Stone Maintenance
FAQ Quicklinks
1. How can I remove marks and stains from natural stone?
2. What is the best way to clean my slate floor?
3. White crystallized deposits have appeared from the grout lines on our patio steps, how can I get rid of them?
4. How can I clean moss off my slate roof?
5. How can I encourage moss growth on my roof?
1. How can I remove marks and stains from natural stone?
You need to get professional advice for specific cleaning needs as there are hundreds of products available that are usually tailored to a particular type of stain - for example, grease, red wine, dirt or ink. Often a simple bleach or strong detergent will do the job. Aquamix have cleaning products that have been designed especially for stone; our customers rave about the success they have had with them.
2. What is the best way to clean my slate floor?
Some slate floors have an irregular finish that catches fibres from a broom or mop when sweeping or cleaning. The application of a high quality acrylic (surface) sealer will make the surface smoother and easier to keep clean.
3. White crystallized deposits have appeared from the grout lines on our patio steps, how can I get rid of them?
These white deposits are most likely salts that have originated from the mortar or grout joints. They can be scraped off with a paint scraper or washed off with a very mild acid solution, but seek professional advice first.
4. How can I clean moss off my slate roof?
Most people like the look of the moss on slate roofs because it gives the building an old world look. However, if moss growth becomes excessive, it may interfere with drainage. Moss can be cleaned off roofs with high pressure hoses. They can also be killed using agricultural chemicals that have been designed and registered for that purpose.
5. How can I encourage moss growth on my roof?
Some people like the look of the moss so much they try to encourage its growth! New slates are shiny with a very smooth surface but with time the slate dulls a little so the moss has a better chance of getting a purchase. We have heard of one instance where a family had yoghurt painted on their roof to encourage the moss but we have no evidence of it working!