Gentle cleaning for flagstone, travertine, bluestone, and other natural stone surfaces. No high pressure. Sealing available for long-term protection.
Your natural stone patio or walkway cost a lot more than poured concrete. It deserves better than someone showing up with a pressure washer and blasting away at it.
Stone like travertine, limestone, and flagstone is porous and relatively soft compared to concrete. Hit it with 3,000 PSI and you'll etch the surface, round off the edges, and create tiny pits that collect dirt faster than before. We've seen plenty of stone patios ruined by well-meaning pressure washing companies who treat everything the same.
Our approach is simple: let the chemistry do the work. We apply a cleaning solution that breaks down algae, mold, mildew, and organic staining, then rinse at low pressure. The stone comes clean without any of the damage that high pressure causes.
Gentle methods, thorough results
We identify your stone type and check for any existing damage, loose pieces, or areas that need special attention. Different stones respond to different cleaning solutions.
We apply a stone-safe cleaning solution that breaks down algae, mold, lichen, and organic staining. This does the heavy lifting so we don't have to rely on pressure.
Low-pressure rinsing removes the dissolved grime without damaging the stone surface. We work systematically to ensure complete coverage and consistent results.
Joints, edges, and textured areas get extra attention. We make sure the cleaning is thorough and even across the entire surface.
Cleaning brings back the color. Sealing keeps it that way longer.
We use a professional-grade penetrating sealer that soaks into the stone rather than forming a film on top. This is important because it means the sealer won't peel, flake, or turn cloudy over time. It also lets the stone breathe while still providing protection.
After sealing, stay off the stone for 24 hours while it cures. Once cured, you won't notice any change in the stone's appearance or texture, just better protection underneath.
That green or black film covering your stone is algae and mold thriving in Charlotte's humid climate. Shaded areas are especially prone. Our treatment kills growth at the root so it doesn't bounce back in a few weeks.
Those chalky white stains are mineral deposits that migrate to the surface as water evaporates. We can remove existing efflorescence and sealing helps prevent it from returning.
Leaves, berries, and pine needles leave tannin stains on stone, especially in fall and spring. These often require targeted treatment beyond a standard cleaning.
Unlike surface algae, lichen actually attaches to the stone and moss grows into the joints. Both need chemical treatment to remove without damaging the stone underneath.
Soap and the City handles natural stone cleaning and smaller sealing jobs. For large-scale paver or stone projects that need extensive restoration, joint re-sanding, or full patio sealing across a significant area, we may refer you to our sister company Paver Savers.
Not sure which team is the right fit? No problem. Reach out to us and we'll discuss your project. We can get you quotes either way and point you to whoever makes the most sense for what you need done.
Natural stone is softer and more porous than concrete, so we use a gentle soft wash approach instead of high-pressure washing. Pressure washing can etch, pit, or damage the surface of natural stone. Our chemical treatment lifts stains and kills organic growth without the harsh mechanical action that could harm your stone.
Yes, high-pressure washing can damage most natural stone surfaces. Travertine, limestone, and softer stones are especially vulnerable to etching and pitting from pressure washers. That's why we exclusively use soft wash methods on natural stone, letting the cleaning solution do the work rather than relying on pressure.
A quality penetrating sealer typically lasts 3-5 years depending on traffic, weather exposure, and the type of stone. Pool decks and high-traffic areas may need resealing sooner. The sealer soaks into the stone rather than sitting on top, so it won't peel or flake off like topical sealers.
Usually yes. After cleaning, the stone needs to dry completely before sealing, which typically takes a few hours on a warm day. For most projects, we can clean in the morning and seal in the afternoon. Larger projects or humid conditions may require scheduling the sealing for the following day.
We clean all common natural stone surfaces including flagstone, travertine, bluestone, limestone, slate, and sandstone. Each stone type has its own characteristics, and we adjust our cleaning approach accordingly. If you're not sure what type of stone you have, we can help identify it during your estimate.
For large-scale stone or paver projects that need extensive restoration, re-sanding, or full patio sealing, we may refer you to our sister company Paver Savers, who specialize in that work. Soap and the City handles cleaning and smaller sealing jobs. We're happy to discuss your project and point you to the right team.
