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| CLEANING
TIPS |
| Stonework |
Obviously
there is sandblasting, which is fine for removing plaster,
mortar etc from the stonework. Sandblasting sand is
available in a number of different grades down to 00/10
at most Toute Faire outlets. Wire brushing is also reasonably
effective, however you must take care not to mark the
stonework - brushing to hard or too much will leave
grey trace marks which are then difficult to remove.
Severe staining on, for instance, the rear of chimneys
often needs a combination of techniques. Initial sandblasting
helps to remove the dry products, however it will do
little to remove the ingrained carbon deposits. We've
tried 30% concentrated hydrochloric acid (amazingly
this lethal product is available in 5 litre containers
in some of the larger supermarkets!), however the product
is extremely dangerous to use and the results only average.
The best solution we have found is concentrated bleach.
Apply liberally with a small hand spray (wear gloves,
eye goggles and a mask) and leave for 15 to 20 minutes,
then wash off with copious amounts of water. Allow to
dry and repeat if necessary. The difference it made
to our fireplace was unbelievable - the muck literally
rolled off.
Concentrated bleach is also very effective on old stone
floors which, once cleaned, can be finished with wax
or linseed oil.
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