How do I clean Portland stone?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussion' started by Marley Farley, May 28, 2005.

  1. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi all, Has anyone got any ideas how to clean Portland stone of green algea like stuff. I want to keep all the lichens etc, but the green stuff has to go. Any help appreciated thanks. [​IMG]

    [ May 28, 2005, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: Marley Farley ]
     
  2. Ladybird

    Ladybird Gardener

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    I always use Jeyes Fluid pour some on neat, but sparingly, then fine water splashes and leave it then scrub it with a stiff brush to froth up and leave again for a while, more scrubbing... then just jet it of with your hosepipe... as good as new lol..
    ---------------------
    have a good weekend ! ... good scrubbing lol

    [ May 28, 2005, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Ladybird ]
     
  3. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    I think you've got a problem if you want to get rid of the green algea, but leave the lichen.
    At a guess I would say that the lichen would survive drier conditions than the algae, so if you can dry it out to some extent the green could go on its own. Maybe it will anyway during the summer.
    pete
     
  4. Ladybird

    Ladybird Gardener

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    wonder if most people know, which is which lol ....I suggest get rid of both, we are 3 weeks away from longest day, both are unwelcome on any walk ways and dangerous even in Summer.
    Ladybird
     
  5. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Three weeks away from the longest day and summer hasn't got going yet.
    Global warming Huh. :mad: [​IMG]
     
  6. Bayleaf

    Bayleaf Gardener

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    Know what you mean Pete, had to cancel a job this morning 'cause of the b****y weather! Looks like the one sunny day last week was the summer!
     
  7. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi , I should have said, the lichens are on three sides and they can stay no problem. [​IMG] The algea is on the other side which doesn't get so much sun. [​IMG] I had been told not to use anything harsh on it :confused: The lichens are beautiful, [​IMG] so many different colours [​IMG] I do not have running water there, :( so cannot use a hosepipe :(
     
  8. revin helen

    revin helen Gardener

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    Come live in Somerset. I got a bit sun tanned today in the garden, it's been lovely here.
     
  9. pete

    pete Growing a bit of this and a bit of that....

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    Thunderstoms here today and 19 deg.
    31 deg Friday last, dont know if you comin or goin, Niether does the garden.
     
  10. Bayleaf

    Bayleaf Gardener

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  11. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi Bayleaf on this sunny morning, thanks for the link [​IMG] looks like I shall have to keep scrubbing then :( trouble is it seems to have got into the top layers of the stone :( Ho Hum scrubbing brush to the ready then :( [​IMG]
     
  12. Bayleaf

    Bayleaf Gardener

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    Could you try a palette knife/paint scraper?
     
  13. Marley Farley

    Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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    [​IMG] Hi Pete, no it doesn't come off with a scraper as it seems to have got into the top layer of the stone :( Ho hum :( [​IMG]
     
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