How to Clean Cultured Stone
A replica of natural stone, cultured stone provides the look of real stone but without the cost. The faux stone comes in sheets similar to drywall and is available in a variety of colors and styles. Cultured stone, like real stone, requires regular maintenance to keep it dirt- and grime-free.
When cleaning cultured stone, it is important to use a cleaning solution that removes debris without damaging the stone’s finish or adhesive sealing the cultured stone sheets' seams.
Things You Will Need
- Granulated soap or laundry detergent
- Bucket
- Latex gloves
- Bristle brush
- Plastic sheeting
- Water hose with sprayer
- 2 soft cloths or towels
- White vinegar
Tip
If efflorescence, a white, water-soluble salt buildup that occurs on concrete, brick and other exterior surfaces, is present on your cultured stone, mix 1 cup of white vinegar and 5 cups of cold water in a bucket. Stir the vinegar mixture with a bristle brush, apply the mixture to the cultured stone and scrub vigorously to remove the efflorescence. Rinse the stone thoroughly with water from a water hose.
Warning
Do not use a wire brush to clean your cultured stone—this will cause scratches to form on the stone.
Do use an acid-based, abrasive cleaner, power washer or power sprayer to clean your cultured stone. These substances and tools will damage the faux stone.
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Mix 5 cups of granulated soap, found at hardware or home improvement and certain grocery stores, or laundry detergent and 1/2 gallon of hot water in a bucket. Wear latex gloves to keep your hands dry.
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Stir the mixture with a bristle brush to dissolve the soap in the water. Apply the mixture to the cultured stone and scrub the material vigorously to remove any dust, dirt and grime buildup. If cleaning cultured stone on a surface inside of your home, place plastic sheeting on the floor under the stone to keep the flooring from becoming wet. For stubborn stains, apply the soap mixture and let it sit for 5 minutes on the cultured stone surface, then scrub the stain with the brush.
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Rinse the cultured stone by spraying it with water from a water hose. If cleaning cultured stone inside of your home, empty the bucket of soap mixture, rinse the bucket with water and then fill it with 1/2 gallon of warm water. Dip a soft cloth or towel in the water, wring out excess and wipe the cultured stone surface with the damp cloth or towel to rinse the surface.
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Let the cultured stone air-dry, if on your home’s exterior, or dry the stone finish with a clean, soft rag or towel.
The Drip Cap
- A replica of natural stone, cultured stone provides the look of real stone but without the cost.
- Cultured stone, like real stone, requires regular maintenance to keep it dirt- and grime-free.
- If cleaning cultured stone on a surface inside of your home, place plastic sheeting on the floor under the stone to keep the flooring from becoming wet.
Writer Bio
Nick Davis is a freelance writer specializing in technical, travel and entertainment articles. He holds a bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Memphis and an associate degree in computer information systems from the State Technical Institute at Memphis. His work has appeared in "Elite Memphis" and "The Daily Helmsman" in Memphis, Tenn. He is currently living in Albuquerque, N.M.
Photo Credits
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
- Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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