How To Clean Outdoor Furniture That Is Made Of Stone.
Furniture that is made from natural stone can be incredibly beautiful. This beauty comes at a price, however. Exposure to the elements and to everyday wear and tear can cause stains and discoloration on the surface of the stone. Fortunately, it is easy to restore it to its original beauty by using the following tips:
1.Gather together all of your supplies. Start by finding a cleaning product that is specifically designed for natural stone. You should also pick up a sealing product so you can seal the surface after it is clean. Purchase muriatic acid as well as a container to hold it. Pick up a drop cloth, a garden hose, and a brush that you can use for scrubbing. Finally, invest in safety equipment such as prescription safety glasses, gloves, and old clothing that you don’t mind ruining.
2.Remove any unnecessary items from the area. Make sure that the area immediately surrounding the stone furniture is clear so that any other items aren’t accidentally affected by the cleaning products.
3.Wet down the stone. Use the garden hose to spray the surface of the tables or outdoor benches made of stone with water. When the stone is wet, it will be less likely to absorb any contaminants from the cleaning process.
4.Use the scrub brush and cleanser to scrub away any dirt or grime. Periodically rinse the area you are cleaning with clean water, taking care not to allow the dirty water to run over the surface of the stone.
5.Use muriatic acid to tackle any tough stains. Some stains can be removed with basic cleansers. For tough stains, you may need to use muriatic acid to dissolve the stain. Make sure to follow the instructions closely and avoid getting it on your skin or in your eyes. Rinse away all traces of the acid after the area has been cleaned.
6.Do a final rinse. Using a spray nozzle on your hose, spray down the furniture, rinsing away any remaining cleaning products. Avoid shooting the stream of water directly at the grout or mortar. Instead, focus the spray on the surface of the stone itself.
7.Seal the surface of the furniture. Applying a sealer that is specifically designed for natural stone can help prevent stains from happening in the future. Make sure that the sealer you choose is appropriate for the type of stone that your furniture is made of. If you have questions about which sealer you should use, you can contact the store where you purchased the furniture or talk directly to the manufacturer for recommendations.
8.Use caution to prevent stains. For instance, coasters and placemats can help prevent spills or stains. You should also keep your stone furniture covered when it is not in use to keep it from being damaged by the acid in rainwater.
9.Know which products to avoid. For instance, any type of cleaner that has abrasive qualities should be avoided. You should also skip cleaners that include bleach, ammonia, or vinegar. Lemon oil and orange oil are also bad for stone. All of these products can damage the stone or cause stains. That is why it is so important to only use products that are specifically designed for use on natural stone.