Bluestone pavers bring a timeless, natural elegance to any Australian home. From a sophisticated patio for entertaining to a durable, stylish driveway, their rich colour and unique texture represent a significant investment in your property’s beauty and value. But exposure to the Australian elements—intense sun, sudden downpours, and humidity can lead to a build-up of dirt, stubborn stains, and organic growth, dulling that beautiful natural stone finish.
Fortunately, restoring your pavers to their former glory is straightforward with the right techniques and products. This guide provides a complete walkthrough on how to clean your bluestone pavers safely and effectively, ensuring they look their best for years to come. As Australia’s building material experts, we at BuildMart are here to help you protect your investment.
Why Proper Cleaning is Crucial for Your Bluestone Investment
Regular cleaning is about more than just appearances; it’s essential maintenance. Because bluestone is a porous natural stone, it can absorb spills and moisture if not cared for. Proper, gentle cleaning helps to:
- Prevent permanent staining from things like dirt, leaf tannins, and barbecue spills.
- Eliminate slippery hazards by removing moss, algae, and mould that thrive in damp, shaded areas.
- Maintain your home’s curb appeal and protect your property value.
- Avoid damage caused by harsh, acidic, or alkaline chemicals that can etch and discolour the stone.
Before You Begin: Essential Tools & Preparation
Gathering the right equipment will make the job faster, safer, and more effective. You will need:
- A stiff-bristle broom or brush (never use a wire brush)
- A garden hose with an adjustable spray nozzle
- Two buckets (one for the cleaning solution, one for clean rinse water)
- A long-handled, medium-bristle scrubbing brush
- Safety gloves and eye protection
- A high-quality, pH-neutral stone cleaner designed for natural stone.
Crucial Pro-Tip: Before you apply any cleaning solution to your entire paved area, always test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first to ensure there is no adverse reaction with your specific type of bluestone.
Step-by-Step Guide: The Best Way to Clean Your Bluestone Pavers
For a seasonal deep clean that removes general grime and build-up, follow these five simple steps.
Step 1: Clear and Sweep the Area
Remove all furniture, pot plants, barbecues, and other items from the pavers. Use your stiff-bristle broom to thoroughly sweep away all loose dirt, leaves, and debris.
Step 2: Pre-Rinse with Water
Using your garden hose on a medium-pressure setting, lightly wet the entire surface of the bluestone. This rinse removes the last of the surface dust and dampens the stone, which helps the cleaner to work more effectively and prevents it from drying out too quickly in the sun.
Step 3: Apply a pH-Neutral Cleaner
Acidic cleaners (like those containing vinegar or citrus) can permanently etch and damage the surface of your bluestone. Always choose a product specifically formulated for natural stone. Mix your cleaner in a bucket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Apply the solution generously across the paved area.
Step 4: Gently Scrub the Pavers
Dip your long-handled scrubbing brush into the cleaning solution and begin to gently scrub the pavers in a circular motion. This will agitate the dirt and lift grime from the stone’s surface. Pay extra attention to any high-traffic areas or spots with more significant build-up.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Once you have scrubbed the entire area, use your garden hose to rinse all the cleaning solution and lifted grime away. Continue rinsing until the water running off the pavers is completely clear. Leaving cleaning residue behind can create a film that attracts more dirt, so this final rinse is critical.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains from Bluestone
Sometimes, you’ll face more than just general dirt. Here’s how to tackle specific, stubborn stains.
Removing Moss, Mould, and Algae
For green or black organic growth, especially in damp or shaded spots, use a specialised outdoor cleaner. These products are formulated to kill the spores and prevent regrowth without harming the stone.
Lifting Oil and Grease Stains
Common on driveways and barbecue areas, these stains need to be drawn out of the stone. Apply a commercial poultice or a specialised stone degreaser as soon as possible.
Treating Rust Marks
Often caused by metal outdoor furniture, pot plant saucers, or fertilisers with high iron content. Use a dedicated rust remover formulated for natural stone to dissolve the stain without etching the surface.
Dealing with Efflorescence
This is a white, chalky powder that can sometimes appear on the surface. It’s simply soluble salts rising from within the stone or substrate as moisture evaporates. It can often be removed by scrubbing with a stiff, dry brush. For persistent cases, a specialised efflorescence cleaner may be required.
The Great Debate: Should You Pressure Wash Bluestone?
While a pressure washer can seem like a quick fix, it comes with significant risks. High pressure can permanently etch the stone, create unattractive “stripes,” and blast out the jointing sand between your pavers, leading to instability.
If you absolutely must use a pressure washer, follow these safety rules:
- Use the lowest possible pressure setting.
- Always use a wide, 40-degree fan-tip nozzle.
- Keep the nozzle at least 30cm away from the paver surface at all times.
- Sweep the water jet at an angle and never point it directly down at the joints.
The Final, Crucial Step: Protect Your Pavers by Sealing
Cleaning your pavers is only half the battle. To keep them looking fantastic and make future cleaning a breeze, the final step is to apply a quality sealer. A good sealer penetrates the pores of the bluestone and creates a protective barrier that resists stains, prevents water absorption, and inhibits mould and algae growth.
After your bluestone pavers are perfectly clean and have been left to dry completely for at least 24-48 hours, protect them for years to come with high-performance natural stone sealers.
Conclusion: Maintaining Your Beautiful Bluestone
Your bluestone pavers are a standout feature of your home, and with a simple care routine, they will stay that way. By committing to regular sweeping, seasonal deep cleans with the right pH-neutral products, and periodic sealing, you can easily protect your valuable investment from the harsh Australian climate.
Have questions about your specific project or need the right products for the job? Explore our full range of paver care products online or contact the stone experts at BuildMart Australia for personalised advice today!