How to Clean Bedford Stone Houses

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Things You'll Need

  • Mild dish soap

  • Scrub brush

  • Garden hose

  • Garden sprayer attachment

  • Ladder

Bedford stone lends any home an elegant, antique touch. This natural carved stone has an untreated surface that may collect dirt and dust over time. Keep the exterior clean with a mild, pH-balanced cleaner to avoid weakening or damaging the stone. Scrub any stains with a brush to bring out the stone's natural color and texture.

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Step 1

Move any plants or furniture from the sides of the house. Ensure all of the windows are closed before cleaning.

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Step 2

Add a moderate amount of mild dish soap and hot water to the sprayer. Close the sprayer, shake well and attach it to the garden hose.

Step 3

Spray the stone with soapy water, starting with a small area to prevent the soap from drying too fast. Work in manageable sections, 3 to 5 feet across. Scrub any tough stains with the brush, utilizing a ladder if necessary.

Step 4

Rinse the clean stone with the garden hose immediately. Ensure the soap residue is completely gone before moving on to the next section. Allowing soap to dry on the stone will leave unattractive spotting.

Step 5

Spray, scrub and rinse the rest of the home in manageable sections. There's no need to dry it.

Tip

Use a long-handled car washing brush for hard-to-reach areas.

Test a small, inconspicuous area with with the soap mixture to ensure it's safe for the Bedford stone.

If the stone has mold or mildew growing on it, use deck wash in place of dish soap.

Warning

Always have someone spot you when you're on a ladder.

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