Many times stone will need a process that is stronger than the usual maintenance cleaning, and will require whats known as “restoration cleaning.”

 

Most often this technique utilizes a type of acid suited to the stone being cleaned. It takes a lot of expertise to qualify the right type of chemicals, as certain stones can be burned by acids. However, some stones cannot be thoroughly cleaned any other way.

There are many types of acids, and some are great for cleaning sandstone, but the same will burn if cleaning limestone (or cleaning marble).

Another type is the only acid that is the best for cleaning limestone without burning (our proprietary formula) but will etch granite, which is normally not acid-sensitive.

One must have a thorough understanding of the chemical AND stone types, to be effective without causing damage. I have seen many jobs done over the years where the cleaning certainly was effective, but also harmed the finish of the stone…and caused the need for a very costly repair.

ECO FRIENDLY: In answering the call for “Green” restoration methods, we have been providing chemical free techniques which use a mechanical process to remove the stains and discolouration, and little or no chemicals. This method is more labor intensive to perform but allows us to provide two effects in one process; the first is cleaning, and the second is finish restoration. So it can be a money saver as well.