http://www.reliableremodeler.com/ask/how-to-fix-patio-stones/ Get Answers From Home Improvement Experts Sat, 11 Feb 2012 03:14:40 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 http://www.reliableremodeler.com/ask/how-to-fix-patio-stones/comment-page-1/#comment-1604 Jeffrey Sat, 22 May 2010 02:28:24 +0000 http://www.reliableremodeler.com/ask/?p=1099#comment-1604 Hi Ted, if the mortar is in gobs and not just smeared, the first thing I would do is use a flat chisel and gently give the mortar a few whacks. Normally the chunks of mortar will break away. Be careful you don't gouge or crack the patio stones. Then I would try household vinegar to remove the remaining mortar and stains. Before doing so, check with the quarry or home improvement store where you got the stones to make sure they aren't a type of stone that might react adversely to an acid such as vinegar, you don't want a stain that is worse than what you already have. If the vinegar doesn't work, you might have to step it up a notch. Brick masons use various types of acid to clean the mortar off of brick they have installed. The acid is watered down, but you still must be very careful when using it, as it is still acid. The secret is using the right acid, as different types of brick have different cleaning recommendations. The most common type of acid used is muriatic, and it should be available at a building supply store, but DEFINITELY verify with the place you got the patio stones that you can use acid to clean the stones, and find out what type should be used and how much it should be diluted. After using acid thoroughly hose down the patio stones and everything around them, and use protective gloves and safety goggles while working with acid. Hi Ted, if the mortar is in gobs and not just smeared, the first thing I would do is use a flat chisel and gently give the mortar a few whacks. Normally the chunks of mortar will break away. Be careful you don’t gouge or crack the patio stones. Then I would try household vinegar to remove the remaining mortar and stains. Before doing so, check with the quarry or home improvement store where you got the stones to make sure they aren’t a type of stone that might react adversely to an acid such as vinegar, you don’t want a stain that is worse than what you already have. If the vinegar doesn’t work, you might have to step it up a notch. Brick masons use various types of acid to clean the mortar off of brick they have installed. The acid is watered down, but you still must be very careful when using it, as it is still acid. The secret is using the right acid, as different types of brick have different cleaning recommendations. The most common type of acid used is muriatic, and it should be available at a building supply store, but DEFINITELY verify with the place you got the patio stones that you can use acid to clean the stones, and find out what type should be used and how much it should be diluted. After using acid thoroughly hose down the patio stones and everything around them, and use protective gloves and safety goggles while working with acid.

]]> http://www.reliableremodeler.com/ask/how-to-fix-patio-stones/comment-page-1/#comment-1588 Ted Thu, 20 May 2010 23:08:31 +0000 http://www.reliableremodeler.com/ask/?p=1099#comment-1588 How do I clean dried mortar off of blue stone patio stones? Got a bit messy while building a couple of steps. How do I clean dried mortar off of blue stone patio stones? Got a bit messy while building a couple of steps.

]]>