How to clean Indian stone paving
Indian stone paving is formed over millions of years through geological processes. Over time, natural minerals, sand and rock are compressed together under extreme temperatures and later mined from quarries.
With its incredible heat resistance, you’d be forgiven for thinking that sandstone doesn’t require much maintenance. But if you want to keep your slabs looking their best, we recommend developing an appropriate cleaning routine.
Luckily, as your local paving slab supplier, Ovation Landscaping can teach you how to clean Indian stone paving in just a few simple steps. Our guide gives readers two equipment-dependent methods for maintenance.
Plus, we address your most-asked questions about sandstone: can I use bleach, vinegar, and what should I do if I notice cracks in my slabs? For all this, and more, read along!
What tools do I need?
- Stiff-bristle brush or broom (avoid metal bristles)
- Bucket
- Garden hose
- Pressure washer (optional, for Method 2) must have variable settings
- Wide-angle spray nozzle (optional, for Method 2) 25–40° is preferable
- Protective gloves and goggles (optional, for Method 2)
- Water source and hosepipe connection (optional, for Method 2)
What materials do I need?
- Warm water
- Washing-up liquid (mild detergent)
- Stone-safe cleaning solution
- Clean water
How to clean Indian sandstone slabs with soapy water
Now that you have all the correct tools, it’s time to learn how to clean Indian stone paving with just a brush, some soapy and a little elbow grease!
- Remove any garden furniture, pots or items so that the surface is fully accessible.
- Using a stiff-bristle brush or broom, sweep off all loose leaves, soil and debris.
- In a clean bucket, pour some warm water, and add a small amount of washing‑up liquid. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches a light foam.
- Bathe the stone surface with the soapy water, applying it to all areas and ensuring there are no dry spots.
- Scrub each slab with a stiff-bristle brush and apply pressure to areas with heavy dirt buildup, as well as staining. Be careful not to use abrasive scraping to the extent that it could damage the stone.
- Thoroughly rinse any remaining soapy materials off the surface with clean water, using either a low‑pressure hose or a pressure washer on a gentle setting.
- Leave all slabs to naturally dry, with no foot traffic, for about 24 hours to allow residue to evaporate.
- After the slabs have dried, inspect them for any remaining soiling or staining. Repeat the above steps (3-7) until your sandstone slabs are clean!
How to clean Indian sandstone slabs with a pressure washer
While a little more technique is required for learning how to clean Indian stone paving with a pressure washer, it’s still relatively easy.
- Again, you’ll want to start by making your surface fully accessible: that means removing all garden furniture or plant containers.
- Once it’s clear, sweep away as much dirt and debris as possible.
- Have a look at your paving and search for any heavily soiled or algae‑covered areas: these are the places you’ll need to apply a mild detergent or stone‑safe cleaning solution.
- To distribute the water evenly, attach a wide‑angle spray nozzle (typically 25–40°) to the pressure washer: this means you’ll avoid focusing high pressure on a single spot.
- Start your washing by selecting a small, hidden test area. Here, you can make sure that the pressure setting and nozzle don’t mark or erode the surface of your sandstone slabs.
- Move in consistent, sweeping motions. Again, don’t focus too long on one spot. To avoid streaks, move from one end of the surface to the other.
- After covering the whole area, rinse your sandstone slabs with clean water to remove any leaning solution residue.
- All that’s left to do is allow your sandstone slabs to dry naturally. Wait at least 48 to 72 hours after cleaning (depending on weather conditions).
Shop Ovation Landscaping for high-quality sandstone paving!
Now that you know how to clean Indian stone paving, it’s time to give your landscaping project the finish it deserves! Our collection of Indian sandstone paving features weather-resistant, calibrated Indian slabs that have undergone precision manufacturing.
In our range, you’ll find sandstone with beautiful, natural veining and pigmentation, including slabs in earth reds, beige and warm browns. Get top-grade materials today with your local paving specialists, Ovation Landscaping.
FAQs
Can Indian sandstone become discoloured over time?
Yes. Over time, Indian sandstone can lose its original colour because of factors like heavy foot traffic, algae, moisture and even iron oxidation.
Using acidic or chlorine-based products can also cause discolouration (which is why it’s important to stick with soapy water for your cleaning routine).
How often should I clean my Indian sandstone?
We recommend following our step-by-step cleaning instructions every 6–12 months. Generally, frequency will depend on factors like environment and foot traffic, but light rinsing every couple of weeks should help prevent build-up.
Can I clean Indian sandstone with bleach?
We do not recommend cleaning sandstone with bleach. Acidic cleansers can damage the stone; instead, use a neutral-pH solution.
Is it good to clean sandstone with vinegar?
No. Vinegar is acidic, and we do not recommend using these kinds of cleaners on natural stone.
What should I do about cracks in my sandstone?
For larger damage, we recommend contacting a professional. However, if the cracks are small, you may be able to use a sandstone-compatible filler or epoxy.
How can I prevent stains on sandstone?
You can stop stains on sandstone by keeping on top of a sweeping routine. By this, we mean regularly clearing away moss, leaves and organic debris before they leave stains.