Blue stone is a natural rock similar to granite and slate and is very common on floors (indoor and outdoor), balconies and other parts of the house. For basic cleaning, you can use dishwashing detergent, water, and a broom or brush. If the surface is very dirty, apply a stronger solution. Finally, make it a habit to maintain the place frequently and not leave any liquid spilled in it for too long.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Using water and detergent
Step 1. Do a general cleaning before starting
You need to be careful not to apply the water and detergent solution and end up rubbing leaves, accumulated dust and other residues on the blue stone. So, wipe the spot with a broom or a clean cloth before starting.
Step 2. Prepare a solution of water and detergent in a bucket
Put 120 ml of dishwashing detergent in a bucket and top up the rest with water. Then mix well to form the foamed solution.
Use a volume of detergent that is sufficient to foam the water
Step 3. Scrub the blue stone with a broom or brush
Dip the broom or brush into the solution until it is saturated. Then pass the blue stone in a circular motion, applying water and detergent for each tile or piece of rock.
- Dip the broom or brush into the solution at other times as it accumulates dirt. If necessary, rinse the bristles in the sink or with the hose.
- You can make a solution with half water and half vinegar or lemon juice and rub in heavily affected areas.
Step 4. Rinse the insides of the blue stone with clean water
After you have scrubbed the entire area, discard the solution from the bucket and fill it with plain water. Dip the broom or brush in it and then pass it on the blue stone to remove detergent residues.
If you are cleaning a counter, rinse it using a clean cloth saturated with water
Step 5. Rinse the edges of the blue stone with the hose nozzle
Adjust the hose nozzle to release a lot of water through a smaller outlet. Turn it on and aim the jet at the edges of the blue stone, where the relief is different and there are still detergent residues and dirt. Stop when the surface is clean.
- Purchase a hose nozzle kit at any garden store or online. You can also use a pressure washer, as long as you are careful not to damage the surface of the blue stone.
- As a last resort, improvise with an ordinary spray bottle (although it is weak).
Method 2 of 3: Removing Stains
Step 1. Test any cleaning product in an inconspicuous area
No matter what cleaning product you intend to use, it's always best to test it first - especially if it's stronger. Apply some of the solution to an inconspicuous spot on the blue stone, wait five to ten minutes and see if there is any reaction.
If the color of the stone changes after the product dries, do not apply it anymore. The surface may even change color slightly when you remove accumulated dirt, but remember this is normal
Step 2. Apply an oxidizing cleaner to spots where there is mold and mildew
Wear protective gloves and eyewear. Mix the solution in a bucket of water following the directions on the label, then apply it to the blue stone in a back-and-forth motion with a brush. You can apply a lot of pressure without fear of spoiling the material. Allow the product to act for 12 to 15 minutes and, finally, rinse the area well.
- Oxidizing products remove accumulated dirt because they distribute oxygen throughout the area. Bleach is a good example, although there are several other interesting options on the market.
- Do not apply any such product on surfaces that are directly under the sun. It may evaporate before taking effect.
- If in doubt, go to a cleaning supplies store and talk to a salesperson.
Step 3. Use ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide to remove algae or mold
Mix 120 ml of ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide with 4 L of warm pure water. Apply the solution to the blue stone using a brush and count for five to ten minutes. Afterwards, rinse the place well.
Never mix ammonia and bleach! This solution produces toxic gases
Step 4. Apply hydrogen peroxide and some ammonia to organic stains
Buy a 12% hydrogen peroxide solution at a supermarket or drugstore. Add two drops of ammonia and rub the solution into the affected area. If the stains do not come off, let the product act for five to ten minutes and then rinse everything off.
Remains of food, coffee, fecal matter, urine and even blood generate organic stains
Method 3 of 3: Taking Care of the Blue Stone for the Long Term
Step 1. Run a broom or rag over the blue stone from time to time
If your house has blue stone tiles, broom them every day. If the material is on a counter, wipe it with a cloth to gather all the dirt particles.
If the blue stone is around a door or window lock, brush the spot at least once a week
Step 2. Rinse the blue stone with pure water
After removing dirt particles, dampen a cloth or mop with plain water and wipe the area to remove any sticky residue. Water is sufficient in most cases.
If the blue stone is outside the house, rinse it off using the backyard hose
Step 3. Immediately clean anything you spill onto the blue stone
Wipe the stains with a clean cloth until all you get is absorbed. Also, dip a sponge in a cup of warm water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent and apply it to the spot as well. Finish by rinsing the surface normally.
- You can also clean larger stains using a detergent and water solution and a brush or broom. Just be sure to absorb most of them with a dry cloth first.
- Any substance that falls on the blue stone can leave permanent stains, especially if you take a long time to act.