THE JET WASH FELLA
PROFESSIONAL NATURAL SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANER IN GUILDFORD, SURREY

Mobile: 07546 947214
Email: thejetwashfella@outlook.com

Natural sandstone can be one of the most attractive materials for a patio, pathway or outdoor area. Its natural colours, variations and textures can completely transform a garden.

Over time, however, sandstone can become covered in dirt, algae, moss, lichen, black spots and general weathering, hiding the natural colours underneath.

I’m Matthew, The Jet Wash Fella, and I provide professional sandstone patio cleaning in Guildford and surrounding areas of Surrey.

I’ve been working in exterior cleaning for around 20 years, and sandstone is one of my favourite surfaces to clean.

The reason is simple. When a heavily weathered sandstone patio is cleaned correctly, it can reveal colours and character that have been hidden for years.

One customer summed it up perfectly after I cleaned their sandstone patio:

“WOW, I’ve never seen the patio this colour!”

The important thing with sandstone is that it needs to be cleaned correctly.

I don’t believe in simply turning up and using maximum pressure. Sandstone is a relatively soft natural stone, and excessive pressure can remove small pieces of the surface, leaving the stone uneven or creating sharp areas.

Instead, I use a combination of suitable cleaning products, dwell time and controlled pressure, adjusting the process according to the condition of the individual patio.

WHY DOES SANDSTONE GET SO DIRTY?

Sandstone is a porous natural stone, which means it can absorb moisture and provide a surface where organic growth and dirt can build up over time.

Guildford and Surrey properties are exposed to rain, damp weather, falling leaves and shaded areas, all of which can contribute to the gradual build-up of contamination.

A sandstone patio can develop:

• Green algae
• Moss
• Lichen
• Black spotting
• Dirt and grime
• Mud and leaf staining
• Weather staining
• General organic growth

Shaded areas can be particularly susceptible to moss and algae.

Once the surface becomes heavily contaminated, simply sweeping or using a normal garden hose is unlikely to restore its appearance.

BLACK SPOTS ON SANDSTONE PATIOS

One of the questions I get asked most often is about the small black spots that appear across sandstone paving.

These are commonly associated with lichen and can be particularly stubborn.

Black spotting can make an otherwise attractive sandstone patio look old, dirty and heavily weathered.

Simply increasing the pressure of a pressure washer isn’t necessarily the answer.

In fact, using excessive pressure to try to remove stubborn black spots can cause unnecessary damage to the sandstone.

Instead, affected areas can be treated with a suitable cleaning solution and given time to work before being carefully cleaned.

Some heavily affected areas may require more than one treatment or cleaning process.

The aim is always to remove as much contamination as possible while protecting the sandstone underneath.

HOW I CLEAN A SANDSTONE PATIO

Every sandstone patio is different.

The age of the paving, type of sandstone, condition of the surface, amount of organic growth and previous cleaning can all affect the best approach.

My usual cleaning process involves several stages.

1. CLEARING AND PREPARING THE AREA

Before cleaning begins, I clear away loose leaves, debris, moss and other material where necessary.

This allows me to properly see the condition of the sandstone and identify areas that may need additional attention.

2. APPLYING A SUITABLE CLEANING TREATMENT

I apply a suitable cleaning product to the sandstone.

This helps break down organic growth, dirt, algae, moss and other contamination before pressure washing.

3. ALLOWING THE TREATMENT TO DWELL

The cleaning solution is allowed to work on the surface.

Depending on the job, this can be around 10–15 minutes.

It is important that the treatment doesn’t simply dry out while it is working.

The dwell time allows the cleaning solution to do some of the hard work before pressure washing begins.

4. CONTROLLED JET WASHING

Once the treatment has had time to work, I carefully clean the sandstone using controlled pressure.

I don’t use the same pressure on every patio.

The pressure, nozzle and working distance can all be adjusted according to the condition and type of stone.

5. EXTRA ATTENTION TO STUBBORN AREAS

Areas containing particularly stubborn lichen, black spots or ingrained dirt may require additional treatment and cleaning.

I would rather treat a stubborn area again than simply increase the pressure and risk damaging the sandstone.

6. FINAL CLEAN AND INSPECTION

Once the cleaning is complete, the patio is given a final rinse and the finished surface is checked.

The objective is a clean sandstone patio with the natural colours and character of the stone visible again.

WHY I DON’T JUST BLAST SANDSTONE WITH HIGH PRESSURE

This is an important point.

A pressure washer is a powerful piece of equipment, but more pressure does not automatically mean a better clean.

Sandstone is softer than many manufactured paving materials.

If excessive pressure is used incorrectly, it can remove tiny pieces or “slithers” of the stone.

Over time, this can leave the surface looking rough or uneven.

It can also potentially create sharper edges on damaged areas.

That’s why experience matters.

The cleaning product helps break down the contamination, while controlled pressure can then be used to remove it.

THE RIGHT PRESSURE FOR THE RIGHT SURFACE

The aim isn’t to use the most pressure possible.

The aim is to use the right cleaning method for the stone.

BRINGING BACK THE NATURAL COLOURS OF SANDSTONE

This is one of my favourite parts of cleaning sandstone.

When a patio has been covered in years of dirt, algae, moss and lichen, it can be difficult to see the natural colours of the stone.

Once the surface has been properly cleaned, those colours can become much more noticeable.

Indian sandstone in particular can contain a mixture of natural colours and variations, depending on the stone.

The result can be a patio that looks completely different from how it looked before cleaning.

It isn’t necessarily about making the sandstone look “new”.

It’s about revealing the natural stone that was already there.

DOES WET SANDSTONE LOOK DIFFERENT?

Yes.

This is something worth understanding if you’re having a sandstone patio cleaned.

Natural sandstone often looks darker and richer when it is wet.

As it dries, the stone naturally becomes lighter again.

This can sometimes make customers think that the colour has disappeared after cleaning when, in reality, they’re simply seeing the natural dry appearance of the stone.

If you want to enhance the colour after cleaning, sandstone can potentially be sealed once it has dried sufficiently.

SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING AND SEALING

After cleaning, some homeowners choose to have their sandstone patio sealed.

A suitable sandstone sealer can help protect the freshly cleaned surface and may enhance the natural appearance of the stone.

However, sealing isn’t something that should simply be rushed.

The sandstone needs to be sufficiently dry before sealing.

Because sandstone is porous, moisture within the stone can affect the finished result if the wrong product is applied at the wrong time.

If you’re considering sealing your patio, I can discuss the available options and advise whether sealing is appropriate for the particular sandstone and its condition.

WHEN SHOULD SANDSTONE BE SEALED?

The timing depends on the condition of the paving, weather conditions and the particular sealing product being used.

The important thing is that the sandstone is sufficiently dry and prepared before the sealer is applied.

CAN PRESSURE WASHING DAMAGE SANDSTONE?

Yes — if it is cleaned incorrectly.

This is one of the most important things to understand about sandstone cleaning.

Potential problems from excessive or inappropriate pressure can include:

• Surface erosion
• Removal of small pieces of stone
• Rough or uneven areas
• Damage to softer sections of the paving
• Damage around joints
• Sharp or uneven edges

This doesn’t mean sandstone cannot be pressure cleaned.

It means the cleaning needs to be approached differently from a hard concrete surface.

I use controlled pressure combined with suitable treatment, rather than relying entirely on brute force.

CAN YOU REMOVE MOSS AND ALGAE FROM SANDSTONE?

Yes.

Moss and algae are common problems on outdoor sandstone, particularly where patios are shaded or remain damp.

Cleaning can remove the visible growth and built-up contamination.

Where appropriate, a suitable treatment can also be used to help deal with organic growth before the pressure washing takes place.

Keeping the patio reasonably clear of leaves and debris afterwards can also help reduce the conditions that encourage moss and algae to return.

CAN YOU REMOVE BLACK LICHEN FROM SANDSTONE?

Black lichen and black spotting can be particularly stubborn.

A pressure washer alone isn’t always the best solution.

I use suitable treatments and controlled cleaning to work on these areas without simply increasing the pressure.

The result depends on how established the growth is and the condition of the stone.

Some heavily affected sandstone may require more than one treatment.

HOW LONG DOES SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING TAKE?

There isn’t a fixed time.

The size of the patio, condition of the sandstone, amount of moss and algae, severity of black spotting and access to the property can all affect how long the job takes.

A small patio in reasonable condition may be completed relatively quickly.

A large patio that has been neglected for years may require considerably more preparation and treatment.

I’ll be able to give you a better idea once I’ve seen photographs or assessed the patio.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD A SANDSTONE PATIO BE CLEANED?

There isn’t a single cleaning schedule that suits every sandstone patio.

Some patios may need attention every year, while others may remain in good condition for considerably longer.

Factors include:

• How much shade the patio receives
• Trees and surrounding vegetation
• Drainage
• Amount of rainfall
• How quickly moss and algae return
• How frequently the patio is used
• Whether the stone has been sealed

Regular maintenance can help prevent heavy build-up and may make future cleaning easier.

SHOULD I CLEAN MY SANDSTONE PATIO MYSELF?

You can, but care needs to be taken.

One of the biggest problems with DIY pressure washing is using too much pressure or holding the nozzle too close to the stone.

It is easy to concentrate on removing the dirt without considering what is happening to the sandstone underneath.

If you’ve invested in a natural sandstone patio, getting the cleaning method wrong could potentially cause more problems than the original dirt.

A professional assessment can help determine the safest approach.

SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING IN GUILDFORD AND SURROUNDING AREAS

I provide sandstone patio cleaning in Guildford and surrounding Surrey areas.

Areas I cover include:

• Guildford
• Godalming
• Woking
• Cranleigh
• Shalford
• Merrow
• Burpham
• Worplesdon
• Farnham
• Dorking
• Leatherhead
• Haslemere
• Surrounding Surrey villages and areas

If you’re near Guildford but don’t see your particular village or postcode listed, just ask.

I may still be able to help.

DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL SANDSTONE CLEANING

Although many sandstone cleaning jobs are residential patios, I can also discuss suitable commercial and larger outdoor areas.

This may include:

• Courtyards
• Pathways
• Outdoor seating areas
• Business entrances
• Garden areas
• Pool surrounds
• Larger sandstone paved areas

Larger jobs can be assessed individually so that the correct cleaning process can be planned.

WHY CHOOSE THE JET WASH FELLA?

AROUND 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

I’ve spent around 20 years working with exterior cleaning and have cleaned sandstone patios and outdoor surfaces in many different conditions.

That experience has taught me that every surface needs to be treated according to what it actually is.

SANDSTONE IS A SURFACE I SPECIALISE IN

Natural sandstone is one of my favourite surfaces to clean.

I enjoy seeing the natural colours come back through the stone after years of dirt and organic growth have been removed.

I DON’T BELIEVE IN JUST USING MAXIMUM PRESSURE

A powerful pressure washer is useful, but knowing when not to use maximum pressure is just as important.

The correct combination of treatment, dwell time and controlled pressure can produce a much better result than simply blasting the surface.

HONEST ADVICE

If I think a particular surface is too fragile, damaged or unsuitable for aggressive cleaning, I’ll tell you.

I’d rather give you honest advice than risk damaging your patio.

WHAT CAN YOU SEND ME FOR A QUOTE?

If you’d like your sandstone patio cleaned, send me a few photographs.

Ideally include:

• One photograph showing the whole patio
• A couple of closer photographs
• Any particularly dirty or black-spotted areas
• The surrounding garden or access if relevant

Photographs often give me a good idea of the size, condition and type of cleaning required.

For larger or more complicated jobs, I may need to see the property before providing a final quotation.

GET A FREE QUOTE FOR SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING IN GUILDFORD

If your sandstone patio has become dirty, green, slippery, stained or covered in black spots, don’t assume that the paving needs replacing.

Professional cleaning may be able to transform the appearance of the existing stone.

I’m Matthew, The Jet Wash Fella, and I provide professional sandstone patio cleaning in Guildford, Surrey and surrounding areas.

Send me some photographs of your patio and I’ll be happy to take a look.

FREE, NO-OBLIGATION QUOTES

Mobile: 07546 947214

Email: TheJetWashFella@outlook.com

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING IN GUILDFORD

1. HOW MUCH DOES SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING COST IN GUILDFORD?

There isn’t a fixed price because every sandstone patio is different.

The size of the patio, condition of the stone, amount of moss and algae, black spotting, access and any additional treatment or sealing can all affect the price.

The easiest way to get an accurate quotation is to send photographs of the patio.

2. CAN YOU CLEAN INDIAN SANDSTONE?

Yes.

Indian sandstone is a common paving material and can be cleaned using an appropriate method.

Because sandstone is a natural and relatively soft stone, I assess the surface before deciding on the cleaning pressure and treatment.

3. WILL CLEANING REMOVE ALL THE BLACK SPOTS?

It can make a significant difference, but I won’t promise that every black spot will disappear completely.

Established lichen and staining can be extremely stubborn.

Treatment and controlled cleaning can remove a large amount of contamination, but the final result depends on the condition and age of the sandstone.

4. CAN YOU CLEAN A VERY OLD SANDSTONE PATIO?

Potentially, yes.

Older sandstone needs particular care because the surface may already have weathered or deteriorated.

I’ll assess the condition before deciding what cleaning method is appropriate.

5. CAN YOU CLEAN SANDSTONE AROUND A SWIMMING POOL?

Yes.

Sandstone pool surrounds can be cleaned, but additional care is required around the pool itself.

The cleaning process needs to take the surrounding area, drainage and pool into consideration.

6. CAN YOU CLEAN SANDSTONE PATHWAYS?

Yes.

Suitable sandstone paths and other outdoor sandstone surfaces can also be cleaned.

7. WILL MY SANDSTONE LOOK LIKE NEW AFTER CLEANING?

It can look dramatically different, but I prefer to be realistic.

Cleaning removes contamination from the existing stone; it doesn’t repair cracks, broken slabs, erosion or other physical damage.

In many cases, however, removing years of dirt and organic growth can reveal a surprising amount of natural colour.

8. DOES SANDSTONE NEED TO BE SEALED AFTER CLEANING?

Not necessarily.

Sealing is an optional additional treatment that may help protect the cleaned stone and enhance its appearance.

Whether it is suitable depends on the condition of the sandstone and the type of sealer being considered.

9. HOW LONG DOES A CLEANED SANDSTONE PATIO STAY CLEAN?

There is no guaranteed period.

The amount of shade, moisture, nearby vegetation, weather and general use can all affect how quickly organic growth returns.

Regular maintenance can help keep the patio looking cleaner for longer.

10. DO YOU COVER GUILDFORD AND THE SURROUNDING AREAS?

Yes.

I provide sandstone patio cleaning throughout Guildford and surrounding parts of Surrey, including Godalming, Woking, Cranleigh, Shalford, Merrow, Burpham and nearby areas.

If you’re unsure whether I cover your postcode, contact me and ask.

SANDSTONE PATIO CLEANING GUILDFORD — THE JET WASH FELLA

Professional natural sandstone patio cleaning | Black spot removal | Moss & algae removal | Controlled pressure washing | Sandstone sealing advice

Guildford | Godalming | Woking | Cranleigh | Shalford | Merrow | Burpham | Surrey

CALL 07546 947214 FOR A FREE QUOTE