How To Clean Stones and Crystals – Easy Guide 

Natural cooking stones, such as granite or soapstone, are excellent tools for baking and grilling. They deliver precise heat distribution and maintain heat for extended periods.

This feature also results in deliciously cooked food whenever you make it. However, regular cleaning is essential to retain quality and prolong lifespan. This article will walk you through a comprehensive guide on effectively cleaning stones outside.

How To Clean Stones Outside- Necessary Supplies 

1. Collect The necessary items:

Stones simply enhance the aesthetics of nature. Leaving them stained with waste and residue ruins their aesthetics. However, cleaning stones is relatively easy. You can use items available in your kitchen to clean the stone outside. Before you start cleaning your natural cooking stones, gather the following supplies from your kitchen:

• Soft-bristle brush or sponge
• Mild dish soap
• Warm water
• Plastic scraper or spatula
• Clean, dry cloth or paper towels

2. Let the Stone Cool:

Taking safety precautions is necessary. Cleaning a hot stone can cause damage to the stone or result in injury. So, make sure that the natural cooking stone is fully cool before you proceed with the cleaning process.

3. Remove Excess Food Residue:

Now move on to removing the debris and waste from the stone. You can simply use a plastic scraper or spatula and gently extract any extra food residue from the cooking stone. Be cautious not to scratch or damage the surface of the stone. Dispose of the food remnants in a waste bin.

4. Prepare a Cleaning Solution:

Load a tub with warm water and put in a small amount of dish soap. Make sure not to use any harsh cleaners, as they can damage the stone’s surface.

Mix the solution gently until you have a soapy liquid consistency.

5. Clean the Stone Surface:

Dip a soft-bristle brush or sponge into the mixture of water and soap that you created and lightly scrub the surface of the cooking stone. Scrub the surface in circular motions and put light pressure to remove any grease, stains, and noticeable residue. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn residue. Ensure not to put unreasonable pressure or harsh materials that may scratch the stone.

6. Rinse Thoroughly:

Once you have completed tidying up the stone surface, wash it thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all soap remnants are removed.

Leaving soap on the stone can affect the taste of future dishes and leave soapy remains on the stone’s surface.

7. Dry the Stone:

Carefully dry the cooking stone using a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Make sure to get rid of all moistness to prevent mold or mildew growth. Allow the stone to dry. 

How To Clean Stones With Baking Soda

Baking soda is an ingredient that everyone must have used once in their lives. When removing stains from specific things, baking soda is a game-changer. You can also use this mighty ingredient to remove stains from stones outside. Here is how you can use baking soda to clean stones: 

• Mix 3 parts of baking soda with 1 part of water to foam a thick paste.
• Use a soft brush with bristles and dip it into the paste. 
• Apply this mixture to the stone and gently scrub it with the brush. 
• Let the paste settle on the stone for 10-12 minutes. 
• Remove the paste using warm water and clean the stone thoroughly. Make sure no residue of baking soda paste is left on the stone. 
• Pat the stone dry with any cloth. 

If the stains are still there on the stone, you can again try using the same mixture on the stone.

How To Clean Stones With Vinegar

If your stones have calcite residues, you may not be able to use them for cooking. So the best practice is to clean the stones with vinegar. Firstly, sprinkle a few drops on the stones to check the presence of calcite on the stone; if the vinegar starts bubbling, it indicates a calcite.

Soak the stones for two to three days in water. But if the stones are big and not moveable from their location, apply a handsome amount of vinegar as often as possible and scrub with a wire brush until the calcite is wholly removed. Run the calcite test again and repeat the process if needed. 

Additional Tips for Cleaning Stones

• Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaning agents on natural cooking stones, as they can damage the stone’s surface.
• Do not soak the cooking stone for an extended period, as this can lead to water absorption and potential cracking.
• If your cooking stone has a persistent odor, try sprinkling baking soda on the surface and allowing it to sit for a few hours before rinsing it off.
• Regularly seasoning the stone with a slight oil coating helps retain its non-stick properties and prevent food from sticking.

FAQs

What can I use to clean natural stone?

There are numerous methods that you can utilize to clean natural stone. However, the most common item many people use is dishwashing soap which is easily available in every household. Other than that you can also use stone soap and mild detergent to clean natural stones. 

How do you clean outdoor stones?

You can use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean outdoor stones. Other than that, you can use liquid soap with warm water and scrub the stones gently until no stains are left. 

How do you clean natural stone rocks?

You can simply wash the natural stone rocks in the water, and that will have them cleaned. If the stains are stubborn, then you can leave the rocks in the mixture of warm water and detergent overnight. Scrub the rocks gently, clean them from residue, and thoroughly dry them. 

How do you clean a stone without damaging it?

Prepare a paste of flour and water and apply it to the stone. Scrub the area gently using a brush or a cloth. Wash out the stone with water and dry it. Try using baking soda in place of flour. Or you can use a mild soap cleanser to clean the stone without damaging it.

Conclusion

Cleaning stones outside is a simple process that, when done correctly, guarantees their longevity and optimal performance. By following the steps discussed in the article, you can effectively remove food residue and clean the stone in no time. Remember to carefully handle the stone, use gentle cleaning materials, and allow it to dry thoroughly. With proper cleaning and maintenance, the stone can maintain its aesthetics.