Patio Cleaning for sandstone patios
Keep riven sandstone, Raj/Autumn Blend, buff, black sandstone, honed and rippled/rippen finishes looking like they were just laid—without blasting mess everywhere with a jet washer.
Why this guide works
Winter brings algae, green film, black spots (lichens), leaf tannins, grime and slip risk. Most “quick fixes” bleach the surface, then the growth instantly returns. Our 7-Step Patio Reset™ clears the pores, not just the top—so it stays clean longer with less effort and no mess.
What you’ll need
HR Total Power Clean (the core of the method)
Watering can or pump sprayer with fan nozzle
Soft broom/white pad/nylon deck brush
Hose or low-pressure rinse (avoid high-pressure close-up blasting)
Buckets, microfibres, gloves, eye protection
Optional: tarps to shield plants/grass, wet vac for fast cleanup
Dilution guide (mix with clean water)
| Soiling level | Typical surfaces | HR Total Power Clean dilution |
|---|---|---|
| Light weathering | honed/buff sandstone | 1:10 (100 ml per 1 L) |
| Moderate algae/film | riven / Raj / Autumn Blend | 1:6–1:8 |
| Heavy grime & black spots | black sandstone / shady areas | 1:3–1:4 (repeat light passes vs one harsh pass) |
Always test a small area first. Keep the surface wet—don’t let product dry out.
The 7-Step Patio Reset™ (Before & After Winter)
1) Inspect, protect, pre-wet
Brush off leaves/debris. Lightly pre-wet the patio (cool stone is best). Sheet or rinse adjacent plants and grass. This cushions chemistry, manages dwell, and prevents patchiness.
2) Edge prep & joints
Check pointing. If joints are fragile, avoid aggressive jetting. Our method is low-mess, low-pressure—you’ll keep your joints intact.
3) Mix HR Total Power Clean (the secret sauce)
Choose dilution from the table. Fill watering can/sprayer. This is the engine of the 7 steps: it lifts algae and lichen from the pores so the clean lasts.
4) Pass One — Apply & dwell (short and wet)
Apply evenly from one edge across 2–4 m² at a time. 5–10 minutes dwell. Keep it wet—mist more product or a touch of water if it starts to dry.
5) Agitate & rinse (no flying mess)
Work the area with a white pad or nylon brush, then low-pressure rinse to carry away contamination. You’ll notice the original colour reappearing—without the chaos of a jet washer.
6) Pass Two — Target black spots & stubborn areas
Dot-treat black spots or re-apply across shady patches. 10–20 minutes dwell, gentle agitation, then rinse. Repeat light passes as needed instead of one aggressive blast.
7) Neutral clean, final rinse & winter care
Finish with a mild neutral wash (clean water + microfibre). Final rinse so water runs clear. Keep furniture feet clean, brush off leaves, and consider a breathable sealer after winter for easier maintenance.
Special notes by sandstone type
Riven / rippled sandstone: The texture hides contamination; give an extra minute of dwell and use a stiffer nylon brush.
Raj / Autumn Blend / Melton: Colour variations can mask algae—work in strips so you don’t miss areas.
Buff / honed: Shows marks easily; prefer 1:8–1:10 and gentler agitation.
Black sandstone: Highlights white lichens; plan two light passes at 1:4, not one heavy pass.
Sandstone paving with cement haze (porcelain nearby): Avoid acids on sandstone. For porcelain only, use a dedicated cement haze remover on porcelain slabs separately, then neutral rinse.
Why not just jet wash?
Blasts dirt everywhere (windows, doors, neighbours).
Scours joints, leading to loose sand and premature repointing.
Drives water/debris deeper—the patio looks clean for a week… then blooms.
Patio Reset™ clears the pores with chemistry + agitation + controlled rinsing. Cleaner, safer, longer-lasting.
Results you can expect
Colour back to life (no green slick)
Slip risk reduced (especially on shaded paths)
Less re-growth through winter
No mess, no stripped joints, no “tiger stripes”
Common mistakes to avoid
Letting product dry out (always keep it wet during dwell).
One harsh pass instead of two lighter ones.
Using acid on sandstone (damages binders; keep acids away from natural stone).
High-pressure close-up jetting (streaks, joint loss).
Not rinsing plants/grass first.
FAQs (cleaner for sandstone)
What’s the best sandstone cleaner?
A professional oxidising formula designed for natural stone—HR Total Power Clean—used in two light passes with agitation.
Is it safe on sandstone?
Yes, when diluted and kept wet as directed. Avoid acids on natural sandstone.
Will it remove black spots?
Yes—target spots in Step 6. Stubborn lichens may need a second light pass.
Can I use this on Raj/Autumn Blend/black/buff sandstone?
Yes. Adjust dilution and dwell as noted above.
Is it safe for pets and children?
After a full rinse and dry (usually ~4 hours), the area is fine for family use.
How often should I clean?
A proper pre-winter and post-winter clean, with quick monthly brush-offs, keeps the patio looking fresh.
HR Total Power Clean — 5L (Winter Reader Offer)
10% off today with code: Powerofwinter10
UK-made • Dilutes up to 10:1 (up to 55L working solution) • Pet/child safe after full rinse & dry (~4 hrs) • Low-mess 2-Pass Protocol
RRP: £42.00
Today with code: £37.80
What it does: Deep-cleans algae, green film, lichen/black spots and grime on sandstone, limestone, slate, porcelain, concrete & block paving.
Best for: Larger patios, shaded areas, stubborn black-spot work; repeat light passes instead of one harsh blast.
Why choose HR Total Power Clean 5L
Lifts growth from the pores for a longer-lasting clean
Low-mess method (no blasting dirt everywhere)
Safe on the right surfaces when used as directed (avoid acids on natural stone)
Works perfectly with our 2-Pass Protocol (apply → agitate → rinse; light repeat for black spots)
