Sandstone has been a part of several ancient constructions. Known for its beautiful reddish-brownish colours and lovely patterns, the stone has a distinctive style mimicking the look of sandy beaches and desert. The natural hues add warmth to indoor and outdoor spaces. Due to its durability, homeowners use it in high traffic areas along with living spaces, hallways, kitchens and more.
Given the sandy texture and soft appearance, it is often believed that the tiles are difficult to clean. They also have earned a reputation as a water-absorbent stone, that warps and gets damaged very easily. Well, there is more to these generic misconceptions than what meets the eye. Let us bust the myths for you and share some easy cleaning tips for Sandstone Tiles.
- Yes, sandstone does absorb water or moisture because of its porosity. Before you think of cleaning it, make sure the stone has been sealed. Removing dust, cobwebs, wax, or dust is an important step before sealing. Advisable to check with the manufacturer for the sealant you choose.
- You can vacuum clean or broom the surface on seeing loose dust or grit. That’s the easiest way to keep the tiles clean and prevent future damage.
- In case there is a layer of stubborn dirt or grime settled on the tiles or grout, use a simple solution of mild soap and warm water. You can also put some elbow grease and scrub the surface with a soft-bristled brush. Then pour clean water, pat the surface dry and leave it untouched for at least 24 hours. (Remember not to use hard-bristled brushes or abrasive scrubbers as they can scratch the tiles beyond repair).
- If you notice stains or marks on your Sandstone tiles, do not rush to clean with an acidic solution or commercially available cleaner as they eat away the tiles. The solution should be pH neutral. Post this, rinse with clean water. Anyway, spills should be cleaned immediately, especially deep coloured liquids like juices, red wine, oily food etc.
- At times tiles on exterior walls or outdoor spaces get moss or algae growth. You can go with a domestic technique to get rid of them. Mix equal parts of bleach and water, pour it on the affected area, and let it dry for half an hour. Rinse with plain water and pat dry the surface, especially the grout joints. This method kills moss/algae but doesn’t stop new growth. Use bleach with caution, as it may cause the tiles to get discoloured or mottled.
Changing the water while washing, patting the surface dry, and not diluting solutions are some common mistakes during the cleaning process. Never flood the area with too much water and always rinse the area to get rid of residue chemicals.
If properly installed and cared for, Sandstone Tiles would continue to look pleasing. The unique colours and texture of the stones elevate the aesthetics of any place they are installed in. Cleaning dust and sweeping of Sandstone should be followed on regular basis to prevent bad condition of the stone. We hope we could bust the myths related to cleaning the tiles and make the maintenance job easy.
