Stone cleaning · Queenstown & Wanaka
Ōamaru stone, schist, brick and natural stone tile, cleaned with care.
The stone that defines the Southern Lakes is too valuable to clean wrong. Chemistry-led, low-pressure methods that restore natural colour to Ōamaru stone, schist, brick, block and natural stone tile — without damaging mortar, surface texture or the substrate.
The stone we work with
Every stone has its own chemistry.
Ōamaru stone
Soft, breathable limestone used in many of Queenstown's most photographed heritage buildings. Highly absorbent and prone to algae, lichen and erosion. Demands a low-pressure soft wash and the right alkaline/biocide treatment — get it wrong and you accelerate the decay you were trying to fix.
Schist
Central Otago's signature stone. Found in Arrowtown's heritage walls, premium home façades and landscape features across the region. Needs gentle, chemistry-led cleaning — high pressure will loosen the pointing and erode the soft mica layers.
Brick & block
Clay brick, concrete block, retaining walls and boundary walls. We clean off lichen, moss, weathering and efflorescence without compromising the mortar joints or the surface texture.
Natural stone tile
Travertine, limestone, slate, paver tile and similar surfaces — pool surrounds, patios, entryways and indoor floors. Specialist cleaners that lift dirt without etching the stone or stripping any existing seal.
Limestone & bluestone
Heritage and architectural surfaces. Each variety has different porosity and acid sensitivity — we test before committing to a method.
Stacked & dry-stone walls
Cleaned and revitalised without disturbing mortar joints or moss-pointed gaps. We work to the spec the original mason intended.
How we work
Slow when it matters, fast when it doesn't.
01
On-site assessment
We come and look at the stone in person. Identify the substrate, test a small area, and work out what the surface actually needs.
02
Tailored method
Soft wash, steam, mild alkaline cleaner, biocide treatment — chosen for your stone, not from a one-size-fits-all playbook.
03
Careful application
Low-pressure equipment that won't blast mortar out of joints. Plant protection. Spot-testing as we go.
04
Optional sealing
Once clean, we can apply a breathable sealer to extend the result and protect against future moss, salt and water damage.
Local pages
Find your area.
Stone work varies by town — different exposure, different heritage rules, different stone. Our local pages dig into specifics.