Best Practices for Cleaning Indian and Yorkshire Sandstone

If patios and paths have been neglected for many years, lichen can grow deeply into the surface and be very hard to remove.

Because sandstone is a relatively soft stone it is not advisable to use high pressure jet washing.?This can damage the surface layer of the sandstone and if live growths are present will rip out the roots, further damaging the soft sandstone.?? ?

Soft washing sandstone with Benz Lightning Cleanze & Tornado Cleanze

?

1.?Give the sandstone a light, low pressure, power wash prior to treating with Lightning Cleanze biocide. This will clear loose matter from the surface and remove some of the more shallow-rooted growths. Preparing sandstone for a soft wash treatment like this will allow the "perfect partners" of Lightning Cleanze and Tornado Cleanze to work together, faster.

2. Treat the sandstone with Lightning Cleanze biocide (5:1) to kill the algae and lichen that are usually responsible for making sandstone look "dirty".

3. Apply Tornado Cleanze liberally by brush – as a post-treatment "spot cleaner" – to areas of deep residual staining and leave for 15-60 minutes to activate. Use a medium soft brush to brush-in Tornado Cleanze. A 9 inch brush can be useful for awkward areas. For very heavy staining (e.g. by black lichen, "black dots"), you may find a slightly stiffer brush useful.??

Quick tips:

• Set your jet washer to low pressure if you have a variable control, and/or fit with a fan jet, and hold well back from the surface.?
• We've found that a light jet wash is more effective than sweeping the surface clean of loose matter, or using a blower.

4. Giving a biocidal treatment with?Benz Lightning Cleanze biocide, to kill the growths and sanitise the sandstone prior to cleaning with Tornado Cleanze, can produce the most effective results. This also serves to pre-wet the surface, making the application of Tornado Cleanze easier, quicker and more effective.

5. Sandstone can be slower to come clean than hard stone like granite. This is why some "less than ethical" contractors employ high pressure washing, and dangerously high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite, to quickly produce a "Wow!" result that impresses customers who know no better. In their pursuit of a fast buck they ignore the damage they do to their customer's property and the harm that long-term chlorine exposure does to their, and their employees, lungs. They rarely get repeat business ... 6. Complete the treatment of sandstone with an application of Benz Bio Cleanze (Max 50:1 if children & animals will walk on the sandstone, otherwise apply at up to 20-30:1 dilution). Determine the strength at which to use Bio Cleanze by assessing factors such as a) how long since the sandstone was last cleaned b) how bad the colonisation of the sandstone is c) the local environment.

Quick tips:

1) Bio Cleanze continues to deep clean porous surfaces such as sandstone for several months following a treatment.

2) Bio Cleanze imparts a degree of?residual protection against re-colonisation to sandstone that neither jet washing nor any?sodium hypochlorite product/mix can offer.

What is the difference between Indian sandstone and Yorkshire sandstone??

Indian stone and Yorkshire stone are both types of natural sandstone commonly used for paving, walling, and landscaping, but they have key differences:

1. Origin & Geological Differences

• Indian Stone: Quarried in India, mainly from Rajasthan, and is typically sedimentary sandstone with fine to medium grains. It comes in various colors such as buff, grey, brown, and riven shades.
• Yorkshire Stone: A traditional British sandstone, primarily sourced from Yorkshire quarries. It is generally coarser, denser, and has a more distinctive warm buff to honey-colored tone.

2. Durability & Hardness

• Indian Stone: Slightly softer compared to Yorkshire stone, though still durable. Some varieties may weather more quickly in harsh UK climates.
• Yorkshire Stone: Renowned for its density and durability, making it ideal for long-term paving and structural use. It's one of the hardest sandstones available in the UK.

3. Aesthetic & Texture

• Indian Stone: Often riven (naturally split), with a more textured surface. It is available in a wider variety of finishes and colors, including modern sawn and honed styles.
• Yorkshire Stone: Typically has a more natural, weathered look with variations in texture and color. The traditional hand-split finish gives it an authentic British appearance.

4. Cost & Availability

• Indian Stone: More affordable due to lower quarrying and labor costs in India, plus bulk imports.
• Yorkshire Stone: Generally more expensive, as it is locally sourced and has higher quarrying costs. It is also less available due to restrictions on quarrying in some areas.

5. Environmental Impact

• Indian Stone: Has a higher carbon footprint due to long-distance shipping and potential concerns about ethical sourcing (some suppliers do not follow fair trade or environmental standards).
• Yorkshire Stone: Considered more sustainable in the UK as it is locally quarried, reducing transport emissions.

Which One Should You Choose?

• If you want a cheaper option with variety in color and finish, Indian stone is a good choice.
• If you prefer durability, a traditional look, and local sustainability, Yorkshire stone is the better option.

We hope this information is helpful and sincerely wish you great success in your soft washing business,

Team Benz