands substantially low care.
	Quartzite Quartzite has the best of both worlds, the durability of granite and beauty of marble. It is hard and resistance to stains. Thus, you can pay less attention to the maintenance program.

Tip 2 –General Stain Removal Techniques

• When a spill occurs, try to blot it immediately so it will prohibit further spreading.
• Remove loose debris to save stones from scratching.
• Try to wash the area with water if possible.
• You should clean stained area by flushing with pure water and mild soap or powder.
• Try to dry the wet areas with a soft and dry cloth
• Don’t mix bleaching and ammonia solutions to apply at a time. It generates hazardous gases. So, use anyone only.

Tip 3 – By Type Stain Removal Techniques

• Washing detergents and mineral spirits or acetone are best solutions to remove oil-based stains.
• On siliceous stones, you can apply diluted hydrogen peroxide solutions directly on the organic stains.
• For calcareous stones, you have to apply only a mild detergent/soap solution or warm water to remove the stone, not any acid-based mixture at all.
• For ink-based stain removals, hydrogen peroxide, bleach, or acetone/lacquer thinner are best solutions.
• For scuff marker removals, neat essential oil drops or vinegar are advisable applications.
• For stains on grout, cleaning with hard brushes like toothbrush and scrub brushes are ideal.

Click here for more info