Do you have a beautiful natural stone terrace and are you looking for an effective way to clean it without damaging the delicate slabs? Rest assured, even if your outdoor relaxation area seems difficult to maintain, there are several simple and gentle tips to keep your surface beautiful for a long time. Let’s take a look at the best practices for environmentally friendly and risk-free maintenance.
The importance of regular maintenance of a natural stone terrace
Natural stone is appreciated for its robustness and authentic charm. However, over the seasons, it becomes dirty, covered with moss and lichen and tarnishes. Did you know that these deposits are not only unsightly? They also slowly alter the stone, causing cracks and color changes.
Regular maintenance of your terrace will therefore not only guarantee an impeccable appearance but also a longer lifespan.
The ideal frequency? A light cleaning every week and a full maintenance at least once a season can make all the difference to the appearance of your terrace.
Essential equipment and products for maintaining your natural stone terrace
The essential tools for effective cleaning
To get off to a good start, have these few basics at home:
- A soft broom for light and superficial dirt
- A brush or an old toothbrush to reach the most difficult corners
- A bucket and a sponge, or a soft floor cloth, to apply the cleaning solutions
Which cleaning products should you choose?
Gentle and natural methods are often the best for this type of covering. So choose ecological and respectful cleaners, specially designed or adapted to preserve your natural stone without damaging it.
Simple steps for optimal cleaning of your stone terrace
The time has come to take action! Here’s how to do it simply:
- Sweep gently to remove leaves and surface residue;
- Use a mild solution over the entire surface with a sponge;
- Insist with a soft brush on areas where dirt is resistant;
- Always rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any residue;
- Allow to dry naturally in the fresh air.
The 7 best practical tips for cleaning your stone terrace
- No pressure washer: It may seem tempting, but this overly aggressive method will quickly damage the stone. Save this device for another occasion and protect your outdoor covering.
- The savon de Marseille : Great for cleaning stone gently. A little savon de Marseille diluted in lukewarm water, a brush and your terrace is clean, naturally scented and ready to use again.
- White vinegar to treat moss: With equal proportions of white vinegar and lukewarm water applied meticulously, goodbye lichens and moss! Fifteen minutes later, a quick brush and a good rinse will restore the shine of the stone.
- Try baking soda : This miracle product can be mixed at a rate of 100 grams per liter of warm water. Leave on for 30 minutes, brush gently and then rinse to admire a spotless terrace.
- Soda crystals against tough stains: Dilute one cup in hot water, protect your hands with gloves and rub gently. Rinsing with clean water restores your stone to its original beauty.
- Choose black soap to revive the stone: This traditional and natural solution, diluted in warm water (2 tablespoons per 5 liters), brings your terrace stone back to life without ever weakening it. Rinse after application, and admire the result!
- Sodium percarbonate for restored whiteness: a natural whitener, sodium percarbonate gently dissolves stubborn stains. Dilute about 100 grams in 5 liters of lukewarm water, apply generously, then brush and rinse thoroughly.
The real secret? Regularity above all
There’s nothing like regular and simple maintenance: weekly sweeping, frequent gentle cleaning and immediate monitoring of stains ensure a perfect and long-lasting terrace all year round.
Cleaning your terrace in natural stone is much less difficult than you might think. With these appropriate and regular tips, you are guaranteed an impeccable result without damaging this charming outdoor surface. Ready to get started?
And you, how do you maintain your stone terrace? Have you ever tried any of these eco-friendly tips? Share your experiences with us or ask your questions in the comments below. We can’t wait to read your opinions!
