Stain Removal Tips for Bluestone

Bluestone is a stone widely used in a wide range of aspects of construction. Due to its appealing looks, durability and strength, it is used in various landscaping works. It gives an aesthetic look to your property and also gives a near to nature feel. Its versatile applications include places like pool coping & patios, retaining walls, wall caps, wall cladding, water features, stair treads, paving, stepping stones for walking paths, cobbles for driveways & arrival areas, countertops for outdoor kitchens, architectural and aesthetic design of monuments, stone veneer for chimneys, hearthstones and mantels for outdoor fireplaces, and all such applications.

Blue Stone

The main drawback of a bluestone is its property of getting easily stained. This stone gets stained easily and has various stain types. Its removal is difficult and if the user is unaware of proper methods of stain removal, using wrong methods can damage the stone. So, it is essential to know stain removal tips of this stone.

For stain removal of a bluestone, first it is essential to know the type of stain which can be any out of oil based, organic, metallic, ink based, acid based, paint based, or biological types. Identification of the stain type is the key to stain removal.

• Oil Based Stains: An oil based stain will darken the stain and that is why it has to be chemically dissolved. For this, you need to find an oil solvent that dissolves the oil and removes the stain and at the same time does not damage the bluestone. Mineral spirits or dilute acetone is a good choice for this. Cleanse with a cloth dipped in a solution and then rinse thoroughly with water.
• Organic Stains: These stains include tea, wine and coffee stains along with naturally caused stains due to tree barks, leaves, bird dropping, and all such factors. Use mild ammonia or hydrogen peroxide to remove these stains as these stains are easily removable and do not need hard chemicals. Most of these stains can just be removed by dishwashing soap solution and water.
• Metallic Stains: These stains are one of those stubborn types of stains that are hard to get rid of. You can try slightly hard chemicals and rub them off with a cloth. But ensure you do not overdo it. In case the stain still does not come off, nothing else can be done. The bluestone is permanently stained.
• Biological Stains: These are the stains caused due to algae, mildew, lichens, moss, fungi, or any such external factor. These stains are mainly found on bluestone slabs installed in the outdoors. They are easy to clear off isf tended to quickly. Mostly, a diluted cleaning solution will do the job. You can use a small amount of ammonia, bleach or hydrogen peroxide for tough stains. But, be sure to not use these in excess.
• Ink Stains: Ink stains are rare as these stones are not easily affected by mild ink. But in case of permanent marker pens or spilled ink, there can be stains. You can use lacquer thinner or mild acetone to get rid of ink stains.
• Paint Stains: Small paint stains are easily removed by lacquer thinner and scraping dry paint off by a blade. But, if there is a lot of paint spilled, you may need a commercial heavy liquid paint remover that is available in hardware stores. Remember to never use acids or flame tools to strip paint off bluestone or you may end up causing permanent damage to the stone.

All the rest of small stains like water rings, smoke and soot, or any such easily removable stains only need a wet cloth and clean water. These stain removal tips can prove to be lifesavers for any bluestone installed in your property.

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