Sydney sandstone weathers to a lovely warm tone until moss, algae and black staining creep into it. We clean sandstone paving, courtyards, steps, retaining walls and garden edging for homes, strata and commercial properties, setting the pressure to suit each stone so the surface stays intact and its natural colour and banding can show through again.
In October 2026 we cleaned this sandstone garden path in Balmain, along with the courtyard, the side paths and a concrete side passage at the same home. Years of moss, algae and grime had built up across the stone. With that layer gone, its own colour and banding are visible again.
Sandstone is made of sand grains cemented loosely together, so it is far softer and more porous than concrete or brick. Hit it with too much force and the face wears away, the edges round over and the natural banding fades. We begin on an out-of-sight patch at a low setting, watch how the stone reacts and then work across it with controlled pressure and the right nozzle, so the growth comes off while the stone stays sound.
Lift moss and green algae
Tackle lichen and black staining
Safer steps underfoot
Bring the banding back
Keep soft stone intact
Ready the stone for sealing
Sandstone soaks up water, and stone that stays damp in Sydney soon starts growing something. Moss and green algae settle into shaded courtyards and the treads of garden steps, lichen spreads in grey and orange patches over retaining walls, and tannin from fallen leaves leaches into the surface as brown marks. Where the shade is deepest the stone can turn almost black, and that dark layer is usually living growth in the pores rather than the colour of the rock.
Professional Exterior Cleaning for a Spotless Finish
Prevent blockages, improve drainage & shield your home from water damage.
Improve your property's appearance, protect roofing & boost home value.
Safely remove tough dirt, stains, moss and grime using high pressure water.
Maximise energy production
and protect your investment.
Remove dirt and grime to enhance clarity and appearance.
Boost curb appeal and elevate first impressions.
Transforming properties with eco-friendly products, high quality equipment and exceptional attention to detail.
With modern equipment and a focus on sustainability, we protect your property’s integrity while enhancing its curb appeal. Count on us for a reliable, thorough service every time. Driven by a commitment to quality, our team pays close attention to every detail, ensuring your property remains safe, clean and ready to impress.
We pride ourselves on our service and attention to detail and love hearing feedback from our valued customers
What Sydney owners usually want to know before we clean their sandstone paving, steps and walls.
It can if the setting is wrong, which is why we never clean sandstone the way we would a concrete driveway. We start on a small hidden area, keep the wand moving at a safe distance and only raise the pressure as far as the stone will tolerate. Any faces that are already crumbling or peeling are pointed out to you before work starts and treated with extra care.
Open, sunny paving can usually go a couple of years between cleans. Shaded courtyards, south-facing steps and stone under trees go green much faster and generally need attention every year or so. Sweeping off leaf litter regularly and making sure gutters and downpipes are not spilling onto the stone both help stretch the gap.
Most of the black on Sydney sandstone is algae, mould or lichen living in the surface, and that type of staining generally cleans up well. Marks from leaf tannin, rust or old oil sit deeper and may lighten rather than disappear completely. We look at the stone first and tell you plainly what result to expect.
Moss makes steps slippery, particularly on the front edge of each tread where your foot lands. We lift the growth from treads, risers and nosings with controlled pressure, taking care at the edges so their shape is not worn down, and rinse the loosened material off the steps as we go.
Yes. A sealer locks in whatever is sitting on the surface, so moss, algae and grime need to come off first or they stay trapped under the coating. A thorough clean is the preparation the stone needs before sealing, and it should be left to dry out completely before any sealer goes on.
That depends on the area, how much growth there is and how many steps, edges and walls need detailed work. A small courtyard takes far less time than a long run of stairs and retaining walls. Ask when we quote and we can give you a clearer idea of time on site for your property.
Yes. Vertical sandstone and low garden edging collect the same moss and lichen as paving, along with soil splashed up from the beds beside them. We clean them with the same controlled approach and rinse the surrounding paths and plantings as we work.
Yes. Many Inner West terraces and older homes around the harbour still have their original sandstone, often weathered by many decades of rain and shade. Stone like that can be fragile, so we check it closely before starting and keep the pressure low on anything soft or worn.
Yes. The products we use are biodegradable and eco-friendly, chosen so they are safe around garden beds, pets and children.
Yes. We carry $10 million in public liability insurance, and our team members are certified to work safely at heights.
Yes. Every job comes with before-and-after photos, so you can compare the sandstone side by side once we have finished.
You can, but it is easy to do permanent damage. A narrow nozzle held close to the stone cuts grooves into soft sandstone, strips the face and leaves a patchy, striped finish that cannot be reversed. If you try it yourself, use a wide fan tip, low pressure and plenty of distance, and test a hidden corner first.
Move pot plants, outdoor furniture and anything else resting on the sandstone, and let us know about any loose or cracked stones you have noticed. Keeping nearby doors and windows shut while we work stops spray getting inside.
Yes. Concrete, brick and pavers can be done alongside the sandstone, as with the concrete side passage on the Balmain job. Those surfaces fall under our pressure washing service, which is quoted on the area, the surface and how much build-up there is.
You will find sandstone everywhere from Inner West terrace courtyards to the walls and stairs of older homes around the harbour. Pick your suburb below for local detail on the hard surfaces we clean in your area.
Proudly serving Sydney with expert exterior cleaning.
MONDAY: 7:30 AM — 6:00 PM
TUESDAY: 7:30 AM — 6:00 PM
WEDNESDAY: 7:30 AM — 6:00 PM
THURSDAY: 7:30 AM — 6:00 PM
FRIDAY: 7:30 AM — 6:00 PM
SATURDAY: CLOSED
SUNDAY: CLOSED
