Sandstone
Earthy grain, naturally textured.
Sandstone is a sedimentary stone made of compacted sand grains. Its open structure makes it warm and grippy underfoot but very absorbent, so sealing is essential.
Telltale traits
- grainy texture
- warm earth tones
- visible sand particles
Best for
- • Patios
- • Garden paths
- • Accent walls
Avoid for
- • Indoor wet zones unless well sealed
Cleaning routine
Daily
Soft brush or dust mop.
Weekly
pH-neutral stone cleaner; rinse thoroughly.
Deep clean
Soft-bristle brush with stone-safe cleaner; reseal after deep cleans.
Sealing
Yes — Every 1–2 years
Use a breathable penetrating sealer, especially outdoors.
What to avoid
Pressure washing at high PSIAcidsWire brushes
When to call a pro
Pro for crumbling edges, deep cracks, or large outdoor restorations.
Safe products & ingredients
Stone family: Silica-based (acid-tolerant)
Use these products
- • pH-neutral stone cleaner (Granite Gold, MB-5, StoneTech Revitalizer)
- • Mild dish soap (a few drops in warm water) for occasional cleaning
- • Penetrating impregnator sealer every 1–3 years
- • Isopropyl alcohol (50/50 with water) for disinfecting counters
Look for these ingredients
- • Neutral pH surfactants
- • Isopropyl alcohol up to 50%
- • Hydrogen peroxide 3% (spot use for organic stains)
- • Fluoropolymer or silane/siloxane sealer chemistry
Never use on this stone
Avoid these products
- • Bleach and ammonia-based sprays used daily
- • Acidic bathroom cleaners (CLR, Lime-A-Way) on polished finishes
- • Wax or topical 'shine' sprays — they trap haze
- • Vinegar — it won't etch quartzite/granite quickly but degrades sealers
Scan labels for these ingredients
- Sodium hypochlorite (bleach) in repeated daily use
- Ammonium hydroxide (ammonia) in repeated daily use
- Hydrofluoric acid (in some rust removers) — destroys quartz
- Silicone polish additives — leave a residue under sealer
Do's and don'ts at a glance
Do
- Wipe daily with neutral cleaner or soap-and-water
- Disinfect occasionally with diluted isopropyl alcohol
- Test sealer yearly with a water bead
- Use a cutting board to protect knives, not the stone
Don't
- Don't rely on bleach or ammonia for daily cleaning — they strip sealer
- Don't put a hot pan on a sealed area repeatedly — heat shortens sealer life
- Don't use rust removers without checking they're hydrofluoric-acid free
- Don't ignore a faded water bead — that's the cue to reseal
Frequently asked questions
Why does my sandstone keep getting stained?
It is highly porous. Apply a quality penetrating sealer every 1–2 years.
Can I pressure wash sandstone?
Only at low PSI with a wide fan tip — high pressure erodes the surface.