This bulletin covers cleaning of StonePly panels during and immediately after construction. For specific instructions on cleaning various types of stains from stone surfaces, refer to this bulletin on StonePly stain treatment.

Additionally, read more about cleaning StonePly panels in an environmentally responsible way.

Keeping Stone Panels Clean During Construction

The best solution to achieve a clean stone cladding project at the end of construction is to prevent staining during construction. It is important to protect StonePly during storage, setting, and post-install. StonePly should be stored off the ground on non-staining planks or pallets. The StonePly storage site should be out of the way of heavy construction traffic. As with any natural stone cladding material, if StonePly is going to be stored for an extended period of time, it should be kept on pallets and covered with non staining tarps or plastic. Once it is installed, StonePly stone cladding panels should be protected with plastic, non-staining material during the remaining construction.

Post-Construction Cleaning

After construction, final wash down may be needed. Do not use acids or brick cleaners. The most common stain from construction is dirt. Dirt can be removed from most stones by scrubbing with a mild detergent and water. When other stone stains are encountered, the most important step is to identify the stain and its cause. Any treatment used to clean the stone face of StonePly should be tested in a small inconspicuous area prior to cleaning the main units.

Warnings

Power washing and sandblasting are not recommended for cleaning StonePly. Metal fiber brushes should not be used for scrubbing stone as they may scar the surface, and small bits of metal residue from the brush left on the stone may later rust or corrode and cause staining.