Outdoor Bluestone Stain Removal

Bluestone is a type of sandstone that is dense and fine-grained. Because it is a natural stone, sandstone can wear well, but it is porous, so it can stain easily. Outdoor bluestone requires little care because the sun and rain will generally remove most organic stains, such as food, bird droppings or sap. Other stains, however, such as oil or algae or mildew, will require immediate care. Clean stains as soon as possible from your outdoor bluestone to make sure they do not soak farther into the stone where they will be harder to remove.

Instructions

Oil-Based Stains

1. Add 4 drops of liquid dish soap to 1 cup of hot water. Mix until the water is frothy. Use liquid dish soap that contains bleach.

2. Dip a cloth into the soapy solution, and rub it over the stain. The liquid dish soap will help neutralize and remove the oil stain.

3. If the stain is still visible, apply a small amount of mineral spirits to a clean cloth.

4. Dab the mineral spirits carefully onto the stain until you remove all of it. Do not apply more mineral spirits than you need.

5. Rinse the area with clear water, and dry it with a clean cloth.

Biological Stains

6. Mix 1/2 cup bleach with 1 gallon water.

7. Dip a soft-bristled brush into the solution.

8. Brush the biological stain, such as mildew, algae, or fungi, with the bleach solution. This will kill the plant life, and remove it from the bluestone.

9. Rinse the bluestone with clear water, and dry it with a clean cloth.

Ink Stains

10. Apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to a clean cloth.

11. Rub the peroxide on the ink stain until you remove it. Be careful not to spread the stain.

12. Rinse the area with clear water, and dry it completely with a cloth.

Tags: clean cloth, clear water, dish soap, liquid dish, liquid dish soap, mineral spirits, with clear