Stone cleaning in Exeter
Professional stone cleaning services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
POA
Typical Duration
Half day-full day
Location
Exeter, Devon
Professional stone cleaning using appropriate methods for your stone type. Gentle cleaning for historic stonework, effective cleaning for patios and walls.
Bring Your Stonework Back to Life
Years of Devon weather leave stonework green with algae, black-spotted with lichen, and generally looking grim. Proper cleaning brings back the original stone color without damaging the surface.
💡 Pro tip: Clean stone in autumn/winter when it's wetter. The moisture helps cleaning solutions work better and there's less risk of the stone drying out too fast.
Why Method Matters
Here's the thing: not all stone is the same, and blasting everything at maximum pressure ruins soft stone. Historic Exeter properties need careful, knowledgeable cleaning.
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ Done Wrong |
|---|---|
| Pressure appropriate for stone type | Soft stone eroded and damaged |
| Gentle cleaning of historic fabric | Surface pitted and spoiled |
| Mortar joints protected | Pointing blasted out |
| Biocide applied to slow regrowth | Green again within months |
What You Get
🔧 The Full Service
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Assess | Identify stone type, check mortar condition, plan approach |
| Pre-treat | Apply cleaning solution to break down organic growth |
| Clean | Controlled pressure washing appropriate for stone type |
| Post-treat | Optional biocide application to inhibit regrowth |
📦 You're Left With
- Clean stone in original color
- No damage to historic fabric
- Mortar joints intact
- Slowed regrowth of algae/lichen
Pricing Guide
Stone cleaning is quoted individually based on:
- Size of area - small wall vs entire house frontage
- Stone type - soft sandstone takes longer than hard granite
- Condition - heavy lichen buildup vs light green tinge
- Access - ground level vs scaffolding required
Call for a free no-obligation quote. I'll need to see it first or at minimum need good photos.
Perfect For Your Property If...
✅ Historic buildings - gentle cleaning of period stonework
✅ Garden walls - remove years of green growth
✅ Patios and paths - restore natural stone color
✅ Before repointing - clean before mortar repairs
Why Choose Us for Stone cleaning in Exeter?
Gentle cleaning methods that won't damage stone
Removes green algae, black spots, and lichen
Suitable for historic and listed buildings
Restores natural stone color without chemicals
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I'll identify your stone type (matters massively for choosing method) and check mortar condition. Photos sent beforehand help me give you a ballpark quote.
Step 2: Pre-Treatment
Cleaning solution applied to break down organic growth. Needs dwelling time to work - can't rush this bit.
Step 3: Cleaning
Controlled pressure washing using appropriate pressure for your stone type. Soft stone gets gentle treatment, hard stone can take more.
Step 4: Post-Treatment (Optional)
Biocide application to slow regrowth of algae and lichen. Not essential but makes it stay clean longer.
🔧 DIY Tips
Stone cleaning is one you can DIY if you're careful, but it's easy to cause irreversible damage:
🔧 Equipment you'll need
- Pressure washer with adjustable pressure
- Soft bristle brush (for gentle scrubbing)
- Biocide or dilute bleach solution
- Buckets and sponges
- Safety gear (goggles, gloves)
💡 Getting it right
- Test on inconspicuous area first - check pressure doesn't damage stone
- Work from top down - let dirty water run over uncleaned stone
- Keep wand moving - don't dwell in one spot
- Wider spray angle = gentler cleaning
- Pre-wet stone before applying any chemicals
🏛️ Historic stone warning
- Local sandstone is SOFT - 80-100 bar maximum
- Keep lance at 30cm minimum distance
- Never use high pressure on carved details
- Don't clean Georgian or earlier stonework unless you know what you're doing
- When in doubt, use brushes and elbow grease not pressure
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Too much pressure - permanently damages stone surface
- Cleaning mortar joints - blasts out pointing
- Harsh chemicals on limestone - eats the stone
- Not pre-wetting - chemicals soak in and leave stains
- Direct jet on one spot - creates visible damage
💡 Pro trick: For stubborn black spots (probably lichen), use a scraper or wire brush first. Once the bulk is removed, gentle washing finishes the job. Don't try to pressure wash it all off - you'll damage the stone before you shift the lichen.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏛️ Listed buildings? Always check with your Conservation Officer before cleaning historic stonework. Some buildings shouldn't be cleaned at all - the weathered surface is part of their historic character.
Planning to repoint? Clean first, then repoint. Much easier than cleaning around fresh mortar.
Exeter's local stone? Heavitree Stone (red sandstone) and local limestone are both soft and need gentle treatment. Victorian brick is harder and can take more pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will pressure washing damage my stone walls?
It can if done wrong - that's why I don't just blast everything at maximum pressure. Soft sandstone (common around Exeter) needs gentle techniques. Hard granite can take more. I'll assess your stone type and use appropriate pressure and cleaning methods.
Can you clean listed building stonework?
Yes, but it needs doing sympathetically. Listed buildings often have soft local stone that's been weathering for centuries. I use low-pressure methods and no harsh chemicals - just gentle cleaning that won't damage historic fabric. Always check with Conservation Officer first if you're in a conservation area.
How long does stone cleaning take?
Depends entirely on size and condition. A garden wall might be a few hours. A whole house frontage could be a full day. Green algae comes off quickly. Black spots and lichen take longer. I'll quote based on what you've actually got.
Will the stone stay clean?
For a while, yes. How long depends on exposure - north-facing walls get greener quicker. I can apply a biocide after cleaning that slows regrowth (optional extra). Realistically, expect 2-5 years before you need it doing again, depending on location.
What about mortar joints - won't they wash out?
Not if the mortar's sound to begin with. I keep pressure off the joints as much as possible. If your pointing is already crumbling, cleaning will highlight that (not cause it), and I'll let you know so you can get it repointed.
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01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
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Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
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