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Cleaning Outdoor Stone　China, Strong([WWW]Granite Countertops) Growth in the [WWW]Stone Industry　　

Use only tools with plastic and soft fiber parts. Do not use abrasive cleaners; they will scratch the stone. Do not use thick, creamy cleaners; they will stick in the natural pours of the stone. Soft brushes, soft sponges and soft, natural cloths are ok.

Dilute 1 or 2 ounces of the stone cleaner in a 3 to 5 gallon bucket of clean, warm water. Fill another bucket with more clean, warm water. Apply the cleaner with the brush, and then rinse the dirty brush in the second bucket of rinse water. Vacuum up the dirty water or rinse with a hose.

Access to the WTO and the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games boost the Chinese economy([WWW]Granite). The stone industry strengthens([WWW]Countertops) its world leadership in production and in large([WWW]eyelash) exports China's stone industry keeps on growing:according to China [WWW]Stone Industry Association's figures([WWW]Tombstone), the average rate has been of 13% over the last fifteen years. China's membership of the World Trade Organization approved on 10th November last year will lead to an increase in exports, already at record level. Also([WWW]Granite Countertops), the decision to hold the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing brought an enthusiastic wave to China's economic and industrial environment([WWW]Granite). As it is, the Olympics will lead to an increase in building and construction, with obvious advantages of using marble finishings([WWW]Tombstone) and stone. Other than its richness in raw materials, China can rely on very competitive labour costs: this went up from 0.34 to 0.44 dollars per hour (with a yearly growth rate of 9.8 % from 1997 to 2000), yet it is 60 times lower than in Europe. Nevertheless, yields are still very far from western average rates: the rate of labour productivity in China is about 150 sqm/man, as opposed to 5,000 sqm in other countries([WWW]Countertops). One example of the dangerous competitiveness of "Made in China" material in the European market is the recent decision of the Bavarian Government to pave Muenchen's second airport terminal with 110,000 sqm of Chinese granite. G603 Chinese Granite was preferred to other local materials since it costs some millions of Marks less and has similar quality standards (resistance to compressive stress and abrasion([WWW]Granite), water absorbance). While Germany meditates on the chances and challenges of the progressive fall of custom duties, how does Italy plan its strategy against China's competitiveness([WWW]Tombstone)? It certainly will focus on design and advanced technology, on building, housing and interior technology, material, [WWW]stone products.

Soil, salt, moss and tire tracks commonly disfigure outdoor stone terraces, pool decks, walkways and walls. The homeowner can clean dirt and moss from outdoor stone with a brush and a few cleaners manufactured especially for outdoor conditions. Cleaning large areas is economical and faster when done by a professional with appropriate equipment.

The first step is to describe the environment of the stone. Is it exposed to the weather? Is it exposed to salt spray (even several blocks from the sound)? Is a northern exposure supporting moss, mould or mildew? Is the stone stained with spilled food and sun tan lotion? Does an adjacent planted area drain dirty run off on to the stone?

Some stone retailers sell stone cleaners that will clean light soil, but the above conditions require a cleaner formulated for the specific conditions. Professional cleaning and sealing of outdoor stone can protect against soil, spills and the growth of moss, mould and mildew. Routine cleaning with a stone cleaner are adequate between scheduled professional cleanings and resealing.

The best results can be obtained by using the right materials before soil accumulates. The best cleaner is a pH neutral cleaner formulated for cleaning natural stone. These cleaners are usually harmless to the environment. Stone cleaners are available from many stone retailers. They are highly concentrated, and are actually economical to use.