You should maintain a blue stone patio four times a year: give it a thorough cleaning in the spring, treat stains immediately in the summer, rake away leaves in the fall, and rinse off road salt in the winter. The basic rule always remains the same: use water and pH-neutral natural stone soap; never use acids, bleach, or high-pressure washers. This way, the stone retains its character and gradually develops its natural patina. Below is the complete seasonal schedule.
Sweep the patio clean, remove green stains with a natural stone cleaner, and then scrub it with lukewarm water and natural stone soap. Rinse with clean water to ensure no soap residue remains. Consider applying a sealant right away—it will help prevent stains throughout the entire outdoor season. You can find the right products in the category clean and protection.
Barbecue grease, sunscreen, and wine are summer staples. Blot fresh stains immediately without rubbing, and treat each type of stain with the appropriate product from the category removing stains. Grease on an outdoor patio often fades on its own due to rain and UV light; stubborn stains require a specialized grease remover.
Evergreen leaves trap moisture and encourage mold growth. Sweep weekly and keep the patio drains clear so that rainwater can flow away. This is also a good time to check that the grout is intact: open grout lines allow water to seep under the tiles, which is exactly what you want to avoid before winter.
Blue stone is frost-resistant, but salt residue from road salt can damage the surface. After the roads have been salted, rinse the patio regularly with clean water. When shoveling snow, use a plastic shovel instead of a metal one, as metal shovels can scratch the surface.
Do not use vinegar, descaler, lemon juice, or bleach: these will permanently dull the calcareous stone. Do not use a high-pressure washer with a concentrated jet directed close to the stone: this will make the surface rougher, causing dirt to adhere more quickly. You can find all the basic rules in our Maintenance FAQ.
How often should you thoroughly clean a blue stone patio? Once or twice a year is sufficient, preferably in the spring and possibly in the fall. Sweep in between and treat stains immediately.
Is it okay to clean a blue stone patio with a pressure washer? I'd rather not. If you do use one, use low pressure, a wide spray pattern, and keep a safe distance. A brush with natural stone soap is safer.
Why is my patio turning gray? That’s patina—the natural weathering of Belgian blue stone. If you want to restore the dark hue, there are products available to deepen the color; ask our Technical Department.
Should I treat my deck? You don't have to, but it slows down the formation of stains and makes maintenance easier. Spring is the ideal time.