It’s been a long winter, but finally pool season is almost upon us! Here are three quick tips on how to spruce up those stone patios and pools before we jump in.
1. Give your stone floors a good clean
Stone surfaces need regular care and maintenance. It’s a good idea to regularly clean off pollen and dirt from your exterior stone surfaces, so these natural elements won’t build up and stain the material. We recommend cleaning your stone surface with neutral cleaners, Lavenet or Lavenet Green.
For mildew and algae, neutral stone cleaners may not be strong enough. Try Akemi Algae and Mildew Remover if you have these growths. (Remember to avoid / cover surrounding plants.)
If you have a fountain or pool with calcium deposits, please contact International Stoneworks. Depending on what type of stone you have, we can offer a solution.
2. Before you fire up the grill…
We recommend disinfecting your stone grill tops with non-acid cleaners. If it has been a few months since you used your outdoor grill, it may be a good idea to disinfect the stone countertop before cooking. Clean with Sani-Tyze. This product does not contain acid, so it will not harm or etch your stone surface; you can safely disinfect your stone tops.
3. Protect your stone surfaces
We recommend sealing stone patios and summer kitchen stone tops once a year with a penetrating sealer such as Seal & Go® S or Seal & Go® W.
Tip: do not seal your stone when the surface is piping hot. We recommend sealing earlier in the morning or in the evening after the stone surface has cooled down. When sealing with a penetrating sealer, the sealer needs to be left on the stone surface for about 15-20 minutes in order to penetrate into the pores of the stone and grout – then wipe off thoroughly. If the stone surface is hot, the sealer will dry too quickly and may become sticky or greasy. For more sealing tips, click here: “Smooth Sealing.”
Now get out there and enjoy those outdoor patios and pools!
