Depending on where you have placed sandstone pavers in your home, some areas may be prone to mold over time. This is especially prevalent in bathrooms, patios, pool areas, and even kitchens. Mold thrives in these areas because sandstone has a porous surface that absorbs mold spores, which will grow if they come in contact with enough water. Since some molds are toxic to humans and pets and cause an unsightly discoloration of sandstone, it is always preferable to remove the growth as soon as possible.
Before treating sandstone for mold growth, it is important to always wear rubber gloves, safety glasses, and the proper respirator to ensure that mold spores do not settle on your body and cause serious health problems. You should also remember to wet the sandstone mold before scrubbing it, as this will help prevent spores from being released into the environment and spreading.
Chlorine bleach
For this treatment, you will need to mix equal parts chlorine bleach and water in a spray bottle. Drizzle a generous amount of this solution over the mold and leave it on the sandstone for 10-15 minutes. Spray the sandstone a second time. Next, scrub the mold with a stiff bristle scrub brush and finish by rinsing with clean water. You can repeat this treatment if necessary.
Antimicrobial spray
For this treatment, you will need to purchase a commercial antimicrobial spray, available in most supermarkets. Spray it on the moldy sections of your sandstone. If the area you are treating is large enough, rent a nebulizer, which will allow the antimicrobial mist to settle into the mold more quickly than spraying it manually. Let the spray dry completely as it forms an airtight layer on top of the sandstone that suffocates mold. Next, dip an old rag in the antimicrobial spray and use it to scrub the sandstone to remove dead mold.
Hydrogen peroxide
For this treatment, you will need to buy some hydrogen peroxide solutions of different concentration. Pour a 3% solution over the mold and scrub with a soft bristle brush. Sometimes mold becomes embedded deep into sandstone, requiring it to undergo more than one treatment. Remember to let the sandstone dry between each treatment. However, if the mold problem has not been fixed, repeat with a 35% hydrogen peroxide solution.
Once you have removed mold and moss growth on your sandstone, you will need to make sure to reseal it to prevent it from growing back. Although it can remove mold from sandstone, the process involves the use of some chemicals that are less desirable for human inhalation, so they should not be applied consistently.