Should you seal natural stone outdoors?

Yes. Sealing once a year protects against water, oil, and stain penetration. It also makes future cleaning easier.

How do you remove rust stains from stone?

Use a stone-specific rust remover. Avoid acidic household products which damage stone. Test in a hidden area first.

On hard stones like granite, yes. On soft stones like sandstone and limestone, use only low pressure or hand cleaning.

Mix water and a stone-safe moss killer (or diluted bleach for non-natural stone). Scrub with a stiff brush after letting it sit.

Outdoor

Outdoor surfaces take a beating from weather, dirt, and use. Here's how to clean your stone and keep them looking great.

1
Sweep loose debris
Use a broom to sweep away leaves, dirt, and loose debris from the stone surface before applying water.
2
Wet the stone
Hose down the stone with clean water to wet the surface and prevent the cleaner from drying too quickly.
3
Apply pH-neutral stone cleaner
Apply a pH-neutral stone cleaner with a sponge or sprayer. Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon) which etch natural stone.
4
Scrub gently
Scrub the stone with a stiff brush in circular motions. Work in small sections to keep the cleaner from drying.
5
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with the hose until all cleaner residue is gone. Let air dry. Apply stone sealer annually for protection.

TIPAlways use pH-neutral cleaners on natural stone -- acidic cleaners etch and dull the surface permanently.
TIPSeal natural stone annually to repel water, oils, and stains.
TIPTest any new cleaner on a small hidden area first to check for discoloration.

XUsing vinegar, lemon juice, or other acidic cleaners on natural stone, which etches and dulls the finish.
XUsing bleach on stone, which can discolor and damage the surface.
XPower washing soft stone like sandstone or limestone, which can erode the surface.

Avoid acidic cleaners (vinegar, lemon, tile cleaner), bleach, ammonia, and abrasive scouring powders. Use pH-neutral stone cleaner only.