General Care & Routine Maintenance
Rubber Stone surfacing has many benefits when installed correctly, and we want you to be able to take advantage of those benefits as long as you own the product. However, that means you need to keep your Rubber Stone surfacing as near to installation-quality as possible. The presence of foreign objects and deposits such as tree sap, chewing gum, bird droppings, tar, urine, gasoline, oil, grease, and other products can have a permanent impact on your surface, so prompt maintenance is important. The following guidelines will help you keep your Rubber Stone surface in peak condition for years to come!
1. Keep Loose Debris Off the Surface
Loose debris such as sand, dirt, and stones can produce slip hazards and increase wear. It can also clog the pours of the Rubber Stone surface, preventing proper drainage. We recommend regular removal using dry sweep or scrub methods. Avoid forcing debris into the surface pores.
2. Remove Bird Droppings or Other Excrement
Scrub with dampened Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP, rinse with Borax™ or STPP solution, then disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (2 minutes), followed by vinegar (2 minutes). Soak up with disposable cloths and double rinse with clean water.
3. Remove Stains Promptly
Your Rubber Stone surface can be stained by a variety of substances. Remove stains promptly using the following methods:
- A) Chlorine Stains: Use a vacuum or high-pressure washer (max 4,000 PSI). Apply Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Chlorine Cleaner, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, rinse lightly. Repeat if needed.
- B) Calcium, Efflorescence & Other Mineral Deposits: Spray with Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Calcium Remover, scrub, and rinse thoroughly. Use with caution or hire a professional—this cleaner can erode concrete if not rinsed properly.
- C) Blood Stains: Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (2 minutes), followed by vinegar (2 minutes), soak up, and double rinse.
- D) Chewing Gum: Freeze with dry ice and chip off. Do not use a “HOT SPOT” steam unit—it will damage the surface.
- E) Grass Stains: Use orange oil cleaner, scrub with a medium-bristled brush, soak up, and double rinse.
- F) Scuff Marks: Scrub with dampened Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP, then double rinse.
- G) Tar, Crayon, Lipstick, Tree Sap, Motor Oil, Grease: Apply orange oil cleaner, Goop™, or Formula 407™, scrub, soak up, clean with Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP, and double rinse.
4. Clean Up Spills as Soon as Possible
Spills may not seem severe but can lead to bacteria growth. Clean them promptly:
- A) Soda or Juice: Saturate with Formula 407™, scrub with a medium-bristled brush, soak up, clean with detergent or Borax™/STPP solution, and double rinse.
- B) Gasoline: Wash with detergent and water, soak up, and double rinse.
- C) Urine, Vomit, Nasal Discharge: Use Borax™ or STPP, soak up, disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (2 minutes), then vinegar (2 minutes), soak up again, and double rinse.
Do not mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together. Apply separately.
Pressure washing (max 1500 PSI) with a fan tip may be used cautiously.
5. Remove Organic Contaminants Promptly
For moss, algae, mildew, and mold: saturate with hydrogen peroxide (5 minutes), then vinegar. Soak up residue and double rinse with clean water.
Follow Up Care
A properly scheduled maintenance program can greatly extend the life of your Rubber Stone surface. Contact your local Rubber Stone dealer for help with any tears or cracks.
We recommend recoating all Rubber Stone surfaces every 5 years with Rubber Stone Binding Agent to restore strength and UV resistance. For commercial or high-traffic areas, recoating should be done more often.
Note: The surface may amber temporarily after recoating, but this will typically reverse within 30–60 days depending on UV exposure.
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