Best flag cleaner?

[Milzy]

I jet washed my stone flags but can't get rid of some stained bits. It could be ice cream or something baked on. I had over 100 bar on and it wouldn't budge. Wire brush didn't help. What should I try ammonia?? Caustic soda?

 

[screenman]

Concrete cleaner.

 

[Levo-Lon]

They look like a Saxon Natural to me from the pic..
Bleach will do it but you will have a very clean patch..

You could try washing powder..apply neat and then add a little water ,scrub in and leave it for 30 mins..
See how you get on..

There are acid cleaners but the domestic stuff is crap..but try vinegar also

 

[Heltor Chasca]

As above, but try an offcut first, left over by the landscapers.

Next move: do the whole slab NOT any of the others. And careful at the edge. That way if it changes colour it will look like just that stone is different. Then either do the same in a random pattern so it looks natural 'ish' which isn't that easy with contemporary pencil joints like your patio. Don't let the cleaner bleed past the edges.

Last ditch: If you aren't happy you'll have to do the whole lot.

Do not add to your bidon either.

 

[Rapples]

I was expecting a link to Sheldon Cooper's fun with flags!

 

[Levo-Lon]

Can you swap them 2 slabs for 2 in another area? I'd do that but then im an old Flagger..lol

 

[Milzy]

Well I have some Thompsons wet look sealent. I need to clean all the flags down again before applying as the jet washing has left a fine dusty layer clinging on.
I'm not moving them they are very heavy. I like the sound of the washing powder idea. Have a party on Saturday so need to be sealed up by Thursday the latest. Think I'll vac the flags then mop. Then vac again then seal.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

Well I have some Thompsons wet look sealent. I need to clean all the flags down again before applying as the jet washing has left a fine dusty layer clinging on.
I'm not moving them they are very heavy. I like the sound of the washing powder idea. Have a party on Saturday so need to be sealed up by Thursday the latest. Think I'll vac the flags then mop. Then vac again then seal.

The jet washing may have damaged the coating of the slabs leaving a matt/dusty effect. Some manufacturers of these moulded concrete slabs advise against jet washing. The matt finish will green up quicker too, so maybe get the sealant on before Autumn.

Am I coming to the party btw?

 

[Milzy]

The jet washing may have damaged the coating of the slabs leaving a matt/dusty effect. Some manufacturers of these mounded concrete slabs advise against jet washing. The matt finish will green up quicker too, so maybe get the sealant on before Autumn.

Am I coming to the party btw?

When I viewed the house last summer the flags were so dark and wet looking, almost black. I think the guy must have recently sealed them. My Tot is always dropping ice lolly and ice cream on them which doesn't help matters. Ohh well.

 

[Heltor Chasca]

I recommend Ben & Jerry's Phish Food to rub into your slabs. It leaves a feldspar finish. Very nice.

 

[User6179]

Hydrogen Peroxide might work , you really need to know what the stain is and then pick a chemical that removes it .

 

[Milzy]

Hydrogen Peroxide might work , you really need to know what the stain is and then pick a chemical that removes it .

I'm 90% ice cream that's been left for the sun to bake in

 

[Milzy]

I recommend Ben & Jerry's Phish Food to rub into your slabs. It leaves a feldspar finish. Very nice.
View attachment 356728

Come over if you live near, I'm fed up of worrying about getting them perfect now

 

[Globalti]

If it was ice cream surely the stains are vegetable oil soaked in? I would try an enzyme detergent powder or that highly caustic tar remover for wood burning stove glass.

 

[TheDoctor]

More ice cream. This is the answer to most problems IMHO