Cleaning flags

[mkb]

Just bought a house and it's got what looks like stone flags in the kitchen but they're filthy with bits of plaster etc on them. Anyone any ideas as to how / they can be cleaned ? Brick acid ? Brick cleaner. Thanks

 

[handysquad]

hi MKB - I would save anything acidic for a last resort.

Most indoor flags have some kind of sealant on them so I'd suggest trying the following:

1. mop/brush with fairy liquid and warm water
2. try pressure washing (on a light setting to start with as otherwise you might start to erode your flags)

Whatever method you end up using, try just doing a tiny area on one flag to see how it's working before you go to town...

Hope that helps!

 

[mattylad]

Damp them down, sprinkle washing powder over them.

Yes the stuff you use for your clothes.

leave it for a while & scrub it in with a sturdy brush.

Then wash off.

Works wonders.

 

[^woody^]

But do they come up white?

 

[TicklyT]

Should you tumble dry them, or peg them out on the washing line?

 

[mkb]

once cleaned do they need to be sealed in som e way?

 

[handysquad]

It's a good idea as can make the stone last longer and also allows it to be cleaned more easily in the future.

Take a look here for a bit more information - http://www.the-flagstone-experts.com/flagstone-steps-sealing.html