Your patio is probably one of your favorite parts of your property. Whether you use it for entertaining guests or winding down on your own, you want to keep it in good condition to appreciate it to the fullest.

But between all the use it gets and Mother Nature constantly taking a toll, your patio needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. Understanding how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs is essential since this material has its own unique characteristics, and you don’t want to cause more harm than good.

Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll show you the best way to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs below, ranging from safe, effective cleaning chemicals to the idea of pressure washing. You’ll feel confident taking this task on by the time you finish reading.

You’ll also know where to source all the essentials for this chore, be it your patio cleaner, a Kranzle power washer, or perhaps both for the most well-rounded cleaning arsenal! Your search ends here at Jennychem, the UK’s trusted choice for 35 years and counting. Shop now!

Why is Cleaning Indian Sandstone Patio Slabs Important?

Even the most beautiful Indian sandstone patio can begin to lose its natural vibrancy with age. What starts as a rich, warm-toned outdoor feature may slowly fade into a dull, tired-looking surface - often without you even noticing until the contrast becomes stark.

Don’t worry, most of this can be alleviated through a proper cleaning regimen. 

Natural Weathering and UV Exposure

This natural material reacts to the environment around it. Constant exposure to sun, rain, wind, and frost gradually wears down the surface. UV rays, in particular, break down the pigments in the stone, causing it to fade. 

This is completely normal, but regular cleaning helps to reveal the fresher surface underneath and slow further degradation. Otherwise, the stones will look bleached/abnormal.

Dirt Build-up and Algae Growth

Your patio is exposed to everything the outdoors throws at it - fallen leaves, airborne dust, mud, bird droppings, and more. This grime settles into the textured surface of the sandstone and creates a dull film over time.

It gets even worse in the shaded areas, where algae, moss, and lichen can take hold, turning surfaces green or black. This not only looks unsightly but also becomes slippery, especially when wet, increasing the risk of slips and falls.

We’ll walk you through how to remove black spots from patio slabs and how to clean green off patio so you can put these pesky problems behind you.

Moisture and Drainage Issues

Standing water is another reason why understanding how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs is so important. Excess moisture seeps into the porous surface of the stone and causes discolouration, staining, and biological growth.

It gets worse, though. That trapped water can freeze and expand during winter, causing micro-cracks and long-term surface wear. This is something you may need to address with more than just cleaning. It involves rethinking how the patio was installed.

Incorrect Cleaning Methods or Harsh Chemicals

Believe it or not, poor cleaning habits can damage your patio more than neglect. Using a high-powered pressure washer too close to the surface, for example, can strip away the top layer of the stone or disturb pointing between slabs.

Similarly, bleach or acidic cleaners might work well (and fast) but could etch or discolour the sandstone permanently. This is why using the right approach is so important. We’ll walk you through how to clean Indian Sandstone patio slabs below so you can avoid this altogether!

How to Clean Indian Sandstone Patio Slabs

Cleaning Indian sandstone patio slabs is far from complex - you just need a few essential tools/supplies and the right approach. But that doesn’t mean it’s as simple as grabbing whatever cleaning chemicals you have and scrubbing away, or blasting the slabs with a pressure washer.

These slabs are beautiful and durable, but they do require a gentle and meticulous cleaning method. So, here’s how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs the right way.

Tools and Supplies You’ll Need

We see a lot of homeowners and businesses interested in the idea of homemade patio cleaner - and we get it. Being able to use something you already have on hand is certainly appealing, be it bleach or even apple cider vinegar.

The truth is, though, these DIY methods will either fall short or cause more harm than good. It’s worth investing in the best patio cleaner specifically designed for Indian sandstone. Your chosen chemicals need to be safe for natural stone, which rules out most acidic cleaners.

Fortunately, Jennychem has an excellent alkaline patio and driveway cleaner that’s worth considering. It works deep into surface pores in the stone to bring dirt and impurities to the surface, so they can be easily blasted away with water.

Its fast-acting formula breaks down even the most resilient dirt and ensures quicker cleaning times with less labour on your end. It’s definitely something you’ll want in your arsenal if you’re cleaning Indian sandstone patio slabs. Here’s what else you’ll need:

• Soft-bristled brush (stiff enough to lift grime, but not so hard it scratches)
• Dry yard broom for sweeping loose debris
• Watering can or low-pressure sprayer to apply cleaner
• Garden hose for rinsing
• Protective gloves
• Microfibre cloth or mop for touch-ups
• Stain-specific treatments if needed (for rust, oil, lichen)

With all this stuff on hand, it’s time to get into how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs.

Step 1: Remove Debris and Dry Sweep the Surface

The first step is easy - get all that loose material off the patio surface. Sweep away leaves, twigs, dust, or soil with a dry broom to avoid grinding small particles into the stone when wet.

Pay attention to edges and corners where debris tends to collect. This dry clean also helps you spot any areas that may need special attention for later on.

Step 2: Apply a pH-Neutral Patio Cleaner

Next, apply your cleaning solution. You should always follow the specific directions included on your cleaner of choice as far as dilution, dwell time, and safe surfaces. But, we also have a broad overview of how to use patio cleaner here in our blog.

Usually it’s as simple as applying the the cleaner using a watering can or low-pressure sprayer. Avoid pouring directly onto the stone, as this can lead to uneven coverage. Let the solution sit for 5-15 minutes, depending on the product’s guidance and how dirty the patio is.

The goal is to let your patio cleaner do the heavy lifting so you don’t have to. Like we said earlier, our alkaline cleaner brings all that gunk to the surface so you don’t have to scrub or spray aggressively. One of our garden sprayers may be useful for application.

Step 3: Agitate Gently With a Soft Brush

You can take a more proactive approach to cleaning by scrubbing the slabs using a soft-bristled brush after the cleaner has had time to loosen the dirt. Use steady, even pressure as scrubbing too aggressively can scratch the surface or wear down textured finishes.

Work in sections, moving from one slab to the next in a methodical pattern. This way you can track your progress and make sure every part of the patio is addressed. Take extra care around joints and grout lines to avoid disturbing the pointing.

Step 4: Rinse With Clean Water

Most of the hard work is done at this point, it’s just a matter of rinsing your patio clean and revealing the beautiful surface underneath! Avoid using a high-pressure washer at this stage unless it’s on a gentle setting and you’re experienced in handling it (more on that below).

Make sure you remove all traces of cleaner, as any residue left behind can attract dirt or leave streaks. Let water run off fully, and redirect it away from flowerbeds or lawns if the product contains detergents.

Step 5: Tackle Stains Like Rust, Oil, or Lichen Separately

Maybe you still see individual stains, like rust spots from metal furniture, oil spills from barbecues, or stubborn lichen patches. Whatever the case, these should be treated separately using a specialist stain remover designed for sandstone. Here are some recommendations:

• Rust stains: Use a rust-specific remover that’s safe for natural stone. Never use vinegar or lemon juice - they’re too acidic.
• Oil stains: Absorb fresh oil with a kitchen roll, then apply a degreaser formulated for patios. The sooner you address this type of stain the better chance you have of removal.
• Lichen and black spot: These often require a biocide-based treatment left to dwell for a longer time before scrubbing.

Always spot-test new products on an inconspicuous area first, even if they say they’re safe for natural stone. You’d rather be safe than sorry, after all!

Step 6: Allow to Dry Naturally and Inspect

Let the patio dry naturally in the sun. Don’t try to speed up the process with leaf blowers or towels, this can just move dirt around or introduce new debris. Patience is a virtue here.

Now that patio is completely dry you can take a look and get a better sense of the true results. Do some areas still look patchy? Repeat steps 2 to 4 on those spots. Don’t overclean the entire patio just to fix one stain. Targeted cleaning is always a safer option.

What About Patio Pressure Washing?

We know what you’re thinking - it would be so much easier if you could simply learn how to pressure wash a patio and avoid the manual scrubbing. 

Unfortunately, though, this isn’t always a good idea - especially for a sensitive natural material like Indian sandstone. If used incorrectly, they could:

• Strip away the top layer of the stone
• Damage the jointing mortar
• Leave striping or pitting on the surface

Now, some homeowners still choose to use their pressure washer - and that’s fine. You should just make sure you use the lowest effective setting and a fan nozzle. Hold the wand at a 45-degree angle at least 30-40cm from the surface.

Never hover in one spot too long, either. Move the lance in even passes, and avoid cleaning directly over pointing. But the truth is, the method we shared above on how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs is usually more than enough. 

How Often Should I Clean My Patio?

Cleaning Indian sandstone patio slabs more often means you don’t have to work nearly as hard since stains and grime don’t have as much time to form a strong bond. Most homeowners find that every 6 to 12 months is more than enough to keep the patio looking pristine.

However, this all depends on your environment and how the space is used. Shady, damp areas are more prone to algae and lichen growth, while patios exposed to overhanging trees or regular foot traffic may need cleaning more often. These are the telltale signs it’s time to clean:

• Dark patches or slippery areas, especially in damp corners
• Moss or algae forming along grout lines or edges
• Staining from leaves, soil, or garden furniture
• A general dullness in colour or reduced vibrancy

Light, routine cleaning with a soft brush and water in between major cleans can also go a long way in keeping things tidy. The key is consistency - and an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Preventing Your Indian Standstone Patio From Getting Dirty in the First Place

Prevention is far easier than deep cleaning. A few simple steps can reduce the amount of grime, algae, and staining that builds up on your sandstone, meaning less effort (and less risk of damage) when it comes time to clean.

Address Drainage and Runoff Problems

We mentioned earlier in this guide on how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs how poor drainage leads to standing water, and in turn, algae, lichen, and discolouration.

So, make sure your patio has a slight gradient to help water run off, and check nearby gutters or downpipes aren’t leaking or overflowing onto the stone. Redirect any runoff from flowerbeds or lawn edges if possible, as this runoff can wash soil and organic matter across your slabs.

Use Sandstone-Friendly Sealants Where Appropriate

A breathable, stone-appropriate sealant is an extra layer of defence. It helps repel water and reduces the rate at which dirt and contaminants soak into the stone. 

Just ensure the sealant you choose is safe for Indian sandstone. Similar to cleaning chemicals, the wrong choice will ultimately cause more harm than good. 

Avoid Placing Organic Matter Directly on the Surface

Leaves, compost bags, grass clippings, and firewood can leave tannin stains or promote mould when left sitting on the stone. Keep flowerpots raised on feet, and sweep up natural debris regularly.

Be Cautious With Patio Furniture and BBQs

Metal furniture, grills, and BBQs can rust or leak oil - two of the hardest stains to remove from sandstone. Use non-marking feet or protective mats where possible, and avoid dragging anything across the stone to prevent surface scratches.

It’s not a bad idea to check for any spills after gatherings on the patio, so you can clean them before they have time to settle in. 

Wrapping Up Our Guide on the Best Way to Clean Indian Sandstone Patio Slabs

A clean Indian sandstone patio doesn’t just look better. It lasts longer, stays safer, and keeps your outdoor space feeling fresh year-round. We hope this guide on how to clean Indian sandstone patio slabs has left you confident in your next steps.

Start by stocking up on the safe, effective cleaning solutions you need here at Jennychem. We provide world-class customer service every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re unsure which product will work best on your patio. 

Bring out the full potential of your Indian sandstone patio with our support today!