That Stone Walk and Patio Needs Special Care, Too

Cleaning limestone, travertine or slate – the most popular natural stones for outdoor uses such as walks and patios – require just as much care and attention to detail as granite or other natural stone inside the home. Like common cleaning products for chores in the home, similar ones promising to clean all surfaces outside the home pose a risk to the durability and beauty of outdoor stone surfaces.  On top of that, most are harmful to pets, plants and home exteriors.  Here are a few more tips to maintain your outdoor stone walkways, patios and ornate landscapes:

• Frequently sealing your outdoor stone surfaces will provide maximum surface protection against spills, stains and etching
• When moving outdoor furniture, lift instead of sliding, which can scratch and damage stone
• Use a nylon brush when cleaning to agitate dirt and grime.  Most other brushes are too abrasive on stone
• Immediately remove fallen debris such as leaves, flowers and other plants from stone surfaces.  They’ll deteriorate and can stain the surfaces