Stone Blast Cleaning.
Sandstone, gritstone, limestone and millstone grit — cleaned without damaging the surface underneath.
- Specialist-trained operators
- Method-matched to your surface
What Is Stone Blast Cleaning?
Stone blast cleaning is the controlled removal of soot, paint, biological growth, render and pollution staining from stone facades using a fine media stream — soda, low-pressure grit or superheated steam (superheated steam) — matched to the stone type. Done right, the surface underneath is revealed intact. Done wrong, you're left with pitting, opened pores and a stone that re-soils in a season.
Stone Types We Clean
Sandstone
Gritstone / Millstone Grit
Limestone
Methods We Use — And How We Choose
Superheated Steam Cleaning
Soda Blasting
Abrasive / TORC Blasting
Common Problems We Fix
- Paint and masonry paint removal from historic stone
- Cement render lifted from soft sandstone
- Biological growth, lichens and moss
- Soot, sulfation crusts and pollution staining
- Graffiti removal without ghosting
- Efflorescence and soluble-salt discoloration
Domestic Stone Facade — Blackburn
Historic Pub Restoration
Blackened Victorian sandstone brought back to its original colour — from boarded-up shell to reopened free house.
Admiral Lord Rodney — Before, During & After
Before
Before
Before
Before
Before
During
After
After
Heritage & Listed Building Stone Cleaning
Grade I and II fabric needs a documented, conservation-safe approach. See our heritage & listed building service for the full process.
Areas We Cover
We cover every borough of Lancashire and Greater Manchester.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will blast cleaning damage my stonework?
Not if the method matches the stone. superheated steam and soda blasting are gentle enough for soft sandstone and limestone; heavy dry abrasive is not. We survey the stone type, dress and condition first — and we test on a small unobtrusive patch before the whole facade.
How do you choose the right method for my stone type?
We identify the stone, note its condition (weathering, previous repairs, coatings) and the substrate underneath, then default to the gentlest method that will actually remove what needs removing. Soft sandstone and limestone: superheated steam. Gritstone: superheated steam or soda. Hard engineering stone with heavy coatings: fine abrasive at controlled pressure.
Do you need permission to clean a listed stone building?
In most cases, yes — Listed Building Consent is required for anything that could affect the character of a listed building, and blast cleaning almost always does. We can help you scope the application and supply the method statement and product data your council's conservation officer will want to see.
Get a quote for stone cleaning
Send us a couple of photos and a postcode. We'll come out, survey the property, and put a written price in your hand within days — not weeks.