cleaning-flagstone-walkways
Written by Craig B

Cleaning Flagstone Walkways

Whether they are interior or exterior flagstone walkways are beautiful to look at, practical and surprisingly easy to maintain. Read on to learn more.

Cleaning Supplies

Before jumping into the cleaning, one must make sure they are armed with the right cleaning supplies. Bamboo style flooring is much different than other common types of flooring; therefore some specific supplies are needed for the task. Start by knowing exactly what bamboo strand type and the finish type you currently have. Vertical or horizontal strand bamboo, for example, tends to be softer than other strands, making it much easier to dent. With these particular strands, we can’t stress enough how careful one should be when moving furniture in preparation of cleaning.

Spills And Scuffs

Be proactive by taking care of ordinary spills as soon as possible! Use a soft, dry cloth to clean up any accidents off the bamboo flooring. Afterwards, it is recommended to then wipe the spot with a fresh cloth, dampened with water. Dry the spot when the job is complete. Placing a rug around any sinks or areas prone to spills is recommended for homeowners choosing to lay bamboo flooring in their kitchen. Save yourself the hassle of cleaning by protecting this valuable surface. Always make sure to use the proper cleaning supplies when attacking a stain or spill. But, the good news is bamboo floors can be refinished, so all is not lost if you scuff the flooring.

Routine Cleaning

Indoor Flagstone Walkways

Indoor flagstone walkways are remarkably easy to clean and maintain. They are usually friendly to people who are even in bare feet because they normally have sealant and wax on the surface. providing this is the case all you will need to do is wet the flagstone walkway down and then take some all-purpose cleaning agent as well as some warm water and mop it down. Should you encounter scuffmarks, some light scrubbing combined with agents like Comet or Bon Ami will take care of it. Following the cleaning process if you observe there is a slight filmy residue a fifty-fifty mixture of water and vinegar, used in combination with a wet rag should take care of everything.

Outdoor Flagstone Walkways

Not often waxed or sealed outdoor flagstone walkways can become victims of erosion, dust and dirt. Regular mud and dirt stains need to be treated with some form of pressure washer and you can use the nozzle to spray the affected area until the dirt has washed off. In situations where the stain is more stubborn, dishwashing cleaner or dish soap can be utilized as well. Keep the spray on a lighter setting so you do not contribute further to any erosion of the surface. In cases where there are natural stains caused by tress, leaves or other fauna, organic stain removers can be utilized to great effect., but remember they will not work on stains that are non-organic. You may also wish to test the organic cleaner or a small piece of the outdoor flagstone to ensure discoloration does not occur.

If none of these methods have been successful, it may be time for something different and in this case we can commend muriatic acid. It is important to realize this is not a cleaning agent in any sense of the word but it does eat away anything it is applied too. This means it will remove the top layer of your flagstone and the portions of the flagstone that are stained will be eaten away or dissolved by the acid. Obviously you need to protect yourself when using this. So wear heavy clothes as well as goggles and obviously, gloves. Carefully read the dilution guidelines and ensure you have them completely correct. Then apply the muriatic acid to the area of the stone you want to clean. Let it sit for a few minutes while it does its job and then use a power washer or scrub it off. You need to make sure the entire area is soaked with ample enough water to fully dilute the acid. You can then finish the task by the application of masonry sealant to the stone that is now newly exposed.

Urban Customs Installs Hardwood Flooring In Phoenix, Arizona

At Urban Customs we offer all types of flooring installation in Phoenix, Arizona, including Wood flooring, stone flooring, and bamboo flooring. Request a free flooring installation quote from Urban Customs today! Our address is 8050 N 19th Ave #127, Phoenix, AZ 85021.